Camp Caritou in Bonfield, outside of North Bay, is once again open for business.
For the first time in a long time, a fire was burning Saturday, with hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, marshmallows roasting, and the lawn and lodge all cleaned up.
For members of the Friends of Camp Caritou, it's a dream come true.
"Very exciting, because today is the grand re-opening of Camp Caritou." said Cindy Brownlee, President of Friends of Camp Caritou.
The camp was purchased in 1960 to be used to host Girl Guides until 2009, when the organization restructured and the grounds were shut down.
It was closed to preserve the land.
Since 2011, work has been ongoing to get the doors open again.
Seeking help, the friends partnered with the Bonfield Lions Club, which was instrumental in landing a settlement to get back in business.
"The Friends of Camp Caritou was formed and then we partnered with the Bonfield and District Lions Club, and in 2017 we reached a settlement and the camp operates as a charitable purpose trust." said Brownlee.
Bob Dugard is the President of Bonfield and District Lions Club.
"It's been inspirational for a lot of our Lions Club members. These ladies have worked so hard." said Dugard.
Naturally a lot of work had to be done to get to this day.
The space needed a good cleaning and organizers say without volunteers, donations, and funds it would not have been possible.
"This is a beautiful chunk of property and it's been so well received by the community that when the opportunity came for the Bonfield and District Lions Club to become partners with them, we just couldn't say no." said Dugard.
The camp will be operated locally by a joint board.
Youth will remain as the focus, but adult groups and the public will have the chance to use the facility as well.
