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Posted on: 10/19/2009 What’s Up at Camp These Days? It is hard to believe that summer is but a memory now! Although it seems like yesterday that the last of our campers departed, a LOT has been happening since the end of August. September proved to be the most magnificent month of the entire camp season, with skies that were “severe clear”, glorious sunny days and beautiful water temperatures. Right after Labour Day, Ak-O-Mak hosted the University of Western Ontario’s Kinesiology program for their annual Canoeing Camp. The third year Kinesiology co-eds enjoyed a fabulous week on Ahmic Lake, developing canoeing proficiency in an intensive one week, practical course. A few days later we welcomed Coach Joni Marten-Saunders back again, only this time with her swimmers from the Wilmot Aces Aquatic Club and the Speed Sharks. This lively group had a ball enjoying the variety of camp activities to jump start their swimming program for the year. Upon waving good-bye to the Aces and Speed Sharks, we once again welcomed the “WRMS” (William Ross McDonald Swimming) team from Brantford. Coach Mike Finch has been bringing this die-hard group of swimmers for many years now. The mid September water temperatures were beginning to drop thanks to the cool nights, but that never seems to stop these guys and gals!! Early Bird every morning? You bet!... Then it was up to the Main house for lots of hot chocolate and breakfast by a roaring fire. When not in the water, the WRMS mountain-biked, kayaked, and made great use of the ropes course under Hayley Steward’s expert direction! When the last school bus and car pulled out of camp, (packed to the hilt with sleeping bags, dirty laundry and very tired campers), a special kind of stillness descended upon camp. More than just the absence of laughter or the ringing of the Main House bell at meal time, it is a seasonal quiet that is echoed throughout the forest. The birds are silent now. The deer, sensing that the coast is clear, tip toe beyond the borders of the forest to enjoy the lush Ak-O-Mak grass. Each day, the numbers of Canada Geese gathering in the bay grows exponentially, presumably drawn by the calm waters and the abundance of open space on the soccer field, where they exist harmoniously with the deer. Seeing these beautiful creatures against the back drop of autumn’s brilliant colours or the Luminous harvest moon is a gift every year, reserved for those who venture to camp in the off season. The work of “putting camp to bed” may be hard and time consuming, but our reward is great. As we work side by side, we enjoy friendships that started when WE were campers some 35 years ago! We STILL live by the words, “Nothing Easy is Worth Doing”. When once our sense of achievement came from a mighty war canoe race or perhaps the 12 k run, it is now vested in the successful stewardship of Camp Ak-O-Mak…dutifully caring for her 81 year old “bones”. “Why would a small group of volunteers take on such a venture, year after year?” you might ask. Because we believe that more than ever, girls need a place like camp to be “kids” for as long as possible, a safe place to “play outside”, and unique opportunities to help them discover their inner strength….an important mission for our little Ak-O-Mak. So, with a busy 81st season a “fait accompli”, Camp Ak-O-Mak has been tucked in to bed for her winter’s nap. See you next year!