Wilderness Supply Fall Update

Check out the latest news from one of the MCA's Commercial Members - Wilderness Supply. Upcoming events, news briefs, equipment specials & Fall Kayak Clinics are all highlighted here.

Visit the Wilderness Supply Info. page at www.wildernesssupply.ca/email/email0002.php.

Variety's Camp Brereton Fundraiser

Variety's Camp Brereton will be hosting their Annual Bud, Spud & Steak Fundraiser on
Thursday, January 31st, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Tijuana Yacht Club, Canad Inns Polo Park.

Tickets are $15.00 per person...you will receive a steak, potatoe and beverage. (Available add ons for a nominal fee are caesar salad and mushrooms.)

All funds raised will be used for enhancements at Variety's Camp Brereton.
This year our goal is to raise enough money to purchase two paddle boats and a log splitter!

Please consider joining us for this fun event!

We will be having a rainbow auction, 50/50 draw and door prizes!

Tickets can be purchased by calling Charlotte at 982-1050 (791-1645 cell) or Richard at 837-6201 (781-1443 cell).

Everyone is welcome to join us.

Tickets for our Bud, Spud & Steak Night make a great "Stocking Stuffer" for Christmas!

Donations for our Rainbow Auction would also be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for your continued support of Variety's Camp Brereton....A Special Place Dedicated to our Love for Children!

Camp Pictures

Can you identify where this camp picture was taken within Manitoba this past summer???

Children's Winter Camp Opportunities

You don't have to wait until the dog days of summer (July/August) for the start of camp season. St. Malo Catholic Camp is now accepting registrations for the 2008 Winter Camp Programs for the following dates & ages:

January 4-6 Ages 13-15
January 18-20 Ages 11-12
February 1-3 Ages 8-10
February 15-18 Ages 16+

Campers will arrive on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and depart on Sunday at noon.

For further information, contact Lia (Camp Coordinator) at camps@catholicway.ca

76th Annual OCA Conference

"Spreading the Word", the 76th Annual Conference of the Ontario Camping Association will be held at the Blue Mountain Resort & Conference Centre in Collingwood, Ontario from Wednesday, January 23 to Friday, January 25, 2008.

For more information and registration, visit the OCA web-site at www.ontariocamps.ca.

15,000 attend Manitoba Summer Camp

Member Camps of the Manitoba Camping Association have finalized their camper calculations for the 2007 summer and we are pleased to report that more than 15,000 children & youth enrolled in a summer camp session this past summer. Approximately 20,000 spots are available on an annual basis - thus representing a camp capacity over 80%.

A further analysis of the information provided by MCA Member Camps indicates that nearly 54% of all campers are female and 46% are male. Statistics were reported for ages 6 through to 18 years of age and indicates that the largest number of campers fall in the 10-12 year old range group and account for nearly 38% of all campers. Approximately 900 children attended camp at the age of 6. This percentage increases within each age group and then begins its downward trend at age 13. Approximately 10% of all campers fall into the 15-18 year age bracket.

Statistics for grouping by male & female show similar trends within their respective age group in relation to the combined overall statistics.

Winkler Bible Camp - Job Posting

Winkler Bible Camp is a non-denominational Christian camp based out of
Winkler Manitoba. The camp operates year-round offering site rentals,
retreats, outdoor education, summer camp as well as an eight-month
discipleship school. Winkler Bible Camp is currently looking for
individuals to fill a number of key positions within our team of 19
full-time staff including:

· Assistant Cook
· Food Services Coordinator
· Host (facility rentals and outdoor education)

Our ministry is constantly evolving and we are in need of various
full/part-time positions in addition to those listed above including a need
for someone with good knowledge of computers and video. We are looking for
dynamic individuals who enjoy customer service and are passionate about
serving God and people. Please forward resume complete with references to:

Winkler Bible Camp
Box 2340
Winkler MB
R6W 4C1
ATTN: Dale Wiebe

Camp Quality Seeks Director

Camp Quality Manitoba is seeking a Director. This is a volunteer position based out of the Winnipeg area. This position would be of interest to individuals interested in volunteer work in an administrative camp environment. Camp Quality Canada is a volunteer, non-profit, charitable organization that improves the quality of life for children living with cancer through camps, educational puppet programs and year-round family support programs. The Manitoba summer camp is located in Winnipeg.

