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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-06-29, Page 48Page 20 - - - - Stops Sltong ‘Tfte, ‘Way ’94---- „ ZzZ/ ' ' '"''s' ■ S''-faS''' Commune with nature at Whipple Tree camp Old beauty Lindsey Ashworth appreciates the beauty and quiet of her partner and her's Grand Bend area property. The idea of Whipple Tree Recreation Camp, she says, was to share some of its benefits with others. By Bonnie Gropp Tucked in the picturesque wooded area on Highway 21, a few kilometres south of the lakeside resort of Grand Bend, is Whipple Tree Recreational Camp and Riding Stable, one couple's answer to combining business with pleasure. A children's camp and recreational facility, Whipple Tree's roots dug in about eight years ago, when Leo Ducharme decided to start a small riding stable on this quiet rural property. Al that point he had five horses and two ponies and offered trail rides to visitors. His partner in business and in life, Lindsey Ashworth, says she had always wanted a business of her own and as she loved animals and children the idea of a child camp facility was bom. "What we felt we could offer with a child camp facility is the opportunity io commune with nature and learn more about environmental issues. It started so small," said Lindsey, of the now impressive facility they began constructing in 1992. The program began with a summer day camp and pelting farm. "For the shy children the animals have been a terrific experience," says Lindsey. Each day during that first summer an average of 13 children attended the day camp, which began at 8:30 a.m. and ran to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, to take part in various programs set up by Lindsey and the staff. Unfortunately, 1992 was an extremely rainy summer and as the the couple were using their home as a mess hall, it became evident that a larger building was needed. The next year a recreation hall, large bunk house and outdoor swimming pool were added. In the bunk house there are eight rooms, for children registered for the residence camp. There are three showers in each bathroom as well as counsellors' quarters in the building. In the event of very young children, a counsellor will sleep in the same room as the children. The staff is selected by Lindsey for their leadership, first aid training, love of animals, children and nature. These abilities are a necessity to Lindsey who understands that customer service is what puts smiles on people's faces. "Looking for staff we take all things into consideration. It's a definite advantage to someone applying for a position here if their specialities cross through to other aspects of the facility." Staff training and staff morale are also very important to Lindsey. "You need good people to have happy people." Children attending the residence camp arrive late Sunday afternoon and are picked up the following Saturday morning. Life at Whipple Tree is fun-filled, with activities ranging from horseback riding and swimming to crafts and field trips. Children receive instruction on recreational riding and learn to care for the horse. There are campfires, movies and -the fun of making new friends amongst your fellow campers. "Last year the day campers would be here and they would talk to the resident children, who, after hearing all the things that were going to be happening that evening, wanted to stay," Lindsey says smiling. For that reason a third option has been offered to the camping programs. Now in addition to being able to spend the day or the week, children can staying for a 24-hour period. Whipple Tree's splendour is not exclusive to the young either. This June, Lindsey is hosting a Ladies R&R Weekend. Activities include line dance, body treatment, and of course all the pleasures of nature and animals that the children enjoy. Though there will be guest speakers throughout the Continued on page 21 Room for fun The massive recreation hall and outdoor pool, along with a lodge for resident campers are the newest features at Whipple Tree. Facility has national recognition Continued from page 19 into rich re-useable compost. The unit is the first of its kind in the world and has been featured on national television and in an international publication. It is open to tour groups and interested individuals and Ms Phair says arrangements can be made by contacting her at the clerk's office. Aside from its obvious attractions Hensail is also the White Bean Capital of Canada and the country's largest inland granary. Its mascot, W. B. (White Bean) Fields is a beloved sight to young and old during the many activities to be enjoyed throughout the year in Hensail. SSolid Pine Handcrafted y Screen Doors J ■n ■ HI • reasonably priced • no extra charge for custom sizes • storm kits available Ross Mitchell Cabinets & Construction 887-6782 DECORATIVE WROUGHT IRON WORK Custom Creations Sharp's Creek Forge JAMES BLACKSMITH RR 2 GODERICH N7A 3X8 519-524-8096 Hwy. #8 one mile east of the Benmiller corner (Huron Cty. Rd. #1)