Introducing Cheerio!!

Camp Douglas welcomes back Cheerio as part of the 2011 LIT Leadership team. Read on to learn more about this cheery personality!!!

 1.     What is your camp name and why? Cheerio- because I really love Frosted Flakes. Jokes! I love all things bright, bubbly and cheery… especially in the morning!

2.       What do you do outside of camp? I am finishing my third year of university and I hope to become a teacher when I am done. I am a history major and my favourite class this term a Kinesiology class about leading physical education for kids! Outside of school I am the youth leader at Calvin Presbyterian Church. My favourite thing to do on a sunny afternoon is go for a hike or go to the beach.

3.       How long have you been coming to camp? How did you get involved? I have been attending Camp Douglas since I was a small fry camper! I got involved because my mom and her brothers and sisters all attended Camp Douglas as children!

4.       What is your most memorable ‘Camp Douglas moment’? My most memorable Camp Douglas moment was winning Mission Impossible with my campers against head sniper Rugby! Whoo hoo!

5.       What is your favourite activity at camp? My absolute favourite activity at Camp Douglas is a tie between kayaking and Chapel in the morning!

6.       What is a little known fact about yourself?  Last year I traveled to Malawi for one month. I learned all about the partnership between the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Central Church of Africa Presbyterian. I can’t wait to go back!
7.    What is the last book that you read? The last book I read was Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen… for the 9th time!

Weezie In Europe!

Greetings from Paris, France!

Well, I have been in Europe now for just over two weeks with my school (Vancouver Island University) doing a field school of the western front of World War 1. The trip began with a flight into Paris on May 6th, meeting our fabulous bus driver Julian and heading into Ypres (pronounces ‘eep’) which is located in Belgium. Our hostel was outstanding and located directly across the street from the Menin Gate memorial. This memorial is monstrous in size and has 55,000 names of missing soldiers on it. We participated in an evening service at Menin Gate and it was truly a moving experience. After 6 nights in Ypres and touring numerous cemeteries, monuments and other attractions, we headed for Lille, France.

Lille was an interesting city to say the least. We made a few day trips while there (to Peronne and other neighbouring cities) as well as taking in the full experience of Lille winning the France Cup in soccer. Our days are long…usually breakfast at 7:30am, depart at 8am, out on the battlefields, trenches, cemeteries, etc. until 6pm and then dinner at 7:30pm. Our evenings are spent doing homework and exploring the cities that we are in–although there is a lot of work, this experience is absolutely amazing.

After 6 nights in Lille, we headed on over to Verdun, France. This was the best hostel on the trip so far! We stayed in a converted monastery that had an outstanding view and architecture in the rooms.  While staying in Verdun, we made a day trip to Luxembourg, Luxembourg (like New York, New York–so nice they named it twice!) & Trier, Germany. Yes, that’s right, I was in 3 countries in 1 day! Both of these cities were beautiful and would be top cities if I ever moved over to Europe.

Only 3 days were spent in Verdun and this morning (we’re 9 hours ahead of ‘camp-time’) we boarded our bus for the final time and headed to Paris. Along the way we stopped at a few cemeteries and monuments and for lunch. I’ve been in Paris for just over 3 hours so far and am already loving it. The scenery is breathtaking and I cannot wait to adventure more in the next 3 days. Tomorrow, we’re off to the Palace of Versailles (the location where the document to end WW1 was signed) as well as hopefully heading on up into the Eiffel Tower!

After ending field school on May 24th, I am spending another day in Paris to visit Disneyland Paris! I fly to Belfast, Ireland on May 26th to stay with Tanita “Pending” Robson for a few days. I am very excited for this part of my trip as it will be a whole new experience and I haven’t seen Pending since last July! After Belfast, I will be heading on over to Amsterdam, Holland for 2 days to visit a friend from school. After a few days there, I’m off to Vienna, Austria for my final 3 days. I return to the camp world on June 3rd with my graduation convocation occurring on June 7th. Excitement has certinately been present for the past 2 weeks and will continue to be for the next 2. Thank-you to all of you that have read this and have continuously prayed and supported me throughout this adventure.

Love,
Weezie.

Introducing Fez!!

One half of this years LIT leadership team is Fez. Read below to learn a bit more about him:

My Camp name is FEZ after the character from That 70’s Show. Since I was having trouble coming up with my own camp name, the rest of my LIT group was starting to help me out. Someone yelled out FEZ and when I explained that my friends back in Ontario had called me that, I wasn’t allowed to back out. So I got stuck with the name again.

