Campers soak up the sun on Shadow Lake
Retreat offers disabled youth raft of friends and memories
STOUFFVILLE, ONT.— The sound of beating drums echoes across Shadow Lake, the tap, tap, tapping commanding attention.
Chris Beddoe joins the chorus, keeping time as his fingers hit the taut skin covering the drum. He smiles, happy to be with his friends at Shadow Lake Centre for a much-deserved vacation from life’s daily rhythms. Just being there makes him happy. Owned and operated by Community Living Toronto, the centre is a summer retreat for those with intellectual disabilities. Some may also have physical challenges. Wheelchairs, walkers, braces and canes are as much part of the landscape as the sandy beach, campfire circle, music cabin and canoes. Nothing can get in the way of a great summer getaway.
Beddoe has called Shadow Lake his favourite retreat for16 years and simply can’t imagine spending time away anywhere else. “I have a lot of friends here,” he says. “I love the staff, they’re my good friends.”
Beddoe has also met someone special at Shadow Lake and says Katie Buunk is “my soulmate, my destiny.”
His words make her smile. They’re looking forward to the Canada Day fireworks, which will be among the highlights of the week.
It’s those lasting friendships and memorable experiences that are among the reasons Beddoe returns year after year. He also likes the activities, including boating and the famous lake swim from the beach to recently retired centre director Gary Ouellette’s house and back. It takes stamina and willpower but the reward is priceless: bragging rights. The secret to success is taking to the water when it’s nice and warm at the start, Beddoe says.
He also enjoys arts and crafts, but this summer’s project — a zipper bracelet made of gold and black plas- tic string — is giving him a bit of trouble. “It’s not easy,” he says.
Good thing he’s got plenty of time to master it.
Carolynn Robins is at Shadow Lake for the second time: her second vacation ever. She’s enjoying the sunny afternoon, working on her largeprint word search puzzle. After days of rain, the lake water is too chilly for her liking.
Robins is looking forward to receiving her official Shadow Lake T-shirt and baseball cap. It means she’s part of the family, and that’s a thrill.
“It’s blue,” she says of the shirt. “I’m going to show it to all my friends at home. I live in a home in Peterborough. Do you know how to spell that, because it’s hard for some people.”
Like the other guests, Robins loves being at Shadow Lake “because I’ve made some great friends.”
She also adores the bead bracelet and headband she received while at the centre. The thing is, every day has been perfect so far.
“I’ll be asking them to take me back,” a determined Robins says. “That’s for sure.” If you have been touched by the Fresh Air Fund or have a story to tell, email lferenc@thestar.ca. Goal: $650,000 To date: $472,497 How to donate: With your gift, the Fresh Air Fund can help send 25,000 disadvantaged and special-needs children to camp. The experience gives these children much more than relief from summer heat — it gives them a break in life and memories to last a lifetime. Our target is $650,000. > By cheque: Mail to The Toronto Star Fresh Air Fund, One Yonge St., Toronto, ON M5E 1E6 > By credit card: Visa, MasterCard, AMEX or Discover, call 416-869-4847. > Online: For instant donations, use our secure form at: thestar.com/freshairfund The Star does not authorize anyone to solicit on its behalf. Tax receipts will be issued in September.