By Mike and Jack Bruce.

The Bruce family has enjoyed a long history at Camp Huronda. Before the Canadian Diabetes Association bought the camp property on the shores of Lake Waseosa, newly diagnosed 10-year-old Mike Bruce attended Camp Illahee in Cobourg, Ontario the summer of 1967. As a teenager, he tried out a two-week session at Camp Huronda on Lake Couchiching when the CDA rented the site for two weeks. At the age of 15, he heard about the CDA purchasing a camp near Huntsville, and in 1971, decided to give it a whirl with his brother Steve. Loved it, especially the canoeing and the trip into Algonquin Park, but chose not to return as a C.I.T . Too much drama! He returned as a counsellor in 1975 and kept returning for more than a decade as canoe instructor, C.I.T. coordinator and assistant director. Mike is now happily retired in Lindsay, Ontario.

Brother Pete started working at Camp Huronda in the kitchen. The next year, he became a C.I.T. after attending the Bark Lake Leadership Camp in the spring. For the next five years, he became a counsellor and then shared the Trip Hut/Horses area with Gary Bolt and Kay Hustwit. In the early 90s, he moved to Penticton B.C., and has enjoyed the fresh mountain air, skiing and being a Jack-of-many-trades ever since. Pete has always been a real nature buff and has very fond memories of his Huronda years.

That’s the story of my dad and uncles, Steve and Pete. Hi . . . Jack Bruce here. Growing up, the camp community had a big presence in the lives of me and Elana, my younger sister. Hearing Huronda stories from camp acquaintances who worked with Dad and Uncle Pete became family folklore. Without exception, camp folk were outgoing caring people, fun to spend time with, and blessed with Huronda magic.

Many years later, as a young teenager, I visited the camp infrequently, including the first few alumni weekends. These occasions were filled with reminiscing about the good old days, memories infused with an atmosphere of sharing, caring and daring. Eventually, I followed those early influences to grow outside my comfort zone and accept the position of general counsellor for the summer of 2023. During those four sessions, I chose to become a regular at Outdoor Living Skills (ODLS).

Moments that encapsulate my summer at Huronda include Concordia Day campfires, canoeing to the Beaver Dam, camping on the Ridge, and just having fun. I really liked playing hacky sack with kids outside the dining hall just before mealtimes. The best times were spent on rainy days when we stopped doing the regular program and skipped rocks at Leech Dock, soaked to the skin.

The presence of the Huronda community, the laughter, the friendship, the love, and the challenges continue to shape our lives and shake our brains‽‽

Your Friends of Camp Huronda,

Jack and Mike Bruce