 
I am currently a Cognitive and Biological Psychology student at SFU. I’ve recently developed an interest in survival camping and have slowly been getting more involved in that as a hobby. In the past I have been very active in the music scene, and before that, a little bit of competitive sports.
 
This will only be my 2nd official attendance at Camp Douglas. I was unable to return after my LIT session because my family went back to South Africa for a visit and I had to start working fulltime. But I have been part of the camp crowd (sort of) at fundraisers and a few events since LIT. It’ll be awesome to spend the entire summer at camp this year.
I got involved by default really. It was my first summer in BC and our church sends 2 or 3 people to LIT every year. That year I was the only one of two people who were the right age.
 
LIT was a pretty memorable time. It really stands out from the rest of teenage life. Which is why it is such an honour to be part of the program this year. Our trip to the Downtown East side was really eye-opening. The unconditional acceptance by everyone of everyone was amazing! I really can’t single out one moment since the whole three week period is a fond collection of memories. I do remember it raining for 2 out of the 3 weeks, so hopefully the weather is better this year.
 
I love swimming! I would live in the water if I could! And the Camp Douglas beach (though not the best beach) has the most amazing views. The sunsets and sunrises, the stars at night; the beach is my favorite place at camp. How can you not be happy when you’re having so much fun, in such a beautiful location.
 
My grade 12 year  (between April and that October)was the first time in my life that I didn’t have a dog. For about 50% of my life I lived with more than two pets. At one point I even had a budgie my uncle caught for me. Another time I had a chipmuck I caught with some friends. We use to have silk worm in SA too. One year I forgot to take the eggs out of my closet in time, so they hatched and got everywhere. Long story short…I love animals (except snakes).
 
‘Killing Floor’ by Lee Child. It was recommended by a friend, and is quite a good read if you don’t mind the violence. My favorite series is the “Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan. You have not seen literary genius until you have experienced the incredibly complex and intricate world he creates in those book! It’s philosophical, psychological, theological, and imaginative, all in one!

Introducing Rook

Joining us this year as Pinky’s right hand gal. Rook will be the kitchen assistant at Camp Douglas this summer. Read more to learn a bit about Rook.

1.       What is your camp name and why?
I have decided that my camp name is going to be Rook. Not only to I enjoy the game of chess and find it entertaining, but also the bird, as it belongs to the Corvidae family – one of the most interesting groups in my opinion. And like the bird, I do enjoy collecting shiny objectsand trinkets. Did you know that a group of rooks is called a ‘storytelling’? I love stories!
2.       What do you do outside of camp?
I work at a restaurant at the moment, but hopefully I’ll be going to school in Septmember to begin my training to become a goldsmith! If school falls through this autumn, well then I suppose I’ll work some more until I can apply again!
3.       How long have you been coming to camp? How did you get involved?
My grandfather, John Allan worked at the camp waaaay back, as well as my Dad, when it was a logging camp.  (I’m pretty sure we have pictures somewhere…)When the Presbytery bought it and turned it into Camp Douglas it certainly much before my time, so the name has been floating around the family, and also my church. The first time I really experienced camp though was when I was a Small Fry, definitely remember some good times.

4.       What is your most memorable ‘Camp Douglas moment’?
Most memorable? That’s hard to say, there are so many good ones, but one that stands out at the moment; playing Mission Impossible and not losing my life piece once. I may not have found the mircofiche, but I didn’t die did I? That was also the game I fell in a hole and got covered in mud….but it was all worth it!!

5.       What is your favourite activity at camp?
Definitely archery. One of my favourite sports and passtimes, and even here at home I will practice any chance I get. Close second would be artsy and music type things, then perhaps waterfront things, then Campfire. And of course mealtimes!  I love camp.

6.       What is a little known fact about yourself?
I juggle knives! Like archery, I like throwing things at targets, so I also throw knives as well – though definitely not the kitchen kind! And I also play seven different musical instruments!

7.    What is the last book that you read?
“Feast for Crows” by George RR Martin, book four of a series “A Song of Ice and Fire”.The first one of the series is called “Game of Thrones”, and is well worth reading. It’s very engaging and cunningly written. HBO is also making a tv series of it, author is on the production team, and it looks to be amazing! Check it out!

Introducing Shreddie!

Shreddie joined the Camp Douglas team last summer as a cabin leader and will be back again this summer to teach us all more about God and His glory through Bible Study and worship! With a huge smile and a positive attitude, Shreddie is a delight to have up at camp!

Q: What is your camp name and why?
A: My camp name is Shreddie! Or Shreds. My good friend Cheerio invited me to come up to camp last year, and before I even got to camp, I’d been nicknamed Shreddie.

