Workshops
Click HERE for a PDF of the information below.
Early Moring Stretch with Francine Dick
Meet Francine for early morning stretches to get you loose and limber and ready to
take on the day.
Friday and Saturday 6:45 am - 7:15 am
Massage Workshop with Bob Arnoff
The first half of the workshop is an interactive lecture, during
which Bob will share surprising stories of unique massage experiences from around the world. Some of these are
quite bizarre.
(If you attended my previous workshops, please don't share the punch lines!).
In the second half, we will partner up to give and receive a massage.
Please be compliant with the Mosaic rules of conduct – in other words, be a mench. Be respectful: let your partner know where you are about to touch;
get their agreement. If asked not to touch – don’t touch. Guys, be a gentleman – Everyone, be a mensch. Please
respect everyone’s comfort and dress appropriately, a skimpy swimsuit is inappropriate. Let your partner know
you will begin with light pressure, and ask them to let you know if they wish more pressure or less. If
increasing pressure, do so gradually. More suggestions will be given during the workshop.
Please note: Bob Arnoff is not a licensed massage therapist. If we do have a LPT at the event I would
appreciate your participation.
Fri 3:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Pink Panther Bike Ride with Doug Collins
This is intended as a relaxed, casual ride, headed up by my tricycle, The Pink
Panther. You can bring your own bike or borrow one from the camp. We expect to be out for at least an hour,
possibly as long as two hours, depending on riders and trail conditions. We will head east towards the nearby
town of Orrville. How far we actually go will depend on trail conditions and riders.
The Seguin Trail, a
historic railway route that once connected Parry Sound to Ottawa, is now a crushed stone pathway used by ATV
riders, hikers, and cyclists. This scenic bike ride takes you from Camp George, crossing forests, fields and
wetlands, past lakes, rivers, and streams. Exposed cuts of Canadian Shield bedrock are highlights along the way.
The rail trail is relatively flat, but dips down and back up to cross small bridges.
A word of warning: the
trail terrain can be rough at times, so this activity is only recommended for more experienced cyclists. While
parts of the path are smooth, there are patches with loose gravel, potholes, and jagged protruding rocks. Be
prepared to ride (or walk) your hybrid bike through several wide, deep puddles – you might want to roll up your
pants!
Sat 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Nature Walk with David Liebman
Most people walking through the woods see trees, plants, and a few birds. They are
not tuned into the exciting and interesting living things around them. They never understand the millions of
years of geographic history that created the home for life on Earth.
Join David Liebman on a nature walk where he will show how to find unnoticed but unique plants, animals, and
insects in their natural habitat. You will learn to see through the camouflage, identify, understand, and
appreciate a wide variety of life in the natural wilderness. We will even find some edible and medicinal plants
that can save a life if you are ever lost! Each nature walk is unique and reveals how life forms, when
undisturbed by man, fit into a delicate, interrelated, and interdependent natural plan.
Hopefully, the nature walk will inspire you to learn increasingly about the natural world in ways you have
never seen.
Sat 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Torah Study with Ellen Flax
Calling all ebayers! What are our Jewish obligations when we sell or buy things? We will study Jewish texts (in
translation) and engage in a lively discussion about what it means to be a "kosher" consumer/seller,
with a special emphasis on online transactions.
Sat - 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Qi Gong (pronounced chee gong) with Jo Anne Chisholm
Start your morning with Jo Anne to set yourself up for the
rest of your day. Qi Gong is an intentional and mindful practice, guiding qi (energy, or life force) to where it
is needed: body, thought or emotion. Slow, gentle movements are done many times; each has a specific purpose,
stimulating muscle, bone, heart, lungs and other organs, building strength, flexibility and balance. Qi Gong can
be done seated or standing, with or without support, at any fitness level. It results in relaxed muscles and a
sense of well-being. Qi Gong “moves” are called “flows”: with no harsh or sudden movements, it is a flowing
practice, and you will flow smoothly, breathe easier and feel calm, awakened and aware after our time
together. T’ai Chi, a subset of Qi Gong, incorporates many Qi Gong moves in a specified sequence; while in Qi
Gong, one chooses which flows to perform. Comfortable clothing, bare feet, optional mat or chair and water for
hydration are excellent choices.
Sun - 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Knot Tying with Doug Collins
This is a short course knot to be missed, so seizing the moment you can put the bight where it
belongs and maybe get hitched up somehow. Maybe you’ll stay to the bitter end. OK, enough with the word play: if
you don’t get the puns, ask google - or me.
I will teach you how to tie some basic knots used in sailing and rigging.
