News
Posted on: July 17th, 2024 by SLMC Media
We are seeking a skilled individual with capacity to lead a dynamic, youthful, and faith-filled organization into the future.
Silver Lake has weathered the COVID challenges to emerge as a significant place in which to offer an excellent experience for young children, leadership training for youth, and a good workplace for young adults as they experience creation and community.
The organization has enjoyed expansion into exciting new dimensions of our traditional programs and communities. We hold these growing edges in gratitude, and in awareness, that they need particular attention.
Our new Executive Director will hold the history and legacy of SLMC as sustenance to enrich the forward journey with the ability to be truly present to the changing dynamics and trends of our current realities. The rich heritage of the Mennonite Community guides our values and leads our organization in the beliefs that sustain us.
The ideal candidate has excellent communication and financial management skills. Reaching out and listening deeply to the hopes and dreams of the whole community takes particular navigation capacity. The ED will be comfortable with constituency engagement, promotion and marketing.
The ED demonstrates ability to apply health and safety regulations that manage crisis and mitigate risks. SLMC has a solid base of community support to fulfill its financial obligations, and this needs careful and wise management to hold the necessary daily and seasonal concerns as well as building for a sustainable future.
If you feel you can fulfill the mandates as stated, please view the full job description HERE. You can send your resume and cover letter to boardchair@slmc.ca. Applications are due August 20, 2024.
Posted on: June 27th, 2024 by SLMC Media
Silver Lake is wrapping up two major projects: the multisport court and treehouse slide. Both will be built in time for this summer. These new features are the result of our successful Fun at Camp campaign, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making these dreams a reality.
The multisport court will be the heart of our Sports Camp, scheduled from August 4-10. This versatile space will host a variety of activities, providing endless fun and fostering teamwork among campers. Whether it’s basketball, volleyball, or soccer, the multisport court will enable campers to play their favourite sports and try new ones.
Another exciting addition is the treehouse slide, which promises to be a highlight for all who visit Silver Lake’s iconic treehouse in the Enchanted Forest. The twirly slide’s vibrant teal color was chosen by our Silver Lake community through a vote, which also included purple, red, and yellow.
These projects are a testament to the incredible support and generosity of our camp community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated and supported these initiatives. Your contributions have made it possible for us to continue providing a nurturing and fun-filled environment for our campers.
If you want to be involved, we’re still accepting donations for sports equipment and needed landscaping around the court. CLICK HERE to contribute. Thank you so much for your support!
Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting projects. We look forward to seeing many campers use the court and slide this summer.
Thank you, Silver Lake community!
Posted on: June 12th, 2024 by SLMC Media
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ed Harder, a cherished member of the Silver Lake community. Ed, a devoted Silver Laker, left an indelible mark on our camp through his leadership, dedication, and tireless volunteer efforts.
Ed’s journey with Silver Lake spanned decades. He was on summer staff in the early 1970s, which included leading the CILT program with his wife Jo-Anne. Through the 1990s, Ed served on the Board of Directors, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of our camp. His hands-on approach was evident in the construction of the volunteer cabins and staff cabins that are still used today.
Former Executive Director Dave Erb fondly recalls Ed’s instrumental role in planning the reconstruction of our new dining hall after the old one was destroyed in a fire. Ed’s vision and meticulous planning were also crucial in the development of the new cabins on the north side of camp. His contributions have created lasting memories and spaces for future generations of campers.
Ed’s love for SLMC has been passed down to his daughters Rachel, a strong supporter of Silver Lake, and Rebecca (Heide), who works as a year-round staff member with the administration team. His grandsons Nick, Noah, Kieran, and Adam are all on summer staff, while his youngest grandson Toby is a CILT II this year.
In May of 2023, Ed was able to visit Silver Lake for the last time. He toured around camp and inspected every single building on site to make sure they were all holding up okay!
To honor Ed Harder’s legacy and his lifelong dedication to Silver Lake, donations can be made in his memory through the Ed Harder Memorial Fund. Your contributions will continue Ed’s mission of enhancing and nurturing the camp he loved so dearly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ed’s family and all who were touched by his remarkable spirit. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the heart of Silver Lake.
Here is the link to Ed’s obituary to see visitation and service details.
Posted on: June 12th, 2024 by SLMC Media
We are thrilled to announce that the 15th annual Grand Paddle and Hike fundraiser (May 10-12) raised over $67,700. This amount marks the highest in the event’s history, significantly surpassing the goal of $63,000.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants, donors, supporters, and sponsors who helped us have a successful event, enabling SLMC to thrive into the future.
