One of the most wonderful things about Moorelands is that the connections formed at our programs last a lifetime! John de Visser first came to Moorelands as a camper in the late 1970s and went on to be a staff member. Read his story below:
“There is no time in my life that I look back on with as much fondness and satisfaction, than my years on Lake Kawagama.”
My name is John de Visser.
My mother, Helen de Visser, was a senior social worker at Big Brothers of Metro Toronto for 35yrs. She herself sent hundreds of kids to camp through her office. Her business relationship and friendship with Mark Cote, the camp director in the late 70’s, 80’s, and early 90’s, lead me to my first 2 years at Moorelands in 1978 & 1979.
To this day I remember fondly my first overnight canoe trip as a junior camper. The feeling of dread about the unknown… but the excitement of my counselors and the trippers was contagious, so I happily went along with it all.
After a few years at other camps, and summers spent at our cottage, I was finally able to return to the island — an LIT! I was so excited!! Until I found out that it was to be a month spent sleeping entirely in tents. The two week canoe trip made up for any trepidation I had. I couldn’t wait.
Next year I was a CIT, then two years as a counselor, three years on Boating and Tripping, and my last year I was on summer maintenance.
One summer on B&T I went on 15 canoe trips. Including a 2 week staff trip, a 2 week CIT trip, and a 2 week after camp fun trip.
There is no time in my life that I look back on with as much fondness and satisfaction, than my years at Moorelands, on Lake Kawagama. The friendships I made are just as strong now as when they were first made. And after the 25yr reunion that I organized last summer, my future with Moorelands looks pretty great too!
great story. Moorelands has changed our lives forever.