- The art of knotting is as ancient as humankind.
- There are examples of rope work in Tutankhamen’s tomb.
- The Incas used quipu, a system of knotting used as a numerical system (essentially an “ancient Excel
spreadsheet”) and for storytelling. How fascinating: a visual and tactile way to exchange information.
- The knots tied to create the fringes on the tallit “spell out” various important concepts in Judaism, such
as “613 mitzvot” and “God is one”. Like quipu, it can be seen as a secret language, understood only by those
who are in on its meaning.
- Macrame is an art form composed entirely of knotting.
- It was, however, seamen and sailors, particularly those who served aboard the great sailing vessels of
the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, who exploited the full potential of knot tying both practically
and decoratively.
So come and tie up some of your time with me. I won’t string you along.
Sun - 10:15 am - 11:45 am
Photo Taking Workshop with Jeffrey Kay
The
rugged beauty of central Ontario will be our backdrop as we discuss ways to improve your photography skills.
Topics will include Composition, Lighting, and Perspective. We will meet at a central camp location to be
specified beforehand, and walk around various areas of Camp George working to improve our photo taking talents.
These days digital cameras enable us to take dozens of photos at the same time, and later select the best of
the bunch, for our audience. Bring your own camera, remember most of today's smart phones are also good
cameras. And when you get home, you'll have some great photos to show off to friends and family.
Items to bring: walking shoes (no sandals), sun hat, bug spray, and of course, your camera.
Sunday 1:00 pm - 2:45 pm
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The Camp George Landscape
Camp George is in the scenic Muskoka Region of Ontario, known for its beautiful lakes, historic Canadian
Shield, and lush forests. The camp is situated on a unique peninsula, allowing us to offer a diverse range of
programming.
Being at one with the amazing Northern Ontario terrain helps to make the Camp George experience
unforgettable. Beautiful woodland, extensive hiking trails, a sparkling waterfront, glorious sunsets, and starry
nights along with two hundred acres in which to run and play, make Camp George a summer wonderland.
Ropes Challenge Course
This giant “jungle gym” allows participants to reach new heights – literally and
figuratively. The Ropes Challenge Course, which is designed to provide individual and group challenges, includes
low, mid, and high elements. In addition, our course includes two Climbing walls, an Initiative wall, Spider’s
Web, a Giant Swing, and a trust dive.
There are a variety of elements on our ropes course, including traversing, climbing, and, of course, some
adrenaline-pumping elements. The swing, Jacob's Ladder, and, of course, the high ropes elements are some of
the fan favorites. The course has over fifteen different elements to choose from in the low and mid-level areas.
The High Ropes has eight elements, as well as hanging out on the platform, listening to music, and so on.
On the Low Ropes course, you'll be guided by our staff through several activities. Normally, the elements
are between 30 and 60 feet high, with a range of levels of difficulty.
Here are descriptions of some of
the available elements:
- Swing: You will be clipped to our element and lifted 60-70 feet into the air. The participant will next pull
a lever that will swing them from one side of the pole to the other. Like a roller coaster drop, but bit more
fun
- Jacob's Ladder: This is a type of climbing element in which wooden logs are spaced a set distance
apart; the higher you climb, the farther apart the logs get, making it harder and harder. Usually, this is a
teamwork element involving 2 to 4 people.
- Jungle Vines: This is a traversing element where you move on a line and grab vine-like ropes. Participants
usually try to cross by walking or swinging, although they do so in a variety of ways, i.e.: blindfolded,
backward, and so on.
We will feature a distinct set of elements during each session. Camp staff will lead you through these
activities.
| Day |
Start |
End |
Activity |
| Fri |
10:00 AM |
11:45 AM |
Low Ropes |
| Fri |
1:00 PM |
2:45 PM |
High Ropes |
| Sat |
9:45 AM |
11:45 AM |
Low Ropes |
| Sat |
3:00 PM |
4:45 PM |
High Ropes |
| Sun |
9:45 AM |
11:45 AM |
High Ropes |
| Sun |
3: 00 PM |
5:00 PM |
Low Ropes |
Archery
Bullseye! Well, if not, practice makes perfect! Come test your aim at Archery. Camp staff
will assist you as needed. There are two targets to share with up to ten people during each session. Only open
when camp staff are present.
| Day |
Start |
End |
| Fri |
8:30 AM |
9:45 AM |
| Fri |
3:00 PM |
4:30 PM |
| Sat |
8:30 AM |
9:30 AM |
| Sat |
1:00 PM |
2:45 PM |
| Sun |
8:30 AM |
9:30 AM |
| Sun |
1: 00 PM |
2:45 PM |
Athletics Fields
Enjoy traditional activities such as soccer, basketball, field hockey, tennis, archery,
volleyball, cricket, cup stacking, golf, ultimate frisbee, gaga and softball.
