March 29, 2006 • Camp Tanamakoon brings smiles to Chrysalis children
Huntsville Forester — By Tracy Nita Pender
An Algonquin Park camp famous for teaching girls the value of long-lasting friendships has formed its own friendship with the Chrysalis women’s shelter, creating The Camp Tanamakoon Children’s Room.
The Camp Tanamakoon Charitable Foundation donates to deserving women and children’s charities across the region, with groups including Big Brothers, Cinnamon Toast House and Sheena’s Place benefitting from the group’s generosity. With a two-year funding commitment to Chrysalis, the foundation was given naming rights of the women’s shelter’s children’s room.
“We tend to choose smaller charities, ones that operate where the rubber hits the road, so to speak,” said camp owner and director Kim Smith. “Volunteer assistance and running programming at the facility are also things we would like to look into in the future.”
Camp Tanamakoon, which in a Native American language means ‘hail fellow, well met,’ operates out of Algonquin Park. Started by Mary G. Hamilton, then-principal of the Margaret Eaton School in Toronto, in 1925, the camp fosters environmental education and traditional values.
At this wildly popular camp, participants engage in activities ranging from canoe tripping to backpacking and from theatre to the arts, to name a few. Regular campers range in age from seven to 16 and a kindercamp program exists for campers aged four to six years as well.
For further information on the camp, space availability and other
programs, please visit www.tanamakoon.com or call 705-633-5543.
Camp Tanamakoon and the Smiths’ also operate Bartlett Lodge on Cache Lake, a popular dining and accommodation spot for many local residents and cottagers.
“The importance of contributing to local commitments and providing volunteer service is something we try to foster within our campers, who come from all over the world,” said Smith. He continued, “We saw the chance to help with the Chrysalis children’s room as a great way to give back to the community.”
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