C H A T T E R - YMCA of Greater Toronto

Where areyou now?A Letter from Mari PeepreMari Peepre’s grandson, Jonathan Assassi (secondfrom the left), has fun with friends at camp.Our grandson Jonathan will be attending YMCACamp Pine Crest this summer, and as we filledout his application forms I remembered whatan important part the camp played in ourfamily history.Our family immigrated to Canada in 1951, andthe first job my parents had was at Camp PineCrest. My father was dishwasher and my motherran the laundry. Father stayed with the YMCAin Toronto for several years and for two happysummers I played around the laundry and didmy best to pretend I was a little boy who couldjoin in the fun and excitement of camp life.My parents moved on to successful lives inacademia and elsewhere but we always hada soft spot in our hearts for Camp Pine Crest,and some years later they returned to workwith their friend, Camp Director Ted Yard,this time as dietitian/head cook and I believeoutdoors program director. I was of course bynow relegated to girls’ camps nearby but stillremember the day off I visited my parents andTed asked me to lead the noon hour sing-song— what a thrill! I could pretend to be a boyagain.Ours is a typical immigrant story, but onewhich in this case is interwoven with the longand rich history of YMCA Camp Pine Crest. I’mglad my grandson will also have an opportunityto experience a happy summer there. I’ll askhim to say a special hello to the people in thelaundry and dishwashing areas!Camp Contact1090 Gullwing Lake RoadTorrance, ON P0C 1M0Fax: 1-705-762-5961Phone: 1-705-762-3377 or 1-877-878-9622Email: camp.pinecrest@ymcagta.orgWebsite: www.camppinecrest.caFollow us on Facebook!YMCA of Greater Toronto42 Charles Street EastToronto, ON M4Y 1T4Your YMCA’s charitable registrationnumber is: 11930 7080 RR0001