The sports facilities include
two tennis courts, a lit basketball court and a beach volleyball/badminton court. We will schedule game times
for you to group up. Necessary equipment is supplied, but we suggest bringing your own if possible.
| Day |
Start |
End |
Activity |
| Fri |
1:00 PM |
2:45 PM |
Pickup Basketball/ Tennis/Racquet Games |
| Fri |
3:00 PM |
4:30 PM |
Volleyball |
| Sat |
9:45 AM |
11:45 AM |
Pickup Basketball/ Tennis/Racquet Games |
| Sat |
3:00 PM |
4:45 PM |
Volleyball |
| Sun |
1:00 PM |
2:45 PM |
Pickup Basketball/ Tennis/Racquet Games |
| Sun |
3: 00 PM |
4:30 PM |
Volleyball |
Biking:
Meet at the bike shack. Ride a bike along the trails around camp or along the Sequin Trail,
which can be accessed from Camp George. The Seguin Trail is situated on a section of the long-abandoned JR Booth
Railway system stretching from Ottawa to Arnprior and Parry Sound. It travels around lovely lakes and through
forests. This beautiful trail appeals to many types of trail enthusiasts such as hikers and cyclists. There are
great stretches of roadway, both flat and hilly, for cyclists to enjoy.
| Day |
Start |
End |
| Sat |
9:45 AM |
11:45 AM |
| Sat |
1:00 PM |
2:45 PM |
Walk/Hike:
Head out and explore the campgrounds. Camp George has its own approximately 1 km / or 6/10th mile nature trail
that meanders through the forest and alongside a field of wildflowers. For a longer hike, head out towards the
Sequin trail (about a 4-6 KM / or 3 – 4 Mile round trip).
| Day |
Start |
End |
| Fri |
8:30 AM |
10:00 AM |
| Sat |
8:00 AM |
9:30 AM |
| Sat |
1:00 PM |
2:45 PM |
| Sun |
8:30 AM |
10:00 AM |
| Sun |
1:00 PM |
2:45 AM |
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Waterfront
The camp's unique peninsula-shaped Waterfront provides the perfect environment for a range of aquatic
activities. Each activity area (ski, sail, paddle sports & swim) has its own dock and separate area.
Swimming at the Lake Front
Come down to the swim dock to relax on the beach or swim in the lake. Camp George has one of
the largest beaches in the Muskoka area, with a large dock for shallow water wading and deep-water swimming.
There is even a rock island within swimming distance. The swim area includes a sandy beach, floating raft, water
trampoline and other water inflatables. The dock/beach area, which overlooks the expanse of Maple Lake, will be
open daily and available only when a lifeguard is present.
| Day |
Start |
End |
| Fri |
10:15 AM |
11:45 AM |
| Fri |
1:00 PM |
6:00 PM |
| Sat |
10:15 AM |
11:45 AM |
| Sat |
1:00 PM |
5:00 PM |
| Sun |
10:15 AM |
11:45 AM |
| Sun |
1: 00 PM |
6:00 PM |
Paddle Sports at the Paddle Dock
Choose from paddle boards, canoes or kayaks to take out and explore the lake. Camp staff will
be on hand to help you get set up - then head out on your own to see what you find out on the water. Maple Lake
is located near Orrville Ontario along Hwy. 518 in the Parry Sound District. The Seguin River enters the lake at
the south end and exits the north end into Little Seguin (Duck) Lake. The lake has a perimeter of 11.4 km (7.1
miles). While the lake reaches depths of forty-seven′, the average depth is twenty′. The lake has rainbow trout,
lake trout, and small mouth bass, rock rubble shoreline and beautiful sunsets. Open only when camp staff are
present.
| Day |
Start |
End |
| Fri |
10:15 AM |
11:45 AM |
| Fri |
1:00 PM |
2:45 PM |
| Sat |
1:00 PM |
2:45 PM |
| Sat |
3:00 PM |
5:00 PM |
Happy Hour
Let's get together to share our day's adventures and highlights with each other while enjoying some
refreshments.
| Day |
Start |
End |
| Fri |
4:30 PM |
6:00 PM |
| Sat |
4:45 PM |
6:15 PM |
| Sun |
4:45 PM |
6:00 PM |
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