Alumni News!Where the alumni share news from their lives. Visit often to keep up on events. |
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| If you have something (events, photos, memories, wishes) to share with us, please complete and submit our Alumni News! Form or send a message to webmaster@firesoffriendship.com |
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Saturday, January 15, 2012 |
One morning in the summer of 1959(?), both camps awoke to the electrifying news that two Wap guides had made a night rescue of a staff member from Camp Tamakwa who had sustained a leg injury from an axe. I would like to know if anyone can shed further light on the identity of the two Wap guides. I vaguely recall that one was a red-head who was new to TSC and the other may have been Marshall (Tim(?) Marshall). Several years after the incident, I met the rescued staff member and we subsequently became very good friends. Much later, he related the rescue story which had at the time of its occurrence been indelibly inscribed in my memory. Still canoe tripping,
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Saturday, October 29, 2011 |
I found out about this site from my brother Steven, who informed me that some of my eloquent script had found its way on this website (how the words alcohol got into my note is beyond me). I have nothing but great memories of camp and is the only place where I cried leaving at the end of the summer (perhaps that was due to the thought of being reunited with my other brother). I recently met a woman in London whose daughter is at the same school as mine. Her husband is Canadian and after a few moments of sizing each other up historically, we started singing camp songs...people around us thought we were mad...but was it a great moment.
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Monday, September 12, 2011 |
Virginia Hastings, camp videographer, has blogged about interviewing alumni of the camps for a video piece we are putting together (stay tuned for this, it will be a beautiful piece once it's complete). She interviewed past campers from both Camp Ahmek and Camp Wapomeo who ranged from 40 years old to the ripe age of 87. You can follow her blog at starshinevideoproductions.com/pub/The-Taylor-Statten-Camps.html.
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Saturday, July 30, 2011 |
A film by Warren Collins For a taste of canoe tripping c.1952, join our 5 Senior Wapomeo campers and their staff on a five day trip filmed to show prospective campers and their parents the delights and hard work involved in a canoe trip in the "wilds of Algonquin Park." For those of us of a certain age (I am 67 and did my tripping in the early 1960s), this 22 minute documentary of canoe tripping back then evoked powerful good memories. Younger trippers may not believe what they see! I plan to show the video during the opening weekend of September Camp 2011, August 26-27. It would be fun if any of the participants from 1952 could be there. If you know any of these people, please share this news. The film features as Staff: Jean Simpson, Stan Sellen, Ken Pray, Jr. and Campers: Daphne Botrell, Carol Ann Faus, Holly Rich, Molly Sutcliffe, Cherry Talbot.
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Thursday, June 30, 2011 |
Wapomeo girl dresses royalty! Please join our family in congratulating Christie Smythe. Her beautiful jacket was chosen as the first outfit worn by the Duchess of Cambridge on the Canadian tour. She wore the jacket as she boarded the plane leaving England. Smythelesvestes, the brain child of Christie and Andrea Lenczner, has been steadily growing since 2004. Our cup runneth over today...
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Friday, May 6, 2011 |
I think a lot about my experiences at camp, both as staff and an adult camper, i.e. September Camp. The other day, cleaning out my closet, I came across my 2 cherry Grassmere paddles. The varnish is warn off the handles where they rubbed down the gunnels doing the "jay stroke". A flood of memories come back of the canoe trips, the topography of the precambrian shield, and the coming back to the outpost. The final days were marked by desires of milk and scrambled eggs, and reunion with friends. I realize just how much these experiences and the area is a part of my grounding.
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Friday, April 8, 2011 |
Hello, I was a camper 20 years ago! Then I was 7, now I am 27! I wanted to know if someone remembers Raphaelle Leroux, and knows how to contact her. She was the Kiowa Section Director when I was there, and she was so nice and made such an impact in my life, that I just had a daughter and named her Rafaela! So I would like to contact her and let her know! Thank you!
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Friday, April 1, 2011 |
3rd Annual Straight A's Weekend with the Cork brothers ... this event will change your life!
Attached are the details of the Straight A's Weekend on Friday May 6th (6:30 to 9:30 pm) and Saturday May 7th (9:00 am to 4:00pm). Special bonus... yes, my brother David will be back speaking on Saturday morning. David is one the top financial advisors in Canada and an amazing presenter. Between my brother David and I, you will build a bullet proof strategy around Goals, Strengths, Your Brand, Financial Wisdom and soar / Network / Netgive with the other members and more. The cost of this 2 day adventure is $ 495 or $ 250 if you are a student, unemployed or a member's guest. There isn't a better time than now to take your vision and dreams to new heights. Dave and I will be the catalysts. All profits will be going to charity (Taylor Statten Camping Bursary Fund and Canadian Cancer Society in my sister's name... a lot of you will remember her from last year's event... she lost her battle to Cancer just over a year ago). We hope all of you will be there and to bring a few people. Please confirm your attendance & how many guests you're bringing... we are building the guest list. We are expecting about 75 to 100 people for this. We will shut it down at 100. I have many more eagles (people who soar) coming to this. You will walk away with everyone's contact info and the rules of engagement. Pass this on to other Eagles you feel would soar with this group ! Please get back to me by in the few weeks to confirm your attendance and who you will be bringing. See promo flyer or web site. (Snacks will be served on the Fri night and lunch on the Sat.) You can pay for this on my website in the "Straight A's Club" section through PayPal www.timcork.com/club.htm or write me a check. I prefer a check day of... Have a great day !
