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
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.