Memories made at a northern Ontario summer camp immortalized in new book
The history of the YMCA John Island Camp, along with a collection of stories from former campers, has been documented in a new book put together by a Sudbury man.
Gary Gray has been involved with the YMCA John Island Camp – which is situated in Lake Huron off the mainland near Serpent River First Nation – since it opened in 1954, the organization said in a news release Tuesday.
He started as a camper and held several different leadership roles at the camp over the years. Gray, now retired, served as the CEO at YMCAs in Chilliwack, St. John's, Cambridge and Sudbury.
With the help of dozens of people that have been connected to the camp over the years, he compiled a book full of memories called 'The Sand in My Shoes.'
The Sand in My Shoes is a collection of stories and historical information about YMCA John Island Camp. (Supplied)
"The purpose of the book was to put together some of the important history of the camp. It includes stories from people who built the camp, over 50 impact stories from alumni and friends of the camp and historical information," Gray said.
More than 25,000 youth have camped at YMCA John Island, the organization said, with most hailing from northern Ontario. However, the camp has seen people from Japan, New Zealand, Egypt, France, Scotland, Dubai and Hong Kong.
Helen Francis is the current president and CEO of the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario. She calls it "a wonderful ode to our overnight camp at John Island."
Copies of the book can be purchased at Sudbury YMCA on Durham Street for $25 and the proceeds go to the camp.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.