New Residents at WDMH

 

Time travel is very possible for children aged 8-17.

Every year, children travel from across the region, across the province, across the country, across the continent and even across the globe, to attend one of the most unique summer camp experiences available anywhere. 

Upper Canada Village’s Time Travellers Historical Discovery Camp has been offered since the 1990s. Nine week-long camps take place every summer with room to accommodate 30 campers per week. Time Travellers is for boys and girls ages 9 to 14.

“This camp really appeals to a wider geographic range than just the local region,” says Bruce Henbest, coordinator for interpretation at Upper Canada Village, who recently spoke with The Leader about this popular and long-running youth program offered annually at Upper Canada Village.

The program started in the 1990s, has grown in popularity since its inception and has a high rate of return for those children who attend the camp. The bulk of the campers come from Ontario, and particularly the Ottawa area, but they do draw a significant number from Toronto, Montreal, and have had campers come from the U.S., even Hawaii, and from Europe (France).

“A lot of our campers have come back year after year for five years,” said Henbest. “I think that recurring appeal says a lot about the program.”

“This is such a unique program, that we are fortunate to be able to offer,” he said, explaining that other living history museums in the U.S., no longer offer this type of opportunity.

“Upper Canada Village is such a magical setting, particularly in the evenings,” said Henbest, explaining that the campers have the opportunity to enjoy the village after closing. The setting and the unique 1860s experiences offered along with the camaraderie of a week-long camp make the Time Travellers experience unforgettable and unlike anything else out there.

Throughout the six day, five night camp, children stay in historic buildings that are set up as residences that are not open to the public. The buildings are outfitted with period furnishings, but have modern washroom and shower facilities. During orientation they are fitted with period clothing that they wear throughout the day when they are led through a range of activities in large or small groups that may include helping out in the kitchens of the homes or in the barns. 

The authentic 1860s experiences could have the campers helping prepare a meal, milking a cow, feeding farm animals, or helping out the various tradespeople within the village. They too could participate in leisure activities such as painting or scroll working, which would have been popular 1860s leisure activities. The campers even attend school, 1860s style. “The hands-on opportunities we provide here are pretty unique,” said Henbest. The days are structured, but the evenings are filled with fun and games and campfires. 

There are a few spaces available in the Time Travellers program this month. (Anyone interested should call 1-800-437-2233 or 613-543-4328 as soon as possible for details.)

Time Travellers is one a number of youth programs offered at Upper Canada Village.

This year, for younger children, aged 8-11 is the new “Time Travellers Try-a-camp”. It is a three day version of Time Travellers, running from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. 

Like Time Travellers participants wear authentic costumes and take on the role of a child in the 19th century community.

Young Interpreters, another of the youth programs offered, provides more of a day-camp experience. For those ages 10-15, they come to Upper Canada Village for six days over two consecutive weekends to help portray life in the 1860s. For those 15-17 there is a senior youth interpreter program.

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September 16 2012, 200 years to the day after the War of 1812 First Engagement Along Front Toussaint’s (Toussand’s) Island was fought by the 1st Dundas Regiment and 1st Grenville Regiment, Sedentary Militia of Upper Canada, Royal Newfoundland Regiment, a couple of dozen people, some of whom are directly descended from those who fought that day, gathered at the site to for a small commemoration ceremony.

The ‘Battle of Matilda’ site is marked as a historic area within South Dundas and is located just west of Iroquois at the edge of the St. Lawrence River at Galop Lane.

The event was organized by a small but dedicated committee comprised of SD&G Highlanders Honorary Colnel (ret’d) William J. Shearing, Carol Thompson Goddard and Kimberley Baldwin McInnis.

To mark the anniversary of the engagement, also known at The Battle of Matilda, a group of Highlanders marched to the site for the small ceremony, which included information about Toussaint’s Island and an account of the battle which had two casualties.

Following words from the dignitaries on hand, who included Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MP Guy Lauzon, MPP Jim McDonell and South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds and Major Jim Mills of the Highlanders, floral tributes were laid at the shoreline and a moment of silence was held for those Canadians who gave of themselves in 1812 and in the 200 years since.

Members of the 1812 Grenville Militia reenactment group, led by Captain John Zaluska fired three times towards the American side.

Lauzon pointed out that battles like this one were pivotal in the rich history of our country which was built on ordinary people doing extraordinary things. 

The loyalists took up arms to fight for their homeland. “They faced great hardships and fought fiercely to keep what they had,” said McDonell.

Major Mills spoke about the present saying, “I am constantly amazed by what I see. Today I see you people here, these busy dignitaries who have taken the time to be here and these re-enactors who have invested their time, effort and money in perpetuating the past. You have all taken time out of your day, 200 years later to commemorate this event. On behalf of the SD&G Highlanders I thank you for that.”

The organizers thanked the participants and attendees for their recognition of this local historical event which is part of the fabric of our National history.

In addition to his participation in this event, Mayor Byvelds urged everyone to take in other events that will take place over the next year. “This is a very important year of commemoration,” said Byvelds.

[…]

 

For most of us, the holiday season is a time of celebration with lots of great food. But for some families it can be a challenging time for the simple reason that there is not enough food to go around.

That’s why Kraft Food for Families is supporting local food banks across Canada this holiday season.

Show your support between November 3, 2011 and January 31, 2012, just add your name. It is as easy as going to www.kraftassists.ca and entering your name to support us.  If we get 1000 names the House of Lazarus will receive $1000, and Kraft Food Canada will donate $1 to your choice of 1 of 30 local food banks.  

With choosing The House of Lazarus you will be helping us to stock our shelves with much needed food.

Together, we can help make the holidays easier for everyone.

Any questions contact Kim or Elaine at the House of Lazarus, 613-989-3830.

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