Camp helps aboriginal kids reconnect with culture

Time at Grundy Lake offers a precious chance to learn, celebrate new, old traditions

GRUNDY LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK, ONT.— As the sun sets over the lake and darkness descends, flames flicker in the fireplace in the centre of a teepee. The light casts shadows of animals — bears, deer, wolves, as well as turtles, loons, martins, cranes and sturgeon cutouts in the wrought iron — that dance across the walls.

Grundy Lake camp is a magical place for city children of aboriginal ancestry, where they can get back to nature in the deep woods of northern Ontario and connect with their culture, says camp director Greg Flynn.

Like other camps, Grundy Lake offers a wide variety of programs for kids, some of them in the care of Native Child and Family Services, in child protection with the agency or attending First Nations School of Toronto. Kids from the community are also welcome. There’s so much to do, including arts and crafts, swimming, canoeing and hiking, as well as making and cherishing friendships.

But there’s more at the heart of the camp, where traditional teachings and languages are heard as young people explore the flora, fauna and wildlife during medicine walks in the woods. There’s native drumming and traditional songs sung around the campfire as well as time for meditation and sharing in the sweat lodge. Children learn to respect their roots, the surroundings, those around them and beyond.

At the same time, they’re acquiring valuable leadership skills as they build confidence in a safe and supportive environment, Flynn says.

“Camp is really necessary — in the backdrop of history and the loss of our culture and identity,” says Flynn, who is spending his 18th summer at Grundy Lake, dedicated to the children and teaching them the traditional way of life.

“It’s had a big impact on our camp- ers and connected them to their culture. The Fresh Air Fund has been awesome, not just with funds but getting the word out about our camp and the work we’re doing. This is a great source of pride for us.”

The on-the-land program is lifechanging for many of the youth, who shed their tough, street-kid facçdes and open up to the beauty of their surroundings. “It becomes a home away from home for them,” Flynn says, adding that former campers are now bringing their children to Grundy Lake, where bannock as well as marshmallows are roasted round the campfire, and where old and new traditions are celebrated. If you have been touched by the Fresh Air Fund or have a story to tell, email lferenc@thestar.ca or phone 416-869-4309.