Posts are listed in chronological order based on date of posting – newest posts first.
Two custom-made wooden tables were located between the T-learners and the Basketball Court.
They were built for the use of swim club members. Because they were within the fenced pool area, they were not accessible to campers.
In hindsite, I should have had the fence moved so these could be used! Never thought of it for some reason.
Date uncertain. Likely 1970s.
With few exceptions, sending messages within the camp was a manual process.
Most messages originated in the main office as a result of communication with parents.
There were two methods of sending messages within camp. If the message was not urgent, a “TO/RE” form would be posted on the Supervisors Board in the office. The Supervisors routine required them to visit the office regularly at which time these messages were collected.
In the case of an urgent message, a “runner” (a member of the office staff) would be used to look for the recipient. The “runner” was an actual summer position in the office – typically someone over 14 who wanted to work at camp, but was too young to work as a counsellor.
Although they also assisted with administration, they would be the first person called upon to run errands since they were the least critical to operations.
Although most messages went to Supervisors, some needed to go to a specific counsellor. In these cases, the office referred to a master schedule which could often help the runner locate the cabin wherever they might be.
Telephones
There were several exceptions to the manual systems since telephone lines were installed during the summer in the Kitchen, Nurse’s Office and Swim Office. Each had a different number so the office could use them to communicate with these areas in order to pass information.
If a unit happened to be at Lunch or Swim, the Supervisor could often be tracked down by calling the Kitchen or Swim Office. This would eliminate the need to send out a runner.
Wireless Communication
Beginning in the late 70s, walkie talkies were used by the hill and parking lot staff during arrival and departure of buses. At first, 3 units were rented, but in 1986 the number was increased to 6. In 1988, the number was increased to 12 allowing each Supervisor to have their own during the day. Obviously this was a game changer.
It should be noted that cell phones were uncommon until the early 1990s. Jennifer had one in 1986. Jay had one starting in 1987 to manage transportation, These were “brick” phones which sold for over $1,000 at the time. Airtime was 25 cents per minute!
The Intermediate Unit Area was located near Central Supply. The unit name was changed to Pioneers in the early 1970s and the unit was moved down the road, beyond Sr. Arts & Crafts.
The unit area had a formal entrance with a sign hanging between two birch posts.
The sale and/or development of the camp property was considered more than once.
In 1970, Bert made a proposal to North York Council regarding the sale of the property. The details about this proposal are unknown. Indeed, it was surprising to learn about this from the minutes of the November 23, 1970 North York Council meeting:
In 1981, a request for a zoning amendment was made to North York Council to permit the redevelopment of the site into a subdivision of 40 homes. It was not approved:
In 1985, Bert began negotiating the sale of the property with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority who had been leasing the property from him for outdoor education during the school year. An agreement was reached in 1986 which included a provision to allow the camp to complete its existing lease, which ran through the summer of 1993.
The negotiated sale price was $3,500,000. Considering the rising cost of real estate in the city, this is roughly $35,000,000 in today’s market.
The annual lease for the camp was $18,000 (approximately $47,200 today).
In 1992, there were discussions with the Conservation Authority about renewing the camp lease. The lease rate offered was considered to be excessive. This was one of the reasons why the camp ceased operations after the summer of 1993.
Cabins were first built in the Peewee Unit in 1967.
Zoolu and Jetson cabins were built in 1968.
1968: 8 new cabins. Plus Jr. A&C:
Jetson Cabins:
The only remaining Jetson cabin (closest to the parking lot) in 2020:
Zoolo Cabin (1982):
There were two sets of shuffleboard courts built for the use of the Swim Club patrons. The first set was built adjacent to the I-Pool:
Two more were added later beside the T-Learner Pools.
Beginning in the 1970s, a number of specialty camps were developed. The longest-lasting was Tennis Camp. These were offered on a weekly basis.
Others included:
Teen Town (1980s)
Computer Camp (1980s)
Hockey Camp (1970s)
Baseball Camp (1980s)
Transferred from 8 mm film. Silent.
Forest Valley Day Camp 1956 - 1993 