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Saturday, March 12, 2011 |
I am trying to connect with the Wap CITs from 1976 and 1977 for a small reunion. Please get in touch with me:
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Sunday, January 9, 2011 |
Michelle and her husband Aaron would like to welcome a future Ahmek camper to the world. Samuel Michael Andrews was born August 30, 2010. Looking forward to many years of new memories made with Camp in our hearts. See you all on Canoe Lake again soon!
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Sunday, November 21, 2010 |
On October 23rd, family and friends gathered at Boland's Open Kitchen in Toronto to raise a glass to the years of devotion, dedication and inspiration Sue and Tike contributed to the Taylor Statten Camps. We celebrated with great friends, food and wine and memories all around. We wish Sue and Tike the best as they move into their new roles as consultants with Camp Ahmek and Camp Wapomeo. You will be missed! Click here to see Kate Kilgour's photos from the party.
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Tuesday, November 2, 2010 |
Peter Stewart and Camile Daye-Trottier, Ahmek Alumni, are appearing in the Bonterra Productions show "Mantracker" this Saturday November 6th, 2010 on the Outdoor Life Network Television Station.
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Friday, October 1, 2010 |
Wapomeo Director Jackie Pye nominated for Toronto Star Teacher Award. You may read a story about her nomination by a former student.
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Monday, July 19, 2010 |
John Keefe and his wife Michelle would like to announce the birth of their daughter Stella Jean on May 11th, 2010. Needless to say the family is thrilled, but none more than Big Brother Jack!
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Tuesday, July 6, 2010 |
Elizabeth Eastaugh turning 90 This summer, Elizabeth Eastaugh will be 90 years old. You are invited to join her family in celebrating this momentous but inevitable admission of the passage of time. We will gather on Saturday, July 24 from 1:30 to 4:00 o'clock at her home "Whispering Pines", 140 Letitia Street, Barrie, Ontario. Best wishes only please. Your presence will be a wonderful trip down memory lane. Directions: (on Google Maps)
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Wednesday, May 5, 2010 |
Ebbs' Farewell, after 97 years on Canoe Lake "Boathouse Sale", Little Wap South, May 22-23, 2010 9 AM - Noon How do I announce the departure of the Ebbs' from Little Wap without sounding like an inconsolable lachrymose teenage girl on the last day of camp? Rather, I shall précis our history there. I sincerely hope that our generational love and appreciation for the people, places and events will be evident. [Please click here to read more...]
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Friday, April 16, 2010 |
2nd Annual Straight A's Weekend with the Cork brothers
Attached are the details of the Straight A's Weekend on Friday May 14th (6:30 to 9:30 pm) and Saturday May 15th (9:00 am to 4:00pm). Special bonus... yes, my brother David will be back speaking on Saturday morning. David is one the top financial advisors in Canada and an amazing presenter. Between my brother David and I, you will build a bullet proof strategy around Goals, Strengths, Your Brand, Financial Wisdom and soar / network / netgive with the other members and more. The cost of this 2 day adventure is $ 495 or $ 250 if you are a student, unemployed or a member's guest. There isn't a better time than now to take your vision and dreams to new heights. Dave and I will be the catalysts. All profits will be going to charity (Taylor Statten Camping Bursary Fund and Canadian Cancer Society in my sister's name... a lot of you will remember her from last years event... she lost her battle to Cancer in January). We hope all of you to be there and to bring a few people. Please confirm your attendance & how many guests you're bringing... we are building the guest list. We are expecting about 75 to 100 people for this. We will shut it down at 100. I have many more eagles (people who soar) coming to this. You will walk away with everyone's contact info and the rules of engagement. Pass this on to other Eagles you feel would soar with this group ! Please get back to me by in the few weeks to confirm your ttendance and who you will be bringing. See promo flyer or web site. (Snacks will be served on the Fri night and lunch on the Sat.) You can pay for this on my website in the "Straight A's Club" section through Pay Pal www.timcork.com/club.htm or write me a check. I prefer a check day of... Have a great day !
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Monday, March 15, 2010 |
Liam was born on 18 December 2009 in Auckland, New Zealand after a 40 minute labour and a hum-dinger of a drive to the hospital. Liam is a brother to Zoe Mentjox and a grandson to Constance Elizabeth Stephens, Ernest Michael Smith and a nephew to Robin William Smith-Stephens. Arohanui whanau.
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Sunday, January 17, 2010 |
Sébastien Simard and Cynthia Labonté are proud to inform you of the birth of their first child, and future Wapomeo camper, Alexia Simard. She was born on January 6, 2010 and weighed 8 pounds and 8 ounces.