The Camp Director is responsible for overseeing the Camp Organizing Committee (COC) members and meetings. The Camp Director acts to enforce the rules and guidelines to ensure the smooth operation of Camp Quality. The Camp Director works closely with the National Office, sending in requested reports, insurance applications and audit figures, etc. The Camp Director also supervises the administration of the camp budget and authorizes all expenditures before payment by the Treasurer.

Responsibilities
• Attend annual National Workshop
• Attend the full week of summer camp
• Participate in Camp Director conference calls
• Arrange with the Manager of Camp Programs for COC member training/refreshers every three years or upon significant turnover in COC positions
• Determine the location and schedule, and chair a minimum of monthly COC meetings
• Develop (with Secretary) all meeting agendas
• Select campsite and evaluate regularly for appropriateness
• Organize the annual mandatory staff training with the Manager of Camp Programs
• Establish and regularly review compliance to the annual financial budget and funding needs
• Provide designated reports to the Board Officers and Manager of Camp Programs as prescribed
• Oversee all camp preparations and volunteer staff

Send resume by mail OR email to:
Colleen Irvine, Manager of Camp Programs

Mail: 1444 Queen St. E., Toronto ON M4L 1E1
Send resume via: E-mail
For more information: www.campquality.com

Camp Demographics for 2007

The MCA is asking all camps this upcoming season to maintain a counting of all campers per session by both gender and age. If you do not already keep track of this data, the MCA will be distributing a Camper Demographics Chart next week that can be utilized and submitted to the MCA at the conclusion of the season.

With the age, gender and amount of campers registered for camp, we can collectively utilize this information to better understand our target market and user groupings, as well as report on the total number of children registered at Camp throughout Manitoba during the summer of 2007.

MCA Made for T.V.

This past week, the MCA was Live on Location at Mountain Equipment Co-op for the Breakfast Television program through CityTV to promote the upcoming camping season & the Sunshine Fund.

The MCA will be taping a segment that will also appear on Shaw Cable Televison with Joanne Kelly. This taping will be done on Tuesday, June 19 at Camp Assiniboia. The segment will air either the day after on Wednesday or Thursday.

Camp Database Registration Software

If any camps are utilizing a Database Software Program for your Camp Registrations, please share with us your thoughts as to what type of program you use, how effective & efficient the program is, and whether you would recommend the program for other camps that may be interested.

CCA/ACC Awards Program

THE CANADIAN CAMPING ASSOCIATION/ASSOCIATION DES CAMPS DU CANADA
AWARDS PROGRAM (Revised February 2007)

The Canadian Camping Association/Association des Camps du Canada has several awards designed to recognize individuals, camps, agencies or corporations.

Once approved by the CCA/ACC Board of Directors, the awards are presented by the respective Provincial Camping Associations at their annual meetings. All of the names of the Award winners become part of the CCA/ACC Honour Roll of Award Winners.

The Canadian Camping Association/Association des Camps du Canada Awards Program is a great way to recognize association members.

The CCA/ ACC awards are not intended to replace the volunteer recognition systems already in place within any Provincial Camping Association. The awards listed below are for volunteers that the Provincial Camping Associations feel should be recognized nationally.

All nominations MUST have prior approval of the nominee’s Provincial Camping Association or where applicable approval by the CCA/ ACC President’s Council.

Nominations may be submitted by any member of the CCA/ACC (including individuals) and MUST be received in writing, by the Awards Committee (Camping Association of Nova Scotia).

The Awards Committee looks forward to hearing (in writing) from you by the deadline dates of October 2nd, for approval at the November CCA Board Meeting, or January 2nd, for approval at the February CCA Board Meeting in any given year.

RON JOHNSTONE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
(Formerly the Ron Johnstone Achievement of Excellence)

The RON JOHNSTONE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is the Canadian Camping Association/Association des Camps du Canada’s way of recognizing outstanding commitment, over a prolonged period of time to a Provincial Camping Association and/ or the Canadian Camping Association/ Association des Camps du Canada.

Nominations for the RON JOHNSTONE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD would normally come from the Canadian Camping Association/ Association des Camps du Canada’s Board of Directors, but may also be submitted by a Provincial Camping Association, camp or individual. Camp or individual nominations must receive approval from the appropriate Provincial Camping Association.

The RON JOHNSTONE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD will take the form of an engraved carving by a Canadian artist with appropriate inscriptions and the CCA/ACC logo.

