Thank you for 50 years!

My camp Hero is Leona. Leona is a lover of the outdoors who lives in Ottawa, and was the mom of my childhood and camp friend, Katrina. I don't think I would have had the experience of summer camp had it not been for Leona. The organization and financial burden of camp was a lot to manage for my mom, who was recently widowed before my first summer at camp. Leona helped make camp a possibility for me and my sister at St. Bridget's Camp at a time when we needed it most. I'll forever be grateful for Leona's love of camp and the outdoors and for sharing that gift with us!"

 

- Rosie Michel

My camp hero would be a counsellor from when I was 12 years old named Ludi. He was on Nighthawk and we were being noisy long past lights out. We had been told to quiet down by our cabin counsellor a few times already. We heard Ludi coming to the cabin and thought we were in big trouble. He didn’t say a word and instead sat on our porch and played us a song on his guitar. After the song, he quietly said goodnight and we were all quiet and went to sleep. Looking back, I think about how lucky I was to grow up in a place where instead of being yelled at, I was sung to. Thanks Ludi!"

 

- Jodie Adams

My camp hero is my counsellor Baloo. Much like his Jungle Book counterpart, Baloo is a friendly giant. His quick wit and genuine interest in the well being of other are things I want to emulate. Over the course of the summer, Baloo brought out the best in me."

 

– Amici Camper, 16

My Camp Hero is Calvin Miller who started as an Amici camper and was one of our best staff members and truly one of the nicest guys I've ever met."

 

– David Latimer

My camp hero is my counsellor Baloo. Much like his Jungle Book counterpart, Baloo is a friendly giant. His quick wit and genuine interest in the well being of other are things I want to emulate. Over the course of the summer, Baloo brought out the best in me."

 

– Amici Camper, 16

Claire and Bridget Steven."

 

– Paul Steven

John R. Latimer whose welcoming smile and warm handshake led to a life-long friendship that began in 1954."

 

– John H. Kennedy

Bob Slingerland – Just knowing Bob made you want to be a better person."

 

– Gord McGiverin

David Graham, first camp counsellor. Great guy. Died too young!"

 

– Kevin Devine

CHIEF – He raised the bar for all of us ....and then he opened it!"

 

– Doug Caldwell

Geoff Seaborn – He made tripping at Kilcoo truly memorable!"

 

– Jamie Macintosh

Brian Blackstock – Brian was always there for us all in the camping community. He is greatly missed, yet he lives on through so many lives he touched, directly and indirectly."

 

– Michael Bakker

Bob Slingerland – who taught me to swim, and has put up with me as a friend for 42 years since I left camp in 1974."

 

– David Hamer

Over 15+ years at camp, I was very lucky to meet a lot of camp heroes - campers, staff, life-long friends and role models who inspired and encouraged me and everyone around them. The camp hero I think about most in my role at Amici, is an 8 year old camper I happened to sit next to at breakfast once, when I was a young staff member. It was near the start of the session and we were all blearily poking at our cereal one morning when this little voice at my elbow suddenly piped up, with surprising energy: "I think I know why I like camp so much!"

Thrilled to have an engaging topic for conversation at 7:30am, I took the bait: "Why?"

"Well", she said thoughtfully. "At home, I don't do that much. I have a couple of friends at school, but don't see them a lot. It's ok....I guess."

As she continued, she brightened, "At camp, it's only been a few days and I already know so many people in my cabin and section - and they all know me! I have lots of new friends. And we do new fun stuff every day...." "...At camp, I think I might be cool."

Seeing the sparkle in this camper's eyes as the penny dropped, the moment she fell in love with camp was something I will never forget.

That early morning, this camper reminded me - and continues to remind me - that the magic of camp is that everyone has a place, all are welcome and EVERYONE is cool... Having an opportunity to help other kids find their 'cool' at camp is definitely one of the best parts of working at Amici every day. Thanks for the day, campers!"

 

– Kate Horton

John R. Latimer—impact on so many people in so many ways."

 

– John Walker

Duncan Robertson. My brother and a camp hero. Dunc has spent his life and career helping young people realize their potential through camp. I'm proud to say I was one of those young people he influenced."

 

– Alex Robertson

Of course—John Latimer which should be obvious. So much admiration for all the Senior Staff who worked with me during my three years as director."

 

– Hal Hannaford

Drew Rutty, Kilcoo Camp 2005-2014. Drew's unbridled enthusiasm and love for Kilcoo created lasting memories for all the campers he came in contact with."

 

– Dean Rutty

Catherine Ross – As my CIT Director many years ago Catherine always challenged me to think with my head and follow my dream with my heart. She was a true inspiration and mentor over many years!"

 

– Patti Thom

Tim Ross"

 

– Jonathan Millman

Brent Knightley because of the effort he made to make sure I was asked back as an LIT... at least that's what he tells me!"

 

– George Wright

The head of the camp, Jay, is an amazing person who fosters growth within all the people he works with. He has taught us the value of accepting people for who they are and challenges us to welcome differences and learn from them. This camp has greatly enriched my life and others as well. I am so very grateful for your kind support over the years. My opportunities are bigger because of my experiences. I am off to University this year and long to keep enriching myself with great experiences like Camp Nokomis!"

 

– Former Amici Camper