Campout marks end of Girl Guides year

The 6th Paris Guides were at Camp Teka last weekend for the end of year camp themed ‘It’s a Mystery!” A total of 18 registered girls, three Guiders and four volunteer moms enjoyed the beautiful weather, exploring a variety of activities, games and campfire rituals! To the right the 6th Paris Guides try to guess what’s in the ‘mystery box.’

Photos submitted by Corrinne McClure

Camp Teka, one of the last remaining Girl Guides Camps in Ontario located in Paris, Ontario

The name “Tekahionwake” was selected through a contest held in 1952. The word means “laughing waters” and was chosen in memory of Pauline Johnson. The camp opened in 1950, on 17 acres near Paris, north of Brantford.

Renovations and construction projects took place throughout the 1960s and 1970s In 1998 a fire devastated portions of Camp Teka’s permanent infrastructure.

Camp isn’t always about fun and games. The 6th Paris Guides learned a bit about fire safety during their stay at Camp Teka.

The Grand River Conservation Authority advised that developments in the surrounding area could encircle Camp Teka with subdivisions and gravel pits. Relocation of Camp Teka was considered, but it was decided to remain at the Paris location In 2007, the camp received a Trillium Grant, which allowed further renovations to upgrade the existing structures.

-As presented on Girl Guides Canada Website

The 2nd Paris Pathfinders had a blast during their year-end campout at Camp Impeesa last weekend. Ten Pathfinders, one Spark and two Leaders enjoyed the Rainbow themed camp (group pictured below)

Photos by Annette Wight

Help Burford Optimist Club fundraise for new skate park for kids

With plans to build in 2024, this new skate park will be a great addition to the Burford Community Centre Park!

After conducting community surveys online and hosting in person public consultation meetings, The Burford Optimist Club was pleased to share 3D designs of the new park, which incorporate the feedback received from community members. The new skate park’s location will be close to where the current skate park area is, with the basketball court being relocated to the multi-use court area behind the arena.

With the old basketball area relocated, there will be new green space between the splash pad and pavilion, to give easy access between the two. The new skate park area will be positioned a bit further away from the playground, with armour stone to help provide some separation. There will be a skate park seating area on the far side (ball diamond side).

The new skate park will be all concrete, with fun and challenging features for beginner riders as well as intermediate and advanced. Fundraising is in high gear, with plans to close the gap to $400,000 by this fall To date the project has raised $265,440.

To help the Optimists reach their full fundraising goal, a silent auction is open now until Monday June 26th . Snag some great deals and help support the project. Click here to visit the online auction and place your bid!

For 42 years, the Burford Optimist Club has been supporting the community through donations to local youth organizations. The Burford Skate Park will be the club’s biggest project since the splash pad 15 years ago!

3D Designs for the new Burford Skate park were unveiled this week by the Burford Optimist Club. The new park will be located near the existing one and construction is expected to begin in 2024.