b'childhood, Gary looked forward tohim, that they would eventually get camp all year long.married.Goingtocampwaslikesome- Webothstilllovecampand thing out of a dream for me. It wasdoingeverythingtogether,Gary like a mirage appeared, Gary recalls.commented.It was transformative. Narnia-ish.I would sit on my luggage, cry- A FAMILY AFFAIRing on the bus, on the way back toPitching in to run Camp Scugog is the concrete and asphalt.but Campa family affair. An arborist, Gary also Scugog taught me to cry for the goodserves as the Camp Programmer. He things too. often escorts the Leaders in Training He encouraged his friends to go,on overnight excursions in Algonquin Yes, Camp Scugog is all about canoeing on the lake, learning to swim, and they loved it too. Park, such as a week-long 77 km trailGary Hoey, Assistant Director/Programmer.and toasting marshmallows over an open fire. But it offers so much moreCamp has always been so mean- hike or canoe trip. than just traditional summer camp skills and fun. Read on to find out ingful, with a direct, positive impactGaryreminiscesaboutteachingWHAT CAMP SCUGOG OFFERShow Camp Scugog helps families all year round, and the special supporton my life.the youth how to set up a tent upsideThe opportunities at Camp Scugog services offered during the COVID-19 pandemic. A former camper, Gary got backdown in the rain so it wouldnt getare extensive. The lakefront property involvedwithCampScugogyearswet. is ideal for children to practice swim-later when he applied for a job. LittleThe challenge of paddling for ourming,kayaking,canoeingandsail-CampScugogbecamemypas- anything,Danapointedout.Wedid he know that when Dana hiredlives when a storm was coming wasing. Matt is certified to teach the kids sioninlife,commentedDana.Itwanted to help them to stay safe. an amazing adventure, Gary said. howtowearharnessesandsafely madesuchahugedifference.SheCamp Scugog delivered groceriesThese experiences create instantclimbtrees.Theresarchery,biking, wonderswhatherlifewouldhaveincluding sanitary products to aboutunityandteamwork,andteachhiking, arts and crafts and overnight been like if she had never seen that40familiesinneedlastyear.Thenperseverance in tough times, Garytenting.Anewbasketballcourtis ad, since her devotion to the Campthey connected them with local foodnoted. Its like a parable. under construction, thanks to a large Dana Leahey, Director of Camp Scugog. Scugog families has become her life- share programs and churches for on- Sharing stories around campfiresdonation of gravel from Martin Sand style. Seeing that ad was a pivotalgoing assistance.createspositiveconnectionsandand Gravel, Dana enthused.For 45 years, Camp Director Danapoint in my life, she commented. Churches,sheltersandsocialmemories, he said. Its just magic. Most important of all, Dana and Leahey has spearheaded the successworkersallreferfamiliestoCampAtcamp,electronicdevicesareGaryagree,CampScugogoffers ofCampScugog,a300-acreoasisASSISTANCE DURING Scugog. discouraged except for emergencies.friendship and support.at St. Christophers Beach, on LakeTHE PANDEMIC Its all about people taking the time Scugog, in Scugog Township. EveryWe have continued to support ourDANA AND GARY to really connect with other humans,SUMMER OF 2021summer,childrenlivinginpovertycamp families during the pandemic, Dana met her husband Gary HoeyGary explained. There is real valueItwasnotpossibletooperate in Toronto, are bussed to NestletonDana explained. The campers comethrough the camp. in that. Camp Scugog programs in 2020 due to enjoy a welcome respite from thefrom single parent, low-income fami- GarycanreallyrelatetotheDana and Garys daughter Emilyto the pandemic. Dana is waiting to city. Theres a Mom and Kids Camp,lies in Toronto.campers. is in charge of fundraising, and sonsee if we get the green light for resi-aKidsCampforages7-12,aTeenMany are new immigrant womenMy Dad was a drunk. Its a goodMatthew is the lead tree climber anddential campers in 2021. If the prov-Camp for ages 12-16, plus Leadershipwith no families and no resources,thing he left, says Gary.He grew upgroundskeeper.ince permits it, camp will likely look and Junior Counsellor programs. Dana said. in Ontario Housing in Rexdale, withGreatappreciationgoesouttodifferent, with more restrictions like Dana was 17 years old when sheItsamajorCOVIDissueforahis single mother Barbara Hoey, threeIn 1973 at two years old, Gary (child onvolunteers from the Port Perry Rotarysocial distancing, and fewer campers saw an advertisement for camp staffsingle mom to mask up a bunch ofbrothers and two sisters. He was two- right) is shown with his brother Kevin andClubwhocomeoutwithwhipperand staff occupying the 20 cabins on at her church, St. Georges United, inlittle kids and take them to a groceryyears-oldthefirsttimeheescapedmom Barbara, at Camp Scugog. snippers to help keep the 10 acres of North Toronto. She got hired.store and hope that they dont touchthe city for Camp Scugog. 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