Bryerswood kicks off year with fundraising dinner

The Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club (BYCOC) held its annual chicken or rib fundraising dinner last Saturday night at the Columbus Hall in River Canard. The event raised $1,600 to help fund camp operations. The next camp at Bryerswood is Jan. 16 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Members of the Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club (BYCOC) were joined by people from the community in raising money for the camp over the weekend.

The BYCOC, in co-operation with the River Canard Knights of Columbus, presented their annual chicken or rib dinner Saturday night at the Columbus Hall on Malden Road. Combined with the 65 tickets sold, the silent auction and 50/50 draw, the dinner raised over $1,600.

BYCOC president Kathi Poupard confirmed their registrations are now open for PA Day, March Break and summer camps, with the latter offering seven weeks of activities children can be signed up for in its entirety or for portions of the summer.

“Not only do we have the camps online now, we have our first registrations already,” said Poupard.

Poupard thanked camp directors Caitlin Gonneau and Pamela Zeman for their work in planning and setting up the camps.

Their next camp is Jan. 16 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. with the theme being “Art-Venture.” The cost is $45 per child.

Cathy Robertson, vice president of the BYCOC, outlined what the board of directors and staff is doing to maintain and sustain the campground, and make it better going forward.

“We are only four years into our ownership of the camp and what we have accomplished in that times is incredible,” said Robertson.

Fundraising and camps have been ongoing, with Robertson highlighting the “Let’s Make Bryerswood Even Better” campaign that closed 2025. She said they were able to hit their fundraising target.

“It’s because of the community and the people who support us that we raised over $10,000,” said Robertson.

The community support is continuing as the Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club enters a new year. She thanked the community for its ongoing support, noting that local media have also helped share their stories. That includes the River Town Times and local radio stations CKRT Country Road Radio  and 107.9 FM The Burg (CKBG).

CKRT was on hand providing the music for Saturday night’s dinner.

“We’re really blown away with all of the support we have received,” said Robertson. 

Campers often return year-after-year, she added, with some having been coming to the campground since day one.

“The campers just keep coming back,” said Robertson. 

The BYCOC continues to fundraise through the acceptance of aluminum cans/items, with crushed cans being accepted at the campground from 12:30-4 p.m. weekdays. People who would like to come another day or time can e-mail info@bryerswood.com to arrange a drop-off.

The Bryerswood Youth Camp is located at 6480 Texas Road in Amherstburg. For more information, visit www.bryerswood.com or call 519-726-6266.

Bryerswood kicks off year with fundraising dinner

By Ron Giofu