Join or donate to the 15th annual Grand Paddle and Hike fundraiser!
On the weekend of May 10-12, participants will paddle, hike and bike in support of Silver Lake. Join a team or donate today!
Archive for April, 2024
SLMC Executive Director Karen Cornies resigns
It is with mixed emotions that we share with you an important leadership update at Silver Lake. After 8 incredible years, Karen Cornies has resigned from her position as Executive Director.
Throughout her tenure, Karen has worked tirelessly to help the camp thrive. Under her leadership, Silver Lake has achieved unprecedented milestones and integrated many successful new programs, including offsite day camps, the Indigenous Land-Based Learning Program, Newcomer Family Holiday, bus transportation to and from summer camp, and many more. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her the best in her future endeavors as Associate Director of Work Integrated Learning at Conestoga College. We know she will continue to inspire people wherever she goes!
We look forward to honoring Karen’s impactful journey and everything she’s done for Silver Lake. Those wishing to express their gratitude for Karen’s service can do so by granting one of her final wishes:
- Join the 2024 Grand Paddle and Hike Fundraiser. CLICK HERE to create your team.
- Donate to her final fundraising project, the multisport court. If five donors give $1,000 each, they will be able to attend an SLMC retreat for FREE! CLICK HERE to donate.
Over the coming weeks, Silver Lake’s Board of Directors will be determining its next steps which will include the launch of search process for the next Executive Director. In the meantime, beginning April 15, Outdoor Education Director Rebekah Caldwell will step in as interim ED as we prepare for the summer months. Rebekah brings a love for campers and staff, strong administrative skills, and a deep understanding of the values of the Silver Lake. Please be assured Silver Lake is in great hands!
We will inform you of updates as they become available. Any questions can be directed to Karen Cornies, Executive Director, or Christina Reimer, Chair of the board.
Thank you for your continued support for Silver Lake!
CILT Cabin Dedication Service scheduled for April 28
You and your family are invited to the CILT Cabin Dedication Service at Silver Lake on April 28 to dedicate the cabins and to honour Henry Pauls’ legacy and everything he’s done for Silver Lake. Those planning to attend are asked to meet at the Dining Hall at 10 a.m.
Henry’s mark on the camp has been an inspiration to many. Before he passed away in 2020, he was a board member, staff, and longtime volunteer with Silver Lake, who’s been an important part of the camp since its establishment in 1961. Between 1994 and 2003 he was the Administrator, overseeing construction of the Pines, staff cabins, volunteer cabins, new kitchen, and the washhouse renovation. He hardly missed a Work Weekend between 1994 and 2017, and he built Silver Lake’s popular Adirondack chairs that are used every day by staff, campers, and volunteers.
The rebuilding of the two CILT cabins was Silver Lake’s fundraising project of 2021. A generous donation of $60,000 was announced on April 7 of that year, made on behalf of the Henry and Nancy Pauls family, to build one of the CILT cabins. The Silver Lake community came together to make the second cabin happen. The cabins were completed in the spring of 2023 were used for the first time last summer by our Campers in Leadership Training (CILTs). Thank you to everyone who made this possible! We look forward to celebrating with you on the 28th.
Just a reminder that April 26-28 is also our Spring Work Weekend, so anyone who would like to stay the whole weekend and help open the camp can arrive Friday evening or Saturday morning. Meals provided!
Any questions about the CILT Cabin Dedication Service can be directed to karen@slmc.ca.
We’re excited to share this day with you!