"Let the North woods kindle the fires of Friendship"
Extra Programs
Opening, Closing and Work Weekends
These weekends are used for performing maintenance tasks at camp. Anyone is welcome to attend, with only a small donation for food requested.
Contact: Committee Clerks
Peace Witness Weekend
At the core of our spiritual convictions as Quakers is the belief that there is that of God in every person, and we are called to dedicate ourselves to discerning this quality in the others, and nurturing it. How are we best to do this in our rapidly globalizing world? Nurturing peace in the family, the community, the nation and the world is surely central to this. At this four-day Camp we will discuss and explore Quaker views on peace, asking George Fox’s deep question: The priests say this, the professors say that, but “What Canst Thou Say?"
Contact: Dick Preston
Committee Weekends
The Camp NeeKauNis Committee meets three times per year, once in May and once in October. Anyone is welcome on these weekends; those who are not participating in committee meetings can work on projects around camp. A small donation for food is requested.
Contact: Committee Clerks
Committee/Volunteer Retreat and Open House
Description updated soon.
Contact: Committee Clerks
Adult 21+ Weekend
This 21+ adult friends retreat is designed to welcome old campers back to camp and to invite new campers to experience the community and camp spirit that NeeKauNis offers. Similar to other programs, the day schedule would parallel camp life through crafts, waterfront, program and worship. Many campers have expressed the need for shorter camps and varied programs. Ideally, this camp would be similar to the former Community Camp in that it would appeal to those campers who do not fit into the existing programs. Childless couples, singles and empty nesters alike would benefit from a weekend at camp to reflect, catch up with old friends, and find their place at NeeKauNis.
Contact: Betsy Orlowski
Art as Prayer Retreat Weekend with Kate Dee and Margaret Slavin
Opening the imagination by using colour, collage, sound and words on a page, participants will explore the images and stories which guide them. New discoveries will be made along with deep affirmations. There will be guided exercises as well as time for sharing, solitary reflection, and communal worship. Come to unite with the creative spirit in our lives in an inspiring and safe retreat experience.
Kate Dee will share the experience of spontaneous expression with paint and colour. Painting as a meditative experience can sometimes be a leap of faith that brings insights, excitement, joy and peace. Technique and "finished product" takes second place to the pure joy of expression while we explore the emerging images with open hearts.
Margaret Slavin asks you to bring a memory--a moving moment for you—as your own opening into the spirit place where prayer comes from, and stories and poetry. We will try movement and music too as we let ourselves go deep, spiral into the power of the unexpected, and arrive at treasure for our own journeys and, if it feels right, for bringing out to others.
Participants are welcome to bring their own art/writing supplies, musical instruments or CDs, but materials for the guided activities will be provided. Some car pooling can be organized from Toronto.
For full program information and registration contact Kate Dee.
Birdwatching Weekend
Join us for a weekend of birding. There will be workshops on waterfowl and shorebird identification, local birds, and migration. Learn about the birds on Georgian Bay including mergansers, buffleheads, birds of prey, and the Trumpeter Swans. The weekend starts with Friday night dinner and an orientation presentation, followed by birding on Saturday morning and workshops throughout the day. Saturday includes a special after-dinner presentation. There will be more birding offered Sunday morning. The weekend includes Friday night dinner through Sunday lunch.
Contact: Alicia & Raymond King
Young Friend's Thanksgiving Retreat
Open to Quaker youth ages 14-19, as well as FAPs (Friendly Adult Presences) to supervise.
Contact: Chris King
Worship/Meditation Workshop
Come hear and participate in ways to deepen your understanding of your self and your connection to “that of God in you”.
We will hear different methods of spiritual deepening and connecting during individual and collective worship, from traditional prayers and meditations to observation and concentration exercises. Participants will choose from a few options for workshops to further develop certain practices. (Prayer, Song/Chants, Observational Sketching, Concentration and Will Exercises)
Contact: George Ivanoff