Good Work Tree Planters!
Posted on November 4, 2013 by Catherine Ross
Courtesy RKY Camp
In summer 2013, campers from over 75 camps across Canada planted close to 20,000 trees. Regrettably, many of the Alberta seedlings were lost in the floods, which indicates the need and importance of this program. Sincere thanks to all the camp leaders who contributed to a successful planting season and Andrea Koehle Jones of the Charitree Foundation who generously supplied the seedlings.
“I never realized how much the kids would enjoy it!”
“The campers loved the activity – they even named the trees: Jack, Sky, Barky and Sparkle – because it is supposed to be a Christmas tree when it grows up!”
“The trees replaced a large number that we lost in a storm last year.”
“The campers feel they have left their own legacy at the camp they love.”
Tree planting, courtesy Arlington Beach Camp
Courtesy YWCA Camp Tapawingo
Catherine's lifelong love of camping began in 1953 when she accompanied her mother, the new camp cook, to Camp Tanamakoon in Algonquin Park. She remained at Tan until 1978 as a camper and in several staff roles. After five years as a teacher, in 1979, Catherine and her husband George purchased Camp Mi-A-Kon-Da for girls in Parry Sound, Ontario which they owned for 20 years. Catherine has served on the Board of the Ontario Camps Association, and is Past President of the Society of Camp Directors. She is served as Communications Officer on the Board of the CCA, as is a recipient of the CCA's Ron Johnstone Lifetime Achievement Award. She is past editor of Camps Canada, published by the CCA, and the OCAsional News, the newsletter of the OCA. She is the author of four publications. Her articles on camping have appeared in numerous magazines.
