I attended Camp Opemikon for a week on Christie Lake near Ottawa. I believe it was the summer of 1960 when I was 10 years old. I have some badges and banners to prove it. It would have been my first or second extended stay away from home.
I was in Boy Cubs then along with childhood friends Charles and Bill. The 80 hectare camp, run by Scouts Canada is still going strong and is one of the best in Canada.
I learned to swim and got to shoot a Daisy BB rifle during target practice. We took archery lessons, sang songs around the campfire and swatted mosquitoes. I remember a bell was rung at meal times which is still in use today apparently. Charles, Bill and I attended weekly Cub meetings at D. Roy Public School on Woodroffe Avenue in Ottawa’s west end during the regular school year.
I remember a fellow camper spilled some hot chocolate on his leg and screamed out in pain. Not exactly sure if this was at Camp Opemikon or on another ocassion. Must have learned to sing Kumbaya there.
I liked the camp fires and swimming. I remember sending a post card home and may have received a reply from Mom and Dad. That is the extent of my fond and not so fond recollections.
In 1961 we moved up to Scouts. And in 1961 and 62 I went to Frontier Ranch summer camp near Arnprior.
Boy Scout circa 1962.
Feeling blessed to have had a healthy childhood.
