We are very excited at becoming involved with Camp Wendake and getting to know everyone involved. First off let us tell you this.... WE LOVE CAMP! Not only do we both come from camp backgrounds - attending, volunteering, and working - but we believe in the joy that is camp. Whether you are a child or an adult there is something special about summer camp. Lasting friendships are formed and forever memories are created. After meeting with the Camp Wendake governance committee we could tell immediately the impact Camp Wendake has had on so many people. We look forward to meeting everyone and to creating new friendships and new memories this summer. Let us tell you a bit about ourselves.
Denise (Dee) Beaumont
My background is in Therapeutic Recreation working for a range of social service agencies over the years including: the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, The Donwood Institute, the Easter Seal Society, and as an Education Assistant for the Lambton Kent District School Board. My camping history includes working at the CNIB Lake Joseph Centre in Parry Sound, Camp Arrowhead in Innisfil, the Easter Seal Camp Program, and the Reach for the Rainbow integration camp program. Don and I met while working for the CNIB - at camp ! We have always talked about returning to the camping world in some capacity and were so excited when we saw the Camp Wendake search for Director.
Don Seymour
I am the Executive Director of WOTCH Community Mental Health Services in London and have been in the position for just over a year. Before moving to London I was the ED. at Lambton County Developmental Services based in Petrolia. I have worked in Social Services my entire career. My love of Camp began when I was 17 when I was hired as a camp counselor at a place called Branchton Camp. This was a camp for persons with developmental disabilities. After university I became full-time director of Branchton and then moved onto the CNIB Lake Joseph Centre, a summer resort for persons who are blind or visually impaired – where as Dee said – we met. Both Dee and I are incredibly honoured to be chosen as the new directors of Camp Wendake and look forward to a wonderful week at the end of summer on the shores of Lake Huron.