Past Manitoba Recipients:

2000 Kim Strachan, MCA

JACK PEARSE AWARD OF HONOUR (Formerly the Award of Honour)

The JACK PEARSE AWARD OF HONOUR shall be presented in recognition of a person’s contribution to the Canadian Camping Association/ Association des Camps du Canada. This award is intended to recognize individuals, camps, agencies or corporations who have through their efforts provided outstanding service to the national organization.

Nominations for the JACK PEARSE AWARD OF HONOUR would normally come from the Canadian Camping Association/ Association des Camps du Canada’s Board of Directors, but may also be submitted by a Provincial Camping Association, camp or individual. Camp or individual nominations must receive approval from the appropriate Provincial Camping Association.

The JACK PEARSE AWARD OF HONOUR will take the form of a framed certificate with appropriate inscriptions and CCA/ACC logo.

Past Manitoba Recipients:

CCA/ACC AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
(Formerly the Volunteer Award and the Certificate of Appreciation)

The CCA/ACC AWARD OF EXCELLENCE shall be the Canadian Camping Association/Association des Camps du Canada’s way of recognizing a person’s contribution to camping within their province. The award is intended to recognize individuals, volunteers, camps, agencies or corporations who have made outstanding (i.e., beyond the norm) contributions within their province.

Nominations for the CCA/ACC AWARD OF EXCELLENCE would normally come from the Provincial Camping Association but may also be submitted by an individual or camp to the appropriate Provincial Camping Association for approval.

The CCA/ACC AWARD OF EXCELLENCE will take the form of a certificate in a cardboard mount with appropriate inscriptions and CCA/ACC logo.

Previous Manitoba Recipients:

1990 Calvin Desmarais, MCA
1990 Dave and Alfreda Lowen, MCA
1993 Jennifer Peron, MCA
1993 Sophia Tapper, MCA
1993 Cliff Derksen, MCA
1993 Bettie Lees, MCA

1993 Bob Picken, MCA
1993 Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, MCA
1993 Judy Shiels, MCA
2001 Joyce Fromson, MCA
2002 Winnipeg Free Press, MCA

SPECIAL AWARDS

From time to time, at the discretion of the Canadian Camping Association/ Association des Camps du Canada’s Board of Directors, special recognition may be given to those individuals, camps, associations or corporations that have furthered the camping movement and/or made a unique contribution to Canadian camping.

Past Manitoba Recipients:

Upcoming Promotional Event

The MCA will be on hand to display information at this Friday's Winnipeg Goldeye's Game vs. the Calgary Vipers - June1, 2007. Pick up one of our 2007 Camp Directories & Sunshine Fund Brochures. The MCA & Sunshine Fund extends our thanks and appreciation to the Winnipeg Goldeye's Baseball Club for presenting us with this opportunity.

Park District Service Fees to Impact Camps

All camps that reside within a Manitoba Provincial Park will be impacted through the development of a revised model of the Parks District Service Fees by Manitoba Conservation. The current structure impacts Cottagers, Commercial Businesses and Special Consideration Organizations (such as Camps). The revised system will likely be implemented for the beginning of the 2008 season, however many issues are a central topic for discussion and include: How should service fees be collected by "Users" within the Parks? Should fees be based on an established set of "usage" guidelines? How are fees established for "users" operating seasonally?

For a full outline of the project, stages of development, including the opportunity to respond, please visit the Manitoba Conservation Web site.

Accreditation Team Visitors Needed

The MCA will embark on its Annual Accreditation Tour this upcoming July with Re-Accreditation visits scheduled for 11 Camps & 1 New Accreditation visit to take place. Visits will take approximately 3-4 hours in length depending on the size of the camp and may require a travel distance of 1-2 hours to and from camp (for those team members venturing out from Winnipeg). All interested Visitation Team Members will be asked to familiarize themselves with the Visual Standards section of the Standards & Accreditation Manual that is located on the MCA website with a link to the site on the left side of this column. For additional information on the locations of these visits and to express your interest to be a Team Member, please contact the MCA office directly at (204) 784-1134.

Climbing Wall Training Event

Camps with Meaning is looking for an opportunity to send some Instructors to a Climbing Wall Training Event. Vertical Adventures in Winnipeg will provide a 6.5 hour training session in belaying if there are a minimum of 5 persons available. This would be most likely held on a Sunday, or possibly a Saturday. Is anyone interested? Or are there other Climbing Training Events out and about that people are aware of? Feedback is appreciated.

MCA Moves into May!

Spring Showers (or lack of) bring May Flowers! As we turn the corner and head into the month of May, thoughts of camp season are only 8 weeks away.

