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Home My WebLink AboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-08-20, Page 6PAGE 6—GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1986 Featur,T, "Boom's" p1.;.I.n and simple camp cele rates anniversary BY MIKE FERGUSON Kids really haven't changed much in the last quarter of a century, but their parents sure have. That's the opinion of Don "Boom" Qravett, director of Boom's Camp for Kids, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year at Camp Menesetung. Currently Hanover's Recreation Director, Gravett relays some interesting perceptions in his camping "career," starting in 1961 at Exeter. Gravett was dubbed the nickname of "Boom" while playing for the Junior A Kitchener Rangers in the late '40s. While never quite making -it to the NHL, his fellow - players,noted his booming slapshot. Gravett estimates he's dealt with almost 4,000 kids over the years who have attended his camp. "We don't do any advertising, it's all word of mouth," he says. Children have come from as far away as London, England, Detroit, and Hamilton, to towns nearby like Grand Bend, Exeter, Durham and Goderich. "I just enjoy it so • much," .remarks Gravett. "Just seeing the looks on their faces is so'heartwarming." Boom's Camp had 113 children for the week-long stay at Camp Menesetung last week. Aged eight to 15 years old, the non- profit camp is helped by counsellors who were likely campers themselves five or six, years ago at his camp. "I didn't really get a chance to camp when I was kid," offers Gravett, "and I saw a need 25 years ago," leading him to develop his unique camp. As he ponders the past, Gravett labels his experiences "refreshing." "Kids call me years later and say the camping was one of the best times of their life," he says, adding "it's certainly gratify- ing." Camping is a learning experience" where young people may be away from home for the first time. "It's a stepping stone in life," notes Gravett. Joe Snider turns 90 years old in two weeks, and was presented with a chair from Zilliax by Don Gravett, head of Boom's Camp at Camp Menesetung. Snider has been manager of Camp Menesetung since 1931, and the chair also commemorates Boom Camp's 25th anniversary. (photo by Mike Ferguson) • In addition, "we haven't changed our pro- gram even five percent," says Gravett. "It's just plain, simple and honest down-to- earth activities." The camp director reveals his thoughts on today's "high-tech kids." It's supposedly the space age, but Gravett indicates it's still very worthwhile for children, especially from the city, to see green grass "live and in person. The city kids marvel at the chipmunks and squirrels- -little things like that are important." The camp spirit and atmosphere "can't be bought in any. store. I've seen the hard-core tough kids fit right in. The social agency always phones at the start of the week to predict their referral won't last the week. But this kid, who may have just been kicked out of school, can't do enough for you. All they want is some 'attention, loving, and responsibility," says Gravett. Making him or her responsible for gathering wood for the camp is an example. In his 25 years, he has had only one child go home because of homesickness. I always consider it a personal defeat," he adds. Gravett notes that from 1961 to 1986, each group of kids "really haven't changed much." They still have the same fears– being popular, having friends–and the same desires for attention and love. One perhaps negative thing Gravett points 1 out is today's "open society. Nowadays, it seems like the parents don't have much to do with their kids." "No wonder we have problem kids," says Gravett, adding with the fact of so many women now in the workforce, "they just don't know their kids. With all the millions, they want to spend on daycare centres, I wish the government would say to mothers: I'll give you $10,000 to stay at home and raise your kids." Last week was also an anniversary of sorts for Joe Snider of Goderich, Manager of Camp Menesetung since 1931. Snider will be celebrating his 90th birthday on September 2, and was given a chair. by Boom''s Camp to commemorate his involvement. Still looking for volunteers for new Advisory Board The staff at The Goderich Signal -Star is still looking for interested persons to volunteer for the newpaper's new Advisory Board that is currently being formed.. ' "We're hoping to have the first meeting of the Board in late September or early Oc- tober," says Shirley J. Keller, general manager of The Signal -Star. So 'far, four people have consented to serve on the Board. About 12 or 15 persons are required to give a good cross-section of community opinion. "The whole idea is to develop a sounding board to help us keep The Signal Ster on track with con'ununity needs, says - Mrs. Keller. "We need to understand the folks who read our paper so we can provide the in- formation they look for each week. The board should consist of people having ' a wide variety of interests - from sports through the arts; from church groups through service clubs; from schools through hospitals; from business through industry; „, from farming through fishing; from children through senior citizens. A community is made up• of all kinds of different people with all sorts of different needs," ,says Mrs. Keller. "We try to serve them all through our newspaper so we need to understand them all." .If you think you can bring freshideasa d valid opinions to the attentionof the staff at The Goderich Signal -Star. "you should volunteer to serve" on the new Advisory Board. "It won't be time consuming," promises Mrs. Keller. "There's nothing to do, but ex- press your thoughts about what The Goderich Signal -Star should be to the citizens who live and work and play in Goderil:h and area." "And there will be plenty of opportunity to learn about prodkicing . "a -community newspaper," she adds. "You'll discover how things are done - and why." To volunteer your time and best ideas, .ca11POW today. Ask for Shirley J. Keller and feel free to i iisciias your concerns with • At Boom's Camp at Menesetung, swimming is Included in the host of activities planned for kids. The "plain and simple" camp celebrated its 25th anniversary last week, with Director Don "Boom" Gravett having seen over 4,000 kids in his career. Above, taking a jump into the pool are Bryce Hann, seven and a half, Gavin Poole, eight, and Devon Algoe, also eight. (photo by Mike Ferguson) At Boom's Camp at Menesetung, pillow fights are one of many fun activities planned for "Boom". children. The "plain and simple." camp celebrated its 25th anniversary last week, with Director :Don Gravett having sen over 4,000 kids in his career. .The -two -young4irls.., h t b d Mike F :e en . er uson) her. battle it otit, with the victor being the one left standing at ti (py g 1 1y i• SSM,' OIL &,. FILTER SPECIAL O "includes 15 point inspection 5 litres of oil Ford filter and SMILES Most cars and light trucks • Ford owner's ONLY • Present coupon below for redemption •/9/7/774.:..- f 1 .. fr./Mafir///2"417:7517r7/71 n95 OIL & FILTER SPECIAL, 'Includes 15 point Inspection, 5 litres of 011, Ford filter and smiles. •FORD OWNER'S ONLY OFFER GOOD AUG. 20, 1986 TO SEPT. 5, 1986 ONLY % Hi -WAY FORD ff yl/• 1. l '87's are coming... 5 WE NEE -.D.. SPA - .....! ?hi)! ��a e'P%eao No Reasonable Offers Refused! be Sanas pec .a Peep to '75 Chevy Van Conversion SWB - New paint, orange. ONE OFA KIND!! • Stk. No. 5209-2. $3995. 1 • 1 • • ,'81 GMC - Shorty Red, roll bar, 6 -cylinder standard, exhaust Stk. 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