Camping In Ontario Update Newsletter June 2019 September 2013 | Page 18

CAMPING IN ONTARIO UPDATE | 18 Camp School at Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park Well, where do I begin? For my third and final summer with Camping In Ontario, I chose to do camp school in a park that is just like any other, but also completely different. My drive to Bare Oaks on my first day surprisingly wasn’t that nerve racking. I knew where I was going, what I was going to be doing, and that I just had to do it. There was no turning back for me, I was too excited! When I first got there I was greeted with smiles, friendly faces, and even hugs. I was eager to throw on (or off rather) the appropriate uniform and get to work. They say the hardest part is letting go, and it really wasn’t that hard. I will say that for a woman who is self-conscious of her body, I have never felt more comfortable, free, or confident. Stéphane wasted no time in giving me a tour of his amazing park. There are so many different aspects to this park with it being member-based and open all year. Aside from the campground part of the business, there is also a clubhouse open year-round; a restaurant; a store filled with supplies, food and tons of information on naturism; and many committed seasonal campers who help out around the park, put together events, and even put on shows! The staff at Bare Oaks is wonderful, helpful, and accommodating. I have to admit, it was nice to hear they were disappointed to find out I was only there for two days, and the feeling was mutual! It was refreshing to see a busi- ness which employs so many students and young adults. Working in a campground is a great place for young people to learn a ton of different skills and gain experience in various roles; there were even two girls there who came from Germany to work at the park for the summer and learn some English. A campground needs young people with energy and enthusiasm — it brings such a different pace to the park. During my two days there I worked in the office/store where I assisted in checking people in to stay and/or participate in a huge volleyball tournament, cleaned washrooms, washed club house floors, was educated on electrical wiring, water systems, and septic-type stuff. I knew going into this park that working with Stéphane and Sherry, I was going to be put to work and come out more knowledgeable and that is exactly what happened. The atmosphere was relaxed and natural — I didn’t even feel like I was working. I even volunteered to go back anytime they were busy and needed an extra hand. I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to experience naturism and experience life in yet another campground. Thank you to Stéphane, Linda, Sherry, Karen and all of the amazing staff and seasonal campers at Bare Oaks for taking me in and making me feel welcome. Thank you for letting me do my camp school at your park!  Submitted by Erin Hill, Camping In Ontario   ■ Calendar September 10 Listing Changes Due October 18–20 Toronto Fall RV Show and Sale Toronto Congress Centre www.rvshowfalltoronto.ca October 21 Ads for Camping in Ontario Directory Due Convention Hotel Special Rate Booking Deadline October 25 Convention Early-bird Registration Deadline November 17–20 Convention & CampEx JW Marriott Rosseau Resort in Muskoka November 19 Annual General Meeting JW Marriott Rosseau Resort in Muskoka December Supplier Renewals Due January 17–19 Toronto RV Show January 31–February 2 Hamilton RV Show & Sale February 14–17 London RV Show February 21–23 Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show February 27 – March 2 Toronto International RV Show February 28–March 2 Ottawa RV Show March 6–9 Montreal RV Show March 6–9 Winnipeg RV Show & Sale March 7–9 Quinte Sportsman Show March 27–30 Quebec RV Show April 4–6 Sudbury Sportsman Show April 4–6 Kitchener RV Show & Sale