2008 Spring Newsletter

to be mailed the Week of February 26th

 
Fifty years ago, on February 28th, 1958 Allan and Ellen Bonwill incorporated Skycroft. In its earlier days it was operated in Connecticut as a day camp. Later in 1958 they purchased the property in Canada on which Skycroft now resides. Then they would bring the children up to the Canadian property, which provided opportunities for wilderness tent camping (no hydro in those days) and exploring Opinicon Lake. It was the Bonwill’s goal to educate people, especially young people about the outdoors and care of the planet. In that regard they were well ahead of their time. In 1973 the Bonwills moved to Canada as permanent residents. They continued to operate Skycroft at its present location but now the children were brought up by their families. It was a natural progression that the parents requested to stay while their children attended the camp. The Bonwills found that with the parents here taking care of their own children, it provided more time for them to devote to outdoor education. Slowly the camp evolved into a family campground. As time marched on the Bonwills found they were getting too old to carry on alone in Canada so they invited their daughter Anne, and her husband Jim Barton to join them and continue to develop Skycroft as a family camp for income purposes. Anne and Jim moved to Canada on September 1, 1983 and began the work of building and improving the facilities to accommodate the needs and desires of today’s camping public. Well it’s hard to believe that 25 years have gone by since then but here we are now celebrating

50 years of Skycroft. We still enjoy seeing people who come to share the many wonders and pleasures available to outdoor enthusiasts. We look forward to another season of sun, fun and happy campers.

Anne & Jim Barton

Update

Nostalgic Fun To celebrate our 50th anniversary we decided to change to format of our newsletter this year to reflect a newsletter as it might have appeared in 1958. With a retro logo and black and white typewriter style format.

More Sun...This winter we’ve been spending time taking down trees. We love them but when they are allowed to grow without restraint they create a canopy over the campsites and cause them to be too shady. We aim to keep most of the sites with a nice mixture of sun and shade.

Boating Regulations: Be sure to keep updated on the implementation of the boating Regulations. For full information on this subject go to www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/CES/menu.htm.

Lakeside Campsite available: Lakeside 18 is one of two campsites in the park with water hookups only but has been an extremely popular campsite due to it’s close proximity to the shore of Opinicon Lake and great view. This year we’ve opened up the adjacent campsite, LS-19, for short-term use as well, which offers identical features.

Fishing Season: This year Pike season opens on Saturday, May 10 and Bass season opens the fourth Saturday of June so this year it will begin on June 28th.

US Passport Requirements: http://travel.state.gov/passport is the web-site for information on US passport requirements. It appears they will still accept other proofs of ID besides passports if you arrive by land (not air).

 For Your Information:

Trailers for Sale: If you are interested in trading up from your current trailer be sure to check www.Skycroft.com to see what we may have available for you. Click on the “For Sale” button on the left. At the present time there is just one listing for a 2002 Citation 26’ in excellent condition

The Ontario March of Dimes, Camper’s Helping Disabled Campers program was given a lift this year by our generous campers who helped raise a total of $441.65 from the empty beer and wine bottle returns. With the advent of the Golf Tournaments we raised an additional $280.00. Thanks to all who contributed and participated in this worthy cause. Stay tuned, we’re hoping to do more fund raisers this year too.

It’s easier than ever to make a reservation, Phone or Online: We continue to offer a $5.00 automatic discount to anyone who books their reservation On-Line by using the Reservation form at www.skycroft.com. To find the form simply click on the “Reservations” button on the left side. You may also make inquiries or contact us via Info@Skycroft.com and by phone 1-877-359-5491.

Seasonal campsites We have sold out of all available seasonal campsite for 2008.

Our Off-Peak Rates save you 15% on all weekly rentals before June 28th or after August 30th.

www.Skycroft.com is constantly being updated. Look for current information on Availabilities, Rates, Seasonal Camping info, Trailers and other Equipment For Sale and current Weather conditions at Skycroft.