Camp Walden

2012-08-19
The 2012 Ted Cole Camper of the Year Award goes to...

In 1970, Ted Cole realized the beginning of a lifelong dream. Shortly after finding a vacant and perfect piece of farmland outside of Bancroft, Ontario, Ted founded and established Camp Walden - a camp where children and young adults could spend summers together in a most natural and nurturing environment.

Anyone who visits Walden is awestruck by the foresight Ted had in building the camp. At the young age of 29, Ted demonstrated brilliance beyond his years. Camp Walden's village layout and timeless architecture is, quite simply, beauty beyond words.

Ted's astounding vision in camp design was matched equally by his skills as a Camp Director. In his 34 years as Walden's Director, Ted's grass-roots, no-nonsense approach combined with a provocative sense of humour and wit, touched the lives of tens of thousands of campers, staff, and their families.

Ted had a very strong philosophy in camping - one that he refused to waiver on. His primary goal was to nurture children and young adults towards becoming well rounded citizens. He believed that everyone had inner strength that could be tapped by the challenge of a canoe trip. He believed that camping and a love for music went hand in hand. He encouraged the competitive spirit so long as it was exhibited in a in a safe and nurturing environment. When we asked Elaine to describe Ted's qualities, she reminded us that in addition to having tremendous vision and imagination, Ted always had a soft spot for the camper who had that mischievous twinkle in his or her eye

When the Coles, Birenbaums, and Grossingers transitioned Walden into new ownership in 2003, Ted's commitment to Walden's continuity was unending. His steadfast support and guidance ensured that the next chapter in Walden's history would be as great as the one before. Ted's annual singsongs were a constant bridge between Walden's past and future, allowing a new generation of campers and staff to appreciate camp's rich heritage.

Even though his active career in camping had come to an end with his retirement in 2003, Ted continued to participate in children's camping in Ontario. He and a few camp colleagues established a charity and organized the finances and administration to establish Kids In Camp - a charity devoted to providing camp experiences to children with financial need.

Henry David Thoreau, author of Walden wrote "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." This quotation provides a glimpse of the philosophy upon which Ted's life and the Walden community have been built. We celebrate Ted's life - a life lived with conviction, confidence, and zest... by celebrating his passion for music, activity, building relationships, and the Walden experience.

Four years ago, we established the Ted Cole Camper of the Year Award. This award is given to the camper that best exemplifies everything that Walden stands for and treasures by meeting the following criteria: A 7 week camper; An active participant in all camp programs (including specialties, evening programs, camp wide programs, arts, sports, water, land, competitive, and cooperative); An enthusiastic, spirited, and positive camper yet one who demonstrates humility at all times; One who embraces all aspects of the Walden experience (both cabin- and camp-wide); A unique imagination and/or vision; A strong "camp citizen" i.e. this camper supports his/her cabin-mates and staff;

The winners need not necessarily be a "famous" camper i.e. the best looking, funniest, and outgoing camper.

The winner should be quite simply: The finest camper example of what defines the ideal Walden Camper.

The winner will have a $500 donation made in their honour to Kids in Camp.

This years winner was described as: she created amazing, long lasting and substantial relationships with both campers and staff of all ages. She helped to create a unique bond within her camper cabin, always willing to lend a hand. She is there for her friends and all fellow campers. She participates in all areas and activities at camp. She was amazing on her canoe trip, had a positive attitude at all times, was a pleasure to be around. She maintains relationships with all of her previous staff. The Comic unit is obsessed with her. Her commitment to camp and making it a better place is demonstrated everyday. She is always smiling, always outgoing, always positive always up to something never sitting doing nothing.WOW WHAT A GIRLyou dont know youre beautiful, thats what makes you Beautiful  this could not be more true, she is extremely modest about how amazing she is.

We are so pleased to announce that this year's winner of the Ted Cole Camper of the Year Award is: Sarah Krestell!

Congratulations Sarah... you are EXTREMELY deserving!!!