As per usual, we had an incredible turnout and a record-setting amazing time at September Camp this year. Between all of the activities – Canoeing, Sailing, Archery, High Ropes, Yoga, Tennis, Casino Night, Council Ring and the Auction, paired with the cocktail parties in the Bantam Bay and on the Mountaineer dock, and accompanied by the sounds of singing voices across the lake during nightly campfires – what else could any one of us have asked for?

Campers, after a summer of hard work and play, you brought an energy to the camp that was so rejuvenating.  It was an absolute pleasure spending our days getting to know each and every one of you.

I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all of our staff who worked so hard to ensure that our guests were enjoying themselves as much as possible.  In addition to the CIT’s and Program Staff, thank you to Hugh and Dave for again being great Directors.

We are all looking forward to seeing you next year!

Same time, same place, old friends.

TSC’s canoe shop is the house of our camp’s essence.  The shop was first run by Stan Murdoch, then handed over to Bill Statten and has been in the hands of Dave Stanfield since 1979 and his right hand man, Dave Statten.  TSC prides itself for its canoeing program, so it is no surprise that today, we remain one of the only camps that designs and makes our own canoes on-site.

There are other camp’s that design their own canoe’s but not like ours.  There are over 200 canoes between Wapomeo and Ahmek and 170 of those are Cedar Strip.  By having our two canoe builders on site, they are able to produce canoes year-round.  In a dream world, both Dave’s “hope to see the main docks filled with beautiful blonde canoes” with a mix between Cedar Strips and Chestnuts.  However, with the damages done by use and age, the two are swamped by the work it takes to keep each one in shape according to their high standard of quality and beauty.  Each canoe that is brought in off the dock is water tested, stripped of its canvas and then patched according to its need.  Canoe repair on its own takes up the majority of their time.

There are constantly orders not only in camp but coming from outside our shores for canoes.  It is difficult for Dave and Dave to keep up with the demand but somehow manage to do so with the help of some campers and our staff.  Cutting the material to make new canoes is another big part of the job and each attainment of wood allows eight to ten canoes worth.  Last year they were able to produce five new canoes and it is looking like we are going to get three done this year.

The Algonquin Special is a special mould that was designed by and for TSC.  Stan Murdoch takes credit for its design mixing Peterborough and Chestnut wood.  Each summer, there are one or two Algonquin Special’s made.  Campers are invited throughout the summer from both camps to complete the project.  At the end of each summer, Ahmek and Wap alternate who receives this beautiful new canoe.  Everything is so mass produced these days that it is neat to know that this canoe was built specifically for this camp by the people who live here.

By getting campers involved in the construction of canoes and having an open door policy around the shop, Dave and Dave are able to educate each camper about our canoes.  “There is such a sense of pride we should have for this place” and this pride comes from our unique culture of canoe tripping.  We are all proud, and it is important to maintain this sense of pride and ownership, love and respect for each canoe, says Dave Standfield.  It is only with education that we can instill this pride in each TSC member.  And with pride, comes the desire to support the expansion of our shop and our ability to increase our productivity.

In a dream world, Dave and Dave will be able to build a shop big enough to introduce a craft and wood working program that campers can participate in.  One can only imagine the productivity that would come out of this program with the right tools and facility to hold multiple canoes and people at one time.  Not only would productivity increase but in turn, people will realize that what we have here is incredibly special.  With this desire, we ask those alumnae, current campers and staff to voice their support of this goal.

We are insanely lucky to have these canoes and the ability to continue to construct them.  The woodwork is absolutely beautiful and we need to continue to invest our time and money into this never-ending venture that makes our camp what it is today.

Dave and Dave, thank you for your endless hours of hard work and dedication to making these traditional, stunning works of art.Click to view slideshow.

Needless to say, the month was incredible.

Click to view slideshow.

Gray, a fifteen-year camp veteran, never thought in his wildest dreams that he would be the canoeing instructor for the 2010 summer. However, there was an opening for the August session and Drew was more than willing to fill the need.

“I was honored that they would think that I was capable of taking on the task,” said Gray.

With that attitude, Gray has breathed new life into the canoeing program.  The older campers, such as the Voyageurs, have spent their time perfecting their J-stroke as well as their canoe flipping skills. In contrast, the younger campers have found joy in just the basics of canoeing.

“I loved the dump test,” said Matthew Tenai, a Bantam from Toronto, Ontario. “We dumped our canoes and had to swim them back to safety.”

Gray says his philosophy strives to combine the fundamentals of canoeing with fun activities that will keep the campers interested and active throughout the period.

“The best way to learn is by practicing out in the water, but also a key factor is to have fun while your doing it,” said Gray.

This practice has not only helped the campers, but also the section directors who ran canoeing class for the majority of July.

“Gray’s commitment to the canoeing program and evident preparation has resulted in a more enjoyable time for everyone,” said the Mountaineer Section Director Andrew Quinlan.

Brilliant canoeing skills have been a staple of the Taylor Statten Camps for nearly 90 years and Gray is proud to pass on that tradition.

“Passing on my love for the canoe and paddling to the campers means everything to me,” said Gray.

Like we say every summer, we can’t believe that July has come to an end this quickly! On the 29th we said goodbye to the July campers. It was a wonderful month with beautiful weather. Between making bracelets in Arts and Crafts, achieving levels in Swim/Canoe, making bowls in pottery, learning to sail, going on canoe trip, doing yoga, and performing in lip syncs, shownights and plays, this month could not have been filled with more activity and energy!!!

It was hard to say goodbye to everyone on Saturday but we hope that you enjoyed your month at TSC!

See you next year!!!!