Q: What do you do outside of camp?
A: I’m a student at Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford.  It’s so great! I’m in 2-3rd year of the Caregiving and Counseling Bachelor program.  I play violin and sing on the CBC worship band, and my sister and I lead a music team at our home church.  I also love spending time with friends!

Q: How long have you been coming to camp? How did you get involved?
A: Last summer was my first at Camp Douglas.  I was invited to be a cabin leader by Cheerio. Details and situations fell into place, and it divinely worked to spend some awesome weeks at camp.

Q: What is your most memorable ‘Camp Douglas moment’?
A: One of the last weeks I was at camp, Thistle, Snap and I and took our cabin to sleep on the porch of Lone Pine.  We shared testimonies and talked far into the night.  It was so incredible; listening to the ocean, spending time with our great group of girls, and knowing we were in the presence of our Creator.

Q: What is your favourite activity at camp?
A: I loved JAM (Jesus at Midnight) last year! Water front was also really great- the beach is so beautiful.  Fort building was fun too! So were the big wide games. Kitchen raids were also pretty exciting.  But camp fire was always a great way to end the day…

Q: What is a little known fact about yourself?
A: I love to travel! I spend a year in England, and had the opportunity to travel to Scotland, France, Greece, and Sweden.

Q: What is the last book that you read?
A: The Bible…I do go to a Bible college…

LIT #2 IS FULL!

It is with great excitement that we inform all of you that our 2nd LIT program of the 2011 summer season is FULL! We have a wonderful group of youth who will be up learning all about God & how to be a leader in a Christian community.

If you or someone you know would like to take part in the LIT program at Camp Douglas, the first program (running July 3-22) still has some spots! Register today at www.campdouglas.ca

Introducing Rugby!

Rugby is returning to the Camp Douglas team after a few years away. He will be keeping campers safe on the waterfront and serenading us with his favourite song, “traffic lights”. Read further to learn a little more on Ruggers.

Q: What is your camp name and why?
A: Rugby because I enjoy playing rugby. I traveled to Europe on a rugby tour and played teams from Wales and England.

Q: What do you do outside of camp?
A: I am hopefully entering a Master’s program in the fall in microbiology and immunology. Currently I am doing martial arts, helping at Calvin’s Youth Group, and teaching young children how to swim!

Q: How long have you been coming to camp? How did you get involved?
A: I have been attending camp since I was a small fry. My parents directed a camp at Camp Douglas way back in the day.

Q: What is your most memorable ‘Camp Douglas moment’?
A: As a camper, my cabin protested the cancellation of polar dip on the last day of the week. What started as a peaceful demonstration soon became a massive water fight in the shoes off room. The next day every single camper and staff attended polar dip!

Q: What is your favourite activity at camp?
A: Watermelon water polo- it’s slimy and a whole lot of fun!

Q: What is a little known fact about yourself?
A: I have traveled to twelve countries in total and hope to travel to a few more!
Q: What is the last book that you read?
A: Robert Jordan’s ‘Wheel of Time’

Introducing Pinky and Weezie!

Pinky and Weezie are joining the team again this year as our Head Chef and Administrator. Together they feed everyone via meals and tuck…both necessities at camp! This power-team is currently dominating the ‘social media field’ and promoting Camp Douglas to the nines! Read further to get to know these two a little better.

Q: What is your camp name and why?
A: Pinky, because I cut off the end of my pinky finger at my first camp dinner and had to go get 11 stitches to have it re-attached.
A: My camp name is Weezie…most people think I’m named for having asthma, but truth be told, I don’t have asthma! Growing up, by best friend’s Dad called me Weezie after I reminded him of a character from an old TV show and years later, the knickname is still current!

Q: What do you do outside of camp?
A: I am a freelance chef and I am planning to continue my education into Ministry. In my free time I love hiking and canoeing.
A: Outside of camp, I am a university student at Vancouver Island University. I am in my final semester and will graduate in June with my Bachelor’s degree in History. I am an RA in the residences and love it…it’s like camp all year round! As well, I enjoy the outdoors and stalking whales.

Q: How long have you been coming to camp? How did you get involved?
A: This will be my second year at camp. I have known about camp for many years but a friend from church told me they were looking for someone to run the kitchen last year and before you know it I was packing my knives and sailing up the coast.
A: I have been coming to Camp Douglas since 2003 when I attended as a youth camper. I completed LIT in 2004 and have been on staff since 2005. I got involved after my friend invited me up for youth…I am so thankful to be a part of this wonderful community.

