Newcomer Day at Camp highlights how everyone smiles in the same language

by Jake Muldong and Maja Romano

For many Huron County residents, summertime means fun in the sun, meals cooked on the grill, and family and friends enjoying the best of the warm season. Since 2022, Newcomer Day at Camp has been offering these summer experiences to newcomers to Canada and their supporters, bringing together people for a day of outdoor play, great food, and diverse cultural programming.

 

On Saturday, August 22, the Goderich Lions, YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, Huron Welcome Hub for Newcomers, and Huron County Local Immigration Partnership are organising the fifth edition of Newcomer Day at Camp, giving local immigrants the opportunity to join in the summer fun.

 

“We try to ensure that everyone feels welcome,” says Gord Grant of the Goderich Lions Club and chairman of the Camp Klahanie Committee. “We fly the newcomers’ home countries’ flags. When we started five years ago, we only had one: Ukraine. But this year we’ll fly 16 different country flags!”

 

Hosted at Camp Klahanie, just 10 minutes south of Goderich, the event has become a popular event for families across Huron County. If you have yet to discover this gem tucked in off highway 21, Camp Klahanie is a charming facility offering ample outdoor space (and also indoor space in case of inclement weather) for the classic camp experience. Picture casual lawn games like cornhole along with friendly group activities like soccer and volleyball, and a bouncy castle for the younger visitors. Mix that in with arts and crafts facilitated by local artists, hands-on cultural workshops like learning a new style of dance, and of course a big barbecue to refuel for the next round of games! Participants often bring dishes to share from around the globe – a feast for every sweet tooth!

 

 

In addition to the full line-up of activities for all ages, the mayors of Goderich, Central Huron, and ACW have often welcomed everyone, and partners including Maitland Valley Conservation Authority, Butterfly Pathways, Huron County Library, and YMCA have booths to provide information in a friendly and accessible atmosphere. Glen McNeil (Mayor of ACW) brings a newborn calf so the children can interact with a young cow for a truly hands-on experience! The OPP have also stopped by to let young visitors have a seat in a real police car and talk about the helpful services offered by the county’s first responders. With such a line-up, there is sure to be something for everyone!

 

“These activities gave me the chance to meet people and exchange information and experiences,” reflects Sonia, a Huron County resident from Syria, “Also, colouring was fun. I saw how much the children and even the adults enjoyed it, and some of them exchanged their coloured masks as souvenirs. I felt totally included, engaged, and happy.”

Newcomer Day at Camp is a welcoming space that offers newcomers to Canada not only a chance to explore traditional summer activities, but also to celebrate the diversity of our vibrant communities.

 

“Making the effort to engage in friendly conversations helps create a welcoming and inclusive environment,” explains Siwi Vodden from Indonesia, a regular volunteer for the event who has been settled in Huron County for over 10 years. “These interactions can serve as a bridge that encourages openness, mutual respect, and cultural exchange, allowing everyone to both embrace new cultures and share their own.”

 

At a time when funding cuts are affecting cultural programming, these inclusive spaces are more important than ever, and the event has grown to be a summer highlight for many Huron County families.

“We focus on our different cultures while acknowledging the similarities. We have chosen Canada as our home and bring all our talents and customs to share with everyone,” notes Pamela Somers, chair of the Immigrant Advisory Council. “With gratitude to the Lions Club of Goderich we have the use of the Camp Klahanie facilities, and I can tell you that it is a fun day for the whole family!”

Be sure to drop by and enjoy the many activities on the program and stay for a delicious halal barbecue, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. You might even get to try a new food for the first time!

 

“The biggest message we hope to leave is, you’re not alone! There are others who have arrived from very far away. Everyone is welcome here!” notes Gord Grant.

 

Entrance is free, as Newcomer Day at Camp is funded with generous support from the Goderich Lions, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the Town of Goderich.

Newcomer Day at Camp takes place on Saturday, August 22 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Camp Klahanie. For more information visit https://www.huroncounty.ca/economic-development/immigration-partnership/ 33612 Blacks Point Rd, Goderich.