Quin-Mo-Lac's Alumni Newsletter

Our camping family has overwhelmed us with their enthusiasm for all things Quin-Mo-Lac this year. Camper registrations arrived faster than we have ever seen and almost all of the camper spots have been snapped up by eager parents and children who are ready for an adventure this summer. At the time of this issue's release, there are only a handful of spots left in our Coed 7 camp.

Waitlists are available for any week of the summer and families are encouraged to get their child's name added as soon as possible. Names are contacted in order of when they are added to the waitlist once a camper cancels and a spot opens up. Click here to register for Coed 7 or add your name to a waitlist.

Ahead of the summer, there are lots of exciting things happening around camp. Our Precamp team will arrive next week for the Outdoor Ed season and we have lots of projects on the go before summer. Take a peek below at just a few of the things that are happening at camp.

I've been asked to give a brief update on the Board's plans for upgrading our septic and water treatment systems. Although everything is in good working order, we are taking prudent steps to comply with current Ministry of the Environment (M.O.E.) standards and to avoid an unforeseen emergency that would jeopardize the operations of our spring and summer programs.

We have a five-year plan approved by the M.O.E. to make improvements to our five systems (Dining Hall, Camp Washrooms, Pretoria/Chaplain's Cabin, Kanata & Zufelt Lodge). Although the Board has carefully prepared to spread the improvements over a reasonable timeline, this work represents a sizeable financial commitment.

By sharing with our larger Camp community, we are hoping there may be some contacts or leads out there that could help offset our costs in a significant way. Perhaps infrastructure grants for non-profits, a major corporate or private donor, bequests from individuals or even a dedicated fundraising effort from a group. If you have ideas, please contact camp.

Peter Mouncey, Property Chair

Each year, some eager beavers come to camp for our Camp Clean up and help us kick off our spring season with a burst of energy. This year's clean up will be held on Saturday, May 6th. We could use help with raking, washing windows, sweeping cabins, dishwashing, or any other task you would prefer. We don't want to wear anyone out and many hands make light work.

9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Snack & lunch is provided

Please send an RSVP to kids@campqml.org so we will know to set a place for you at the table.

Quin-Mo-Lac's Alumni Committee and our Precamp Staff will once again host an Open House at camp on June 10th, 2023.

The camp's pool will be open, and some activity areas will be set up for you to try. Its the perfect chance for nervous parents and excited campers to get a sneak peek at where they will be staying this summer, meet the staff and try out an activity or two.

11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

A canteen will be open for anyone to purchase a snack or a BBQ lunch

As a special treat, QML Alumnus and super talented photographer, Maggie Knickle is booking private photo sessions for you and your family at Quin-Mo-Lac. Gather your clan or a few forever friends and pick your favourite spot at camp for a custom photo shoot. Don't miss out on this magical opportunity to enjoy her unique skills. Click the button below to see her rates and book your session.

Quin-Mo-Lac's Leadership Program, formerly known as the Counsellor in Training or Leader in Training program, is the key to our future. By scooping up enthusiastic individuals as they are aging out of their camper years and giving them the type of training we want in our staff, we have ability to shape our teams for years to come. Each summer, we bolster our C.I.T. and L.I.T. numbers with fresh faces who are new to camp. This year we need to capture a few of those candidates who lost contact during the pandemic shutdown and encourage even more newcomers to the program.

CIT's and LIT's are turning 15 years old this year (by Dec 31st, 2023) and have a genuine interest in developing their leadership potential. They should enjoy working with children and spending time in the outdoors. Camp experience is not required, but a positive attitude is essential. If you know someone who fits this description, please ask them to apply to the Leadership program this year. Campership funds are being used to help offset the costs of the program to make it accessible to all.

The CIT program is two weeks in length and all candidates will have the opportunity to earn their Emergency First Aid & Bronze Medallion (or Cross) swimming certifications during their time at camp. The LIT program is one week long and participants will earn their Emergency First Aid during that time. Graduates of the Leadership Program often return to camp the following summer and become the kind of camp counsellors who can make a difference.

If you know of a young person who would enjoy this type of opportunity, please encourage them to apply. Applicants will attend a fun "Interview Day" at camp on May 27th, 2023 and successful candidates will be placed into one of three CIT sessions or one LIT session. Please contact camp if you have any questions at all.

We knew being shut down for two summers could cause a gap in our staffing momentum and we are working hard to reestablish as strong a reliable base to see us into the future. We are so pleased with the staff team we have put together so far, but we need some assistance in filling some of the last few roles.

• Volunteer Counsellors (must be 16 or 17 yrs old)
• Maintenance Director (must be 18 year's old with a strong work ethic)
• CRATIO Activities Director (must be 18 years old, Bronze Cross)

Do you know a young person who is seeking meaningful work this summer? Does your work bring you in contact with someone who might be a good fit for our program?

In order to prepare for this year, we are interviewing new applicants and preparing to run an online Spring MasterClass for any new recruits to our counselling team. Interested candidates should visit our website as soon as possible and submit an application. Interviews will be scheduled right away and the online MasterClass will begin in May.

Every year, while we carry on with our busy lives, there are those in our camp family who are struggling with illness, aging, the loss of loved ones and other challenges. This past month has made us all too aware that we need to celebrate the gifts we have been given and make the most of whatever time we have been granted. With this in mind, we want to take a few minutes to recognize the passing of some folks who gave of themselves to help make Quin-Mo-Lac what it is today. Whether their contributions were behind the scenes or up front for all to see, recent or many years ago, their impact on the camp community will resonate for years to come.

Thank you and Shalom,

• Don Leslie (from the earliest days of QML's story, Don's business sense set the bar for a smart & savvy management approach)
• Jennifer Cole (Family Camper 1992-2004, Camp Treasurer 2004 - 2017, Jennifer was a great supporter of camp and through her enthusiastic participation and thoughtful leadership she always had the camp's best interests in mind)
• Warren Davis (best known for his unforgettable role as the infamous Gilagalucci Bird, Warren's camp story began in the late 60's and continued throughout many decades as camper, staff, Family Camper)

A heartfelt thank you is also shared to those of you who have made donations to the camp in memory of a loved one.

Hidden within each issue, there will be at least one photograph that contains a camouflaged image of one of Quin-Mo-Lac's beloved ralph cans. If you spot it, send an email to us at kids@campqml.org to tell us where you spotted the image.

Congratulations to Meg Squarebriggs, Meghan Genge, & Christine Rupert for being the first to find the hidden gems in our last issue. Special mention should also go to Ken Hancock, Daniel McKague and Susan Sullivan for being very close seconds! Seriously folks, you have to be fast to be first!

The QML Alumni Newsletter is meant to bring together everyone who holds a special place for Quin-Mo-Lac in their hearts. Each camp journey is important and we would love to share yours. If you have a funny story, a special memory, a query about the camp’s history or even just a spark of an idea to share… we want to hear from you. Submissions can be sent to us at kids@campqml.org. A free gift will be sent to those who take the time to send us a story, so please be sure to update your mailing address with us. Pictures are always welcome too!