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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday April 18, 2008 - 21 Adventure on the Island ... fun at wilderness camp F ollowing is a story written by Katie, a participant in a YMCA Wilderness Camp, as it's never too early to dream about warm summer days and to plan ahead to make the most of them. It all began on a hot muggy day. The campers arrived at the YMCA of Oakville geared up and ready for the trip. Wow did some of us over pack... Colin was successful in sneaking in his pillow. The road trip began ... Big Bertha made it through all the bumps, hills and small dirt roads. We finally arrived and were so excited to unload and set up camp on the island. What strong campers. We had to carry the gear, four canoes, two kayaks, and most important, the kitchen. We set up camp, and were ready to relax and eat. Oh, the work was not done yet; it was time to prepare dinner. Hamburgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob and potatoes were on the menu. Dessert was cinnamon rolls... all we can say is -- delicious. Just enough time to sit around the fire and introduce our own personal story. I learned so much about my fellow campers. It was a nice way to break the ice for those who didn't know each other and feel more at home with our five-day family on Eel's Lake. We had quite the storm that came through on our first night. Thunder and lighting blew across the sky. Thankfully all was safe ... however Adam and Colin struggled to stay on the ground as the wind picked them up ... it would have been helpful to have pegged their tent down. Wow, what a sight to see, everyone up at cheerful at 8 a.m. Preparing for the day of activities we started with a tasty apple crisp for breakfast. We all got ready for our voyage through the open water. Josh was our navigator in the kayak. We have our map and compass ready to take us where we want to go. We traveled through a swamp that took us to the open water. Then we entered a swampy, muddy, buggy bush area where we pulled our canoes and kayaks through until we reached land. "Watch your step, or you might fall in ..." Katie heard along the way... and oh boy did she fall in. Swampy water up to my waist in fact... It felt slimy, cold and muddy between my toes... fortunately no leeches. Finally, we saw a beach, our stop for lunch. The water glistening ... oh, we couldn't wait to get over there and jump in the water. And we did just that. The boys decided to have fun flipping the canoe with Colin in it. To read the rest of Katie's story go to www.ymcaofoakville.com and look for Summer Camp, Wilderness Camp Story. For more information about YMCA of Oakville Summer Camp programs, call 905-845-3417. Make that dream come true. The YMCA of Oakville is a charitable association, open to all, dedicated to providing life-long opportunities for health enhancement and personal growth. -- Submitted by the YMCA of Oakville Book sale at library The Friends of the Oakville Public Library Spring book sale is on now until Sunday, April 20. The sale takes place at the Central Library, 120 Navy St., at the following times Friday, April 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and, Sunday, April 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. On Sunday, all sale materials will be offered at half price. Memberships, at $10, may be purchased at the door. The sale offers gently-used books (both library discards and donations), CDs, DVDs, tapes (audio and for VCR), some vinyl records, books in French, and a variety of books in large print. The books will be priced at $1.25 per pound while audio/visual material cost fifth cents to $2 per pound. Conductor speaks to university women's club The Canadian Federal of University Women (CFUW)-Oakville will host Roberto De Clara, Music Director of the Oakville Symphony Orchestra, speaking on The Art of Conducting Monday, April 21. De Clara is also in the midst of preparing for the OSO's Gala Season Finale of its 40th anniversary season on May 10 and 11 (with guest artists Adrian Fung (cello) and Giovanna Carini (soprano)). De Clara is celebrating his tenth year with the OSO, one of the finest community orchestras in the country. He is also the newly appointed Artistic Director of the Etobicoke Philharmonic, where he began his first season in October 2007. De Clara's guest conducting has encompassed various engagements, including: the Winnipeg Symphony, Hamilton Philharmonic, Orchestra London, Vienna Pro Arte Orchestra and the orchestra of the National Theatre in Prague. He has also been a guest conductor for the Israel Vocal Arts Institute in Tel Aviv. De Clara began his career as Assistant Conductor of the Hamilton Philharmonic and Opera Hamilton. A graduate of McMaster University, he also holds diplomas in conducting from the Mozarteum in Salzburg and the Conducting Seminar (Meisterkurse) of the Vienna Conservatory. All CFUW general meetings are held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1494 Wallace Rd. (near Third Line and Speers Road). For information contact 905-3372603 or www.cfuwoakville.ca. NEED A L AW Y E R ?