Q: What is your most memorable ‘Camp Douglas moment’?
A: Sitting at the beach on a Friday night after intermediate 1 had ended and watching the sun set and the lights of Nanaimo sparkle. It was like watching a Roy Vickers painting in action…also pranking the staff… PINKY SUPRISE!!
A: There are soooo many moments that make me smile when I think about Camp Douglas and I definitely cannot name just one. A few are:

• being serenaded for an ENTIRE summer by the male staff (and the Jonas Brothers!), with weekly performances and embarrassments
• finally seeing the whale that visited all summer long last year….and driving up and down the sunshine coast following him!
• making the office a fun place to be (despite many people’s preconceived opinions) by incorporating ‘words of the day’ (ex. vacuum or sprightly) and ‘office parties’ into our weeks
• watching Speed (our director’s son) and Pinky play a prank on a fellow staff member and seeing the joy & excitement on Speed’s face

Q: What is your favourite activity at camp?
A: I love our sandy beach excursions. What could be better than ocean, sunshine, and cooking?!
A: My favourite camp activity is one that actually doesn’t occur AT camp. I have recently become heavily involved in the social media aspect of camp as well as promoting and planning. Not a lot of people think of the pre-planning that needs to be done for a successful summer and I have been very grateful to be a part of this hardworking team.

Q: What is a little known fact about yourself?
A: I secretly like airplane food….
A: Well, this may be known to some, but not to all…I’m heading to Europe for 4 1/2 weeks in just a few short days! I am taking part in a 3 week field school through VIU and will be learning all about World War One through visiting the memorials, touring museums, meeting Historians, researching soldiers, and of course, taking in the excitement of this whole experience. Through the field school we are visiting the countries of Germany, France, Belgium and Luxembourg. After the field school ends, I am staying for another 10 days and traveling to Northern Ireland, Austria, Italy and Holland! (stay tuned for a ‘Weezie in Europe’ post next month!)

Q: What is the last book that you read?
A: The last book I read was called ”The Winning Styles Cookbook” but hardly a literary great. However I did just finish “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini.
A: “The Postwar Yankees”…I had to read this for my History of Baseball class (well, currently madly trying to finish for class on Wednesday!) and it is quite dry, overly detailed and boring.

Introducing Twist!

Twist is taking the reigns again this summer as the assistant lifeguard and we are very pleased to welcome him back! We asked Twist some questions so you are able to get to know him a little better!

Q: What is your camp name and why?
A: My Camp name is Twist. I’m pretty sure Nitro started calling me Twist and everyone else figured that was my name so I kept it.

Q: What do you do outside of camp?
A: Outside of camp I play soccer, go to the gym and to school. In the summer I try to spend as much time as I have off of work at the beach with friends.

Q: How long have you been coming to camp? How did you get involved?
A: I just started coming to camp last year. I heard about camp through my minister and thought to myself “hey that sounds fun” and signed up. Turns out it was a good idea.

Q: What is your most memorable Camp Douglas moment?
A: There are a lot of great memories from camp but i would have to say my favorite one is kayaking during youth camp.

Q: What is your favourite activity at camp?
A: My favorite camp activity is sandy beach when the tide is way way out. The waves get really long and you can wade out so far it seems like you will be walking all the way to the island.

Q: What is a little known fact about yourself?
A: I enjoy country music. It’s not my fault I was given a cassette tape on my 8th birthday of the top 10 country songs since 1980 something.

Q: What is the last book that you read?
A: The last book I read was Grendel by John Gardner. Not recommended unless you are feeling deeply philosophical and want to be very confused for a very long time.

Camp Douglas Summer Staff 2011!

Camp Douglas has been busy behind the scenes hiring the finest camp staff around! Here’s who will be up this summer ready to rock your socks with activities galore, beach fun and lots of tuck!  Here’s just a few of the great people you will see working at Camp Douglas this summer … stay posted as we reveal some of your favorite Cabin Leaders and some other exciting positions now being filled at Camp Douglas …

Director: Rebecca “Bert” Simpson
Administrator: Lisa “Weezie” Hutchcroft
Head Chef: Janik “Pinky” Livera
Kitchen Assistant: Heather “TBA” Allan
Head Cabin Leader: Chris “Chuck” Brown
LIT: Sarah “Cheerio” Smith
LIT: Regard “Fez” Booy
Waterfront Director: David “Rugby” Fowler
Waterfront Assistant: John “Twist” Benckhuysen
First Aid: Laura “Tumbles” Eastwood
Program Director: Janet “Thistle” Eastwood
Worship Director: Sarah “Shreddie” Paulding

Please share your excitement with us and keep the staff in your thoughts and prayers in the months to come!