A special shoutout goes to Abe Fehr and his company, UniFab, for their generous donation of $10,000 to cap the event, which played a crucial role in exceeding our fundraising target. The substantial support from UniFab and other contributors highlights the strong community spirit and commitment to the camp’s mission.
This year’s event saw a record participation of 63 teams, a fitting number as Silver Lake celebrates its 63rd anniversary. The enthusiastic involvement from participants and donors alike underscores the enduring legacy and community connection of the camp.
Funds raised from the Grand Paddle and Hike will keep camp fees affordable for families and will support Silver Lake’s ongoing programs and initiatives, ensuring that we can continue to provide enriching experiences for campers of all ages. Again, we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support from our community and look forward to many more years of shared adventures and memories.
THANK YOU!
Posted on: April 29th, 2024 by SLMC Media
On the weekend of May 10-12, participants will paddle, hike and bike in support of Silver Lake. Join a team or donate today!
Posted on: April 5th, 2024 by Silver Lake Mennonite Camp
Notice is hereby given that the 2024 Annual General Meeting of Silver Lake Mennonite Camp Inc. will be held online on Saturday May 11th at 11:30am. Click on the “2024 AGM Agenda” for meeting information and Zoom link.
Click here for Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/984425352 (Meeting ID: 984 425 352 Phone: 1 647 374 4685)
Click on the links below for meeting information.
Annual Meeting Agenda and Minutes
SLMC 2023 Review of Engagement Report Draft
2022 SLMC – Final
2023 Financial Statement A
2023 Financial Statement B
Nominations to the Board
Bylaws
Articles of Amendment
This page is brought to you by our 2024 Grand Paddle and Hike sponsors: Peaceworks Technology Solutions, Angela Friesen-Brown Real Estate Broker, Barclay Wholesale, MAC LLP, Herrle’s Country Farm Market
Posted on: April 4th, 2024 by SLMC Media
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.
karen@slmc.ca
christinareimer@slmc.ca
Thank you for your continued support for Silver Lake!
Posted on: April 4th, 2024 by SLMC Media
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!
Posted on: March 10th, 2024 by SLMC Media
Kids thrive playing out in nature. Help make that possible and bring a multi-sport court and an amazing slide through the trees to camp!
Posted on: March 4th, 2024 by SLMC Media
Although mainly known as a summer camp, Silver Lake is action-packed year-round. Here are some ways you can be involved in our community in March!
- SLMC 3-V-3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER
We are hosting our first-ever basketball tournament fundraiser on March 23. Create a team of 3-5 players and meet us at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in Kitchener for a fun day of basketball, pizza and connecting with other Silver Lakers.
If you’d like to be part of this event but are unable to participate on a team, consider volunteering (email media@slmc.ca for more info) or paying $250 to sponsor a team who needs financial support. All proceeds go to Silver Lake’s upcoming multisport court.
You can send your etransfers to fun@slmc.ca with ‘Basketball Tournament’ and your email address in the memo line. Thank you for your support!
Find more info on this fundraiser by clicking HERE.
- BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR
Silver Lake relies on donations to keep programs running throughout the year. In March, register as a Campfire Builder (monthly donor) with Silver Lake at $20 or more and CanadaHelps will add an additional $20.
If you’re already a Campfire Builder, increase your existing gift by $10 or more and CanadaHelps will contribute an extra $10.
- REGISTER FOR AN UPCOMING RETREAT
Retreats at Silver Lake are one of the best ways to disconnect from the busyness of life and reconnect with nature and yourself. Stay in our retreat centre, The Meadows, and enjoy the convenience of meals cooked for you. Register at slmc.ca/retreats.
Here are our upcoming retreats:
Weekday Wanders – Bruce Trail Sydenham End-to-End Hike: April 9-12 and/or April 22-26
Hike the Sydenham Section (170km) through our two-part series. Each day, hike approximately 20 kms. Complete half the series or sign up for both hikes and complete the entire section.
Music is Medicine: April 19-21
Fill your weekend with singing and instrumental music. Sing through songbooks, hymnals and more in the company of other music lovers.
Spring Work Weekend: April 26-28
This fun, family-friendly weekend is for those who enjoy doing physical labour and cleaning up camp. You can either come for just Saturday or leave Sunday after breakfast.
Connecting with Indigenous Culture: April 29
This is an Indigenous culture awareness workship with Diane Giroux, Giiwe Coordinator at M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre of Owen Sound and award-winning presenter, George Couchie whose spirit name is Zoogiday ‘strong heart.’
