History of Camp Tapawingo
We are grateful to all who have come before us including our first nations friends who were the original caretakers of this beautiful land we now have the privilege of calling Camp Tapawingo. The word Tapawingo in fast means 'Place of Happiness' . Established in 1948 we are proud to still provide such a meaningful and special program for children and youth to come together in community in a beautiful natural setting, off screens, making friends and having fun every summer. While some things at camp have been improved or upgraded over the years many things have stayed the same and Tapawingo is still as special and feels the same to all who attend or are returning after many years away. Our goal of creating a camp community where all feel at home and included just as they are is the same goal those original founders had all those years ago.
History Story:
The group just had four ministers, two wives and children too.
And they asked a friendly Ranger if he had a clue
where a special spot would be with a wide and shallow shore,
with spruce and poplar trees. Who could ask for anything more?
Jean, Lois and the children climbed into a 4-wheel jeep,
they pulled a small wee trailer with Vic, Rae, George and Jack in a heap.
Over the bumpy trail they went; off into the trees.
Their stomachs did some flips and flops, and the mosquitoes bit their knees.
At last they got to the special spot; what a sight they did behold:
A beautiful sandy beach they found with clear water (but oh so cold).
One of the women donned her suit and waded into the deep
to ensure the rest of the shallow beach. She finally took the leap.
Later on she got the shakes and the others bundled her up.
They pitched their tent to spend the night after they had a "mug up".
The next morning when they awoke, they explored the area round
and decided that the church camp would be built before too long.
Rae Allan called the camp 'TAPAWINGO'. What a name!
It meant "a place of happiness". The Haida [First Nations] shared the fame.
So that was the beginnning. A dollar was then paid,
and Tapawingo was claimed for us. The foundation had been laid.
Now we thank our God and Creator for the vision of those few,
And pray we'll always cherish our past and look to the future too!
~ Mildred Sexsmith, long time supporter and Board Member