For many of today's youth, July means lazy afternoons, hanging out at shopping malls, and playing video games. However, for 130 campers from July 12th – 20th, it meant hands-on, outdoor adventure at O.F.A.H. Camp Get Outdoors.

The O.F.A.H. Get Outdoors Summer Leadership Camp has quickly become the must attend event of the summer, because it actively engages youth in activities, featuring Federation core values. As pioneers in outdoor education, the Federation developed a program that meets the needs of Ontario's youth, and exposes them to a variety of heritage-based programs.

"We're the only camp in Ontario that features traditional outdoor activities as part of our core programming," said Alesha Caldwell, O.F.A.H. Get Outdoors Program Assistant. "The campers got to try their hand at the Cabela's Sharp Shooter Range featuring Stoeger rifles, the Shimano Junior Fishing Derby, and the Excalibur Crossbow and Archery Range," she added.

The results were amazing. Every camper was able to hit the targets at both the archery range and the .22 range, with several campers getting groupings the size of a Loonie from 25 Yards.

The four day, three night adventure also featured a fly-tying station with volunteers Kevin and Robin from the Hamilton Area Fly Fishing and Tying club, a Sea kayaking adventure on North Fox Lake, leadership games and initiatives like those you would see on Survivor, a game calling competition, wilderness camp out, and canoe skills, drills and thrills program.

"Kids are definitely hungry for this program," said Caldwell. "Perhaps it's because many school boards have cut environmental education out of the curriculum, or perhaps it's because they are eager to hang out with like-minded peers, either way, these 130 campers went home with memories that will last them a lifetime!" The camp filled up in 3 ½ days.

Campers wishing to improve upon their archery skills are encouraged to visit www.schnellerarchery.com.

Volunteers are truly the heartbeat of the Federation, and without their support, Camp Get Outdoors would not have been the success that it was. Thank you to all of those that donated their personal time, effort, and energy to this program; we couldn't have done it without you.

Lisa Heard ~ Marry-Ann Prentice ~ Dale Ouellette ~ Lynda Ouellette ~ Bruce and Rita Schneller (www.schnellerarchery.com) ~ Mike Evers Sr. ~ Caitlyn Saddler ~ Rebecca Pazst ~ Justin Millett ~ Ray Howran ~ Kevin Hudson ~ Robin Bennett ~ Helen Kitson ~ Nathan Chambers ~ Rick Moore ~ Jimmy Stephens ~ Brandon **

Junior Counselors: Rachael Schneller, Youth Council, ~ Mike Evers Jr., Youth Council ~ Jeff DaSilva, Youth council ~ Nathan Moore ~ Lauren Hatherly **