Veterans enjoy trip north to summer camp

By Sally Fur

Muskoka sunsets, sing-a-longs by a roaring campfire, toasting marshmallows and fishing off the dock, were just a few of the experiences that thirty-one Sunnybrook veterans enjoyed on the annual trip north to summer camp in June.

Since 1995, Sunnybrook veterans have enjoyed this four day, three night exciting adventure, which takes them to back to their youth while at the CNIB Lake Joseph Centre in beautiful cottage country.

The freeing nature of camp, unstructured routine and opportunity for choice allows for true relaxation and restoration. Partnering with Sunnybrook were fifteen veterans from Parkwood Hospital in London. Since 2005, veterans of the two facilities have joined together for this extraordinary camp vacation on Lake Joe.

The veterans were accompanied by an interprofessional team that included nursing, recreational therapy, music and art therapy. Highlights of this year's camp included a 60's flower power party, pontoon boat rides, art therapy sessions, an Irish pub night, shuffleboard, card games, paddle boating, bocce ball, and music therapy by the lake.

Camp is calming, therapeutic, and rejuvenating all at the same time. There is no question that summer camp is beneficial for youth and similarly for the veteran residents, where the average age of those attending camp is 90.

Fresh air, birds chirping in the treetops, a stroll by the water and experiencing the wonders of nature is a dream, come true for these seniors!

The camp trip is generously sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion's Tri-District Hospital Committees ABC, DEF and the Legion's Fort York Branch #165. Without their continued support, this initiative would not be possible.