Now's the time to connect - send us a blog and tell us here about one of your favorite & most memorable camp experiences. Let's share the joys, impacts and value of a camp experience for others to read. Click on the "comment" link below to respond.

Camp Wasaga Job Posting

Camp Wasaga is looking for a Leader in Training Director. Download the full job description in PDF format (138 KB). This position would be for approximately one month during the summer.


To apply, please send your cover letter and resume via E-mail.

BB Camp looking for a Head Cook

BB Camp in Lake of the Woods is looking for a Head Cook. The position term runs strraight through starting May 20 and ending August 27, 2007.

The Head Cook is responsible for the operation of all food services and trains, supervises and leads staff to provide these services.

Download the full job description and terms in pdf format (42 kb) and contact the camp office at 477-7512 for more details.

BB goes day camp!

BB Camp now offers a day camp program. Playmore Day Camp Adventure is for families who are looking for short term camp activities. The day camp is for 4 - 10 years old and there are six one week sessions (with a three day and five day option).

Ideal for Kenora residents and cottage owners on Lake of the Woods.

For further information or to download the brochure and registration form, visit the BB Camp Web site.

MCA To Attend Weekend Exhibit Fairs

The M.C.A. & Sunshine Fund will be setting up a display booth at the Portage Home, Leisure & Sport Expo event this Friday (6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.) & Saturday (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) at the Portage Canad Inn Warehouse.

On Sunday, we will be attending the 2007 Winnipeg Parent Family Fun & Learning Fair. This will be held from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Assiniboine Park Conservatory.

Come check out all the action, pick up your 2007 Camp Directory, or obtain information on the Sunshine Fund.

MCA Welcomes Summer Intern Student

The Manitoba Camping Association would like to welcome Samantha Fulton to the position as the M.C.A. Summer Program Coordinator. Samantha comes to the Association from the Career Intership Program (CIP) out of River East Collegiate. Samantha began the position on Monday and will continue until June 15. Samantha will be working to assist with the upcoming M.C.A. promotional events, distribution of M.C.A. Directories and assisting Sunshine Fund donors/applicants.

Additionally, Samantha will be coordinating the upcoming Re-Accreditation Visits for those camps for the 2007 season. She will be in contact with those due for a Re-Accreditation visit to ensure that all Written Standards Documentation is organized and submitted to the M.C.A. office by June 1st. A request for a submission extension may be granted no later than 30 days prior to the visit, however a written request for an extension must be received at the M.C.A. office no later than June 1. Once again, we welcome Samantha to the position and wish her all the best during her tenure. Samantha may be contacted by E-mail.

2007 Stats

For 2007 the Manitoba Camping Association has the following membership stats:

• 36 accredited camps
  
• 10 non-accredited camp members
  
• 6 Organizational Partners
  
• 10 Commercial Partners
  
• 2 Individual members
  

This is an increase over 2005.

Urgent Call from Luther Village Camp

As we are gearing up for our season to begin very shortly, we are still in dire need for one more staff position as our Head Cook. Please help us to get the word out and find that special someone for our kitchen!

A complete job description is on our Web site

The position is to start May 1...yes, that is in one week! Room & board are included with this salaried position which goes until mid-October.

Board Meeting

Today the board met for their April meeting. The agenda consisted of the usual committee reports and financial information. All looks very good for the organization. Of more significance was the fact that it was Jeff Friesen's last meeting.

Jeff has taken a job in Ontario. Jeff has been a long-serving member of the board who was instrumental in helping the association through its recant difficult times. Without his tireless efforts and calm and steady approach to the tasks at hand the job would have been near impossible.

Jeff was presented with a cake and fond wishes at this meeting. On behalf of the camping community in Manitoba we would like to thank Jeff for all that he has done for the association and camping in general. We wish him and his family all the best on their new endeavours. We will miss you.

Our new spot on the Web.

This is the new blog of the Manitoba Camping Association. Here you will find daily, weekly and monthly updates of the news and affairs of the Manitoba Camping Association and its members.

The Manitoba Camping Association consists of many different types of camps, persons, and agencies that have bonded together to help one another in their camping programs. Each year this body elects an Executive and charges this body with the responsibility of administering the affairs of the M.C.A. to the benefit of all its members. The M.C.A. is a provincial section of the Canadian Camping Association. The M.C.A. is the voice of Camping in Manitoba to the government and to the general public.