
Upgrades to the kitchen and washrooms in the activity centre at the Bryerswood Youth Camp have been occurring thanks in large part to the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
The Bryerswood Youth Camp received $150,000 from the OTF for the improvements with a ribbon cutting and tour taking place at the camp last Friday afternoon.
Prior to renovations, the activity centre had a maintenance workshop, a galley kitchen and two exterior entrance washrooms.
The workshop space – the workshop having been relocated – is now the kitchen and the washrooms now have interior access.
The kitchen and washrooms are now barrier-free and can be used by all persons.
Essex MPP Anthony Leardi pointed out the OTF is funded through the provincial government.
Leardi said the work being done at Bryerswood allows youth to get out and do what “they should be doing,” including experiencing nature and being out in the wilderness.
Children and older youth can also get outside and enjoy activities with their peers, he added, joking they can also get away from their parents at the same time.
“The Government of Ontario, through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, is pleased to help continue the great work at Bryerswood Youth Camp to give young people positive life experiences and build up youthful resilience,” said Leardi.
The Essex MPP also credited those who volunteer at the camp and the Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club (BYCOC), the latter being the organization that oversees the camp. He cited efforts of president Kathi Poupard and vice president Cathy Robertson and everyone else involved.
Dave Campbell, a member of the OTF grant review team, said the program began in 1982 and now the OTF funds $100 million in annual initiatives.
“Last year, we helped over 1,000 community-led projects,” said Campbell. “We’re proud to support organizations like this.”
Recalling his own camp experiences, Campbell added that the upgrade at Bryerswood will go a long way.
“When you talk kitchens and washrooms, those are very important parts of a camp,” he said. “Those are going to be used for many years to come.”
Poupard credited Adam Meloche from Meloche Architectural Studio for bringing “new life and accessibility” to the building, with the washrooms being accessible. She said Meloche made their dreams a reality.
“It’s been a pleasure to work on this with them,” said Meloche. “They’ve got a great vision for the camp. They have a lot of big plans.”
Giovanni Oliviero from the CGI Construction Group was also thanked for his efforts, and he shared similar thoughts of working with the BYCOC.
Leigh Ann and Tereza Hello represented The Cabinet Studio, with Leigh Ann noting the new cabinetry in the kitchen is durable, fireproof, waterproof and will fit in with any colour scheme.
“You can’t get any better for cabinetry at a camp,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb credited the BYCOC for the progress they have made since legally acquiring the campsite in 2021. He said they have come a long way in a short period of time.
“I don’t think something like this could happen without passionate, passionate people,” said Gibb. “Your whole group have changed the world for the people who use this facility.”
Robertson noted their slogan of “our environment is your opportunity” and thanked those who have been taking advantage of that opportunity. Thanks were extended to Leardi, the volunteers, those who have worked and contributed towards the camp, the board and the businesses and contractors. She said they aim to fully renovate the rest of the activity centre, as well as other camp components, as funds become available.
“We believe in bringing out the best in everyone through our camps and programming,” said Robertson.
“The Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club is very appreciative of the $150,000 grant that we received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for the renovations of the kitchen and washrooms in the activity centre, assisting in our goal to make the camp more accessible,” added Poupard. “We look forward to welcoming our campers to enjoy the new facilities.”
The BYCOC was established as a non-profit organization in 2018 and received charitable status in 2019. The 25-acre camp is located at 6480 Texas Road.
For more information or to donate, call 519-726-6266 or visit their website at www.bryerswood.com.
Bryerswood lands $150,000 OTF grant for washroom, kitchen upgrades
By Ron Giofu
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