Wendake’s Got Talent - 2009 Gala Event
Camp Wendake, is a non-profit camp, sponsored by the AIDS Committee of the Diocese of Huron. The camp is staffed almost exclusively by volunteers and relies on generous donations from the community to operate the program.
Support a very worthy ministry and enjoy a fun filled night of stardom on stage at Aeolian Hall in London, Ontario where the talents of many local celebrities are on display for the community to enjoy! This contest, just like the real “Britain’s Got Talent” is critiqued by our host celebrity judges. Winners will be determined by audience participation and bribes given to the judges! (heh we have to make money somehow!) The night consists of a fabulous silent auction, finger foods and hors d’ouervres, door prizes, as well as the main feature of the night- the talent show “Wendake’s Got Talent” is a gala fundraising evening supporting Camp Wendake, a non-profit camp, sponsored by the AIDS Committee of the Diocese of Huron for children and adults affected by HIV/AIDS. The camp is staffed almost exclusively by volunteers and relies on generous donations from the community to operate the program.
Location & Time
Event: “Wendake’s Got Talent” Date: November 07th, 2009
Location: Aeolian Hall, 795 Dundas Street, London, Ontario
Time: 7:00 pm doors open until 11:00 pm
Cost: $40 per person
Please Call 519-672-7950 to reserve your tickets or purchase at Aeolian Hall Box Office.
www.campwendake.org
Camp Wendake – A Place Set Apart
Editorial by Scott Tucker
If you have been living under a rock for the past year, you will not know that I am very actively involved at Huron Church Camp. In addition to my roles on various advisory boards and committees for HCC, I am one of the “Off-Season Managers” for camp, basically meaning that I work during non-camp times (spring & fall) to make sure rental groups have a safe and pleasant stay at our facilities.
When I agreed in the fall of 2008 to be the OSM for Camp Wendake, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into, but with the retirement of the previous OSM due to failing health, I stepped into his shoes and showed up on August 23 ready for pretty much anything.
I looked at the website for Camp Wendake and I borrow from it here:
Camp Wendake (Huron for: A place set apart) is a camp for people living with HIV/AIDS and their care-givers, loved ones, and traditional/non-traditional families. It is the only camp of its kind in Canada. The camp has rustic cabins, and it is situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron near Bayfield, ON.
Camp Wendake is a non-profit camp, sponsored by the AIDS Committee of the Diocese of Huron. We are staffed almost exclusively by volunteers and we rely on generous donations from the community to operate our program.
Camp Wendake is an amazing contradiction! People gather because of a common affliction, but find freedom from focusing upon the disease for a brief time – and find an opportunity to celebrate life. The camping experience occurs in a community where HIV/AIDS is the “norm”. And so it may include open discussions where people choose to share personal information regarding lifestyle, HIV/AIDS status, or other private details. Campers may attend in order to learn and share more about coping with their overall health and social issues – or they may come for the rest and refreshment of a caring and understanding community.
Reading this, I thought I was ready – after all, I had lots of experience with OSM work, and helped HCC summer staff pack up and clean up, and watched thought nothing more until
From the first strains of Susan Aglukark’s “O Siem”,
O Siem
We are all family
O Siem
We're all the same
O Siem
The fires of freedom
Dance in the burning flame
which of course was accompanied by a huge campfire, I realized I really was in a special place. I gave my usual OSM welcoming speech to the 45 Camp Wendake staff, enjoyed some food and fellowship, then went to bed.
The next day, I woke up, took our broken golf cart to Forest for repairs, and arrived back at camp. What a change! Suddenly there were 125+ people on site, ages 3-70something. Camp was buzzing, reminiscent of the previous 7 weeks, but something was different. Of course, my main job was maintaining the site, but through participation in activities through the week and sharing meals with the community, I realized what the difference was… this camp was one of extremes.
Extreme joy during play, campfire, the Talent Night, and meals. Extreme sadness during a moving candlelight closing ceremony when we remembered those who had gone before us. Extreme hope when looking at the advances that have been made in 20 years with medications and treatments. Extreme anticipation looking forward to Camp Wendake 2010, and the possibility of another Camp Wendake opening near Ottawa, since as many campers as were accommodated at the 2009 camp were simply not able to be accepted this year. A second location means twice as many can be accepted – filling a growing need.
I was moved by speeches from 5-year-old children and a 70something year old man at the closing ceremony – a 50something year old inspired us to action and received a 5-minute standing ovation. A man about my age and his future wife shared their story – I could go on, and will if asked… The entire staff for the week was there as volunteers, and many contribute countless hours during the remainder of the year to Camp Wendake organization and events. Campers do not pay a cent to attend the camp, and many are bussed in from across Ontario.
I ask that you watch the Sunday bulletins for various announcements regarding upcoming fundraisers for Camp Wendake, including the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life on September 20th. There are plans for a “Wendake’s Got Talent” night in November, and special guest judges may be involved.
I will be there again in 2010, but this time I will not just be the OSM, but a part of the program staff, leading adults and children through HCC’s extensive low-ropes course…
Something to think about…
Over the past 30 years or so, there has been a very definite AIDS-related stigma. It has resulted in people living with HIV and AIDS being rejected from their community, shunned, discriminated against or even physically hurt. They are often seen alongside other forms of stigma and discrimination, such as racism, homophobia or misogyny and can be associated with behaviours often considered socially unacceptable such as prostitution or drug use.
I heard these stories first-hand over the week of Camp Wendake and strongly believe that as Christians we are bound to help fight the stigma. From the United Nations Secretary-General:
"We can fight stigma. Enlightened laws and policies are key. But it begins with openness, the courage to speak out. Schools should teach respect and understanding. Religious leaders should preach tolerance. The media should condemn prejudice and use its influence to advance social change, from securing legal protections to ensuring access to health care."Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations 27
O Siem, We are all family.
RST