Directors Letter

Dear Parents: Every summer, we are entrusted with the well being of hundreds of children. We take this responsibility very seriously, and we also feel tremendous gratitude for the faith parents of Oconto campers place in us. We are the parents of two children and we understand what it means to trust in others for their care and safety. We are absolutely committed to making sure Oconto campers are safe, feel welcome, and are given every opportunity to thrive.

Camp is a wonderful opportunity for girls to have a great time and learn skills like canoeing, tennis and swimming. These are all valuable things, but we believe camp should be much more. Camp Oconto provides an opportunity to learn life skills. Campers develop new friendships and they learn to get along with people of many different backgrounds and personalities. They learn to have a positive outlook, to give of themselves and to appreciate nature. Camp Oconto is a place where young girls can truly be themselves, and realize new potential.

Lisa

Lisa's parents took over Oconto from its original owner in 1949, and Lisa and her husband Bruce took over Oconto in 1982. Perhaps the youngest Oconto camper ever, Lisa arrived at the camp at the age of three months.

Lisa earned her degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo, she has taught outdoor education at every level fro elementary through to University courses and is an active volunteer with the Ontario Camps Association. She is a past President of the Society of Camp Directors and has been a Board member of the O.C.A. Lisa has broadened her experiences with volunteer commitments with Sick Childrens' and Markham Stouffville Hospital, Victim Services, Evergreen Hospice in Markham.

Keenly interested in the lives of her campers, Lisa often continues close contact with Oconto families throughout the winter, and has helped several families with sensitive issues and through difficult times.

Bruce

Bruce also earned his degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo. He is a certified hockey trainer and coached many years in the local hockey association, and was also the Chairman of the Board at the local church. He has worked on many different committees of the Ontario Camping Association, and is an active fellow of the Society of Camp Directors.

Lisa and Bruce Wilson have been the directors of Oconto since 1982. They have two children, and Camp Oconto is their full-time occupation and lifetime love. Together Lisa and Bruce share a deep concern for today's youth and strive to give campers and staff alike the tools to be the leaders of tomorrow. They feel privileged to have the opportunity to work so closely with so many young people, and they take this responsibility seriously. Sensitive to and conscious of the challenges and issues affecting youth today they train staff through effective awareness programs to provide hands-on support for our campers.