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009 |
Sad News.
Various alumnae will likely remember Heidi Armitage.
The Globe and Mail had an obituary for her earlier this month:
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Tuesday, September 15, 2009 |
Jennifer (Conning - Wap 80s & 90s) and James and big sister Dee (Madison) are thrilled to announce the arrival of William Lucas O'Reilly. Wills was born weighing 7 lbs. 7 oz. at 6:31 p.m. on May 27, 2009, at Calvary John James Hospital, Canberra, Australia. He is the grandson of Sue (Zinsmaster) Conning (Wap '59-'70) of London, the late Ken Conning formerly of Toronto, and Carol and Micheal O'Reilly of Canberra, Australia. Great grandson for Ross Conning and Paul Barlow. Wills is also welcomed by Aunt Carolyn (Conning - Wap 80s & 90s) and Uncle Eli of Ottawa and Aunt Erinn and Uncle Simon of Canberra.
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Tuesday, September 15, 2009 |
Carolyn Ruth Conning (Wap 80s & 90s) and Eli Joseph McGowan were united in marriage on Friday, July 31, 2009 in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii. Matron of honour was Jennifer (Conning) O'Reilly (Wap 80s & 90s) of Canberra, Australia. Mother of the bride is Sue (Zinsmaster) Conning (Wap 50s, 60s & 70s) of London, Ontario. Carolyn and Eli currently reside in Ottawa, Ontario.
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Monday, September 7, 2009 |
Bailey (Guibord) Davis from Virginia and Jane (Hamblin) Butler from Vancouver met at Wap in 1960 as councellor and C.I.T. Thanks to friends and relatives accessing the Fires of Friendship website they met again for a 5 day reunion at September Camp 2009, having lost contact since 1963. What a time was had going back in time, canoeing to Wap and Joe Lake, swimming, singing and storytelling. They are both planning to make this moment the beginning of a renewed friendship that spans the continent!
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Monday, June 1, 2009 |
Amanda (Ricketts) and Jon Fredrick are ecstatic to announce the arrival of the newest Wapomeo camper! Sydney Mabel Elizabeth Fredrick was born on April 29, 2009 weighing 7 pounds 9 ounces. Sydney is looking forward to her first camp experience this summer!
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Saturday, May 30, 2009 |
DOCK PARTY on Queen West is this Thursday, June 4th! Come out and support The Taylor Statten Camping Bursary Fund and Camp Kirk—help send children in need to camp this summer! A crew of alumni have been hard at work for the past several months organizing this event—get your tickets online at dockparty.ca, call Terry in the Camp Kirk office 416.782.3310, or email for further information. Stu Henderson, Dave Marshall and The Buffalo Builders and lovely Tessa Jones will be performing, and our artistic alumni have donated beautiful photographs that will be available in the DPQW silent auction! Join us for a fantastic evening in Toronto's hippest new event space. Looking forward to seeing many TSC alumni at DOCK PARTY on Queen West! June 4th, The Burroughes Building, 639 Queen St. W. 6pm 'til late. Many thanks to The Audet family: Jane, Henri, Ash & Blair, Lex Scully, Hugh Statten, April Jackson, Burke Van Valkenburg, and Chris Pigott for their hard work organizing DOCK PARTY on Queen West.
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Saturday, May 9, 2009 |
New additions to my Algonquin Park human heritage series. First is the history of the settlement of Rock Lake Station, which came into being in 1896 when J. R. Booth set out to build a railway from Ottawa to Parry Sound. For 40+ years in the early part of the 20thC, it was one of the key stops along the way, with the train as the lifeblood of this little community. For those alumni who tripped through the Rock and Whitefish Lakes, Rock Lake Station brings to life the history of the coming and going of the railway and the settlement of the surrounding environs that is now the Park's Rock Lake Campground. Second is Treasuring Algonquin: Settlement Stories from 100 Years of Leaseholding - shares the Algonquin experiences of a small group of leasehold residents who have occupied small corners of the Park since the earliest days of the 20th century. Using current and historical narratives along with extensive research through files seldom searched, this narrative reveals the depth and breadth of their roots in the community and provides a glimpse into their lives, traditions and contributions to the Park's well-being. Both of these are in addition to my previous work on the life of Gertrude Baskerville - The Lady of Canoe Lake, who lived alone near the Tea Lake Bridge for more than 35 years and Algonquin Voices, that shares the lives of Canoe Lake Women.
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Thursday, April 30, 2009 |
Is there someone out there who can remember or have access to the song we learned at camp "The Night Tom Thompson Died"? My husband and I as well as our siblings are all alumni and now our daughter is a Wap camper. She is currently writing a speech about Tom Thompson and the experience of hearing his story while on Canoe Lake. None of us can remember much of the song expect the famous line "was it accident or was it FOUL PLAY!?" If you could help or point us in the right direction that would be most appreciated.
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| View more recent news | View earlier news |
| If you have something (events, photos, memories, wishes) to share with us, please complete and submit our Alumni News! Form or send a message to webmaster@firesoffriendship.com |