The Premier Youth Camp of Essex County
Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club was formed in May 2018 to purchase 25 acres on Texas Road in Amherstburg for a year round camp for the youth of Windsor, Essex County and Chatham Kent. We are a not-for-profit, charitable organization that offers structured programs for youth. Our first priority is to provide fun through learning about leadership, life skills, outdoor camping skills and environmental stewardship in a place where children will feel safe and welcomed. In this time of increasing use of electronics, being in a natural setting is highly recommended by mental health authorities.
OUR MISSION: is to own, operate and maintain a year-round camp for youth which addresses and prevents problems faced by youth, by offering structured programs directed toward building self-esteem, leadership and life skills.
Programs, Goods and Services Offered
Helping children and youth between the ages of 4 to 18 become the best person they can become.
We focus upon building self-esteem, leadership and life skills of youth; advance education by providing leadership training, outdoor camping skills and environmental stewardship programs and we protect the environment for the benefit of the public by offering structured environmental stewardship programs to youth
Our Team
Our Board Members offer decades of experience from various backgrounds and working fields. They share a commitment to help shape and advance our Camp in every aspect and believe in our mission, vision and values to create leaders for tomorrow.
Founding Board Members (2018)
CATHY MEYERS
LINDA TULL
RUTH WASS
MARIE WILDER
CARALLE HICKS
CAITLIN GONNEAU
EMILYN ANDERI
BARB GARBER
MARY ANN MERTENS
Current Executive & Board of Directors
Chris Renaud
Member of the Board of Directors
Norbert Bolger
Member of the Board of Directors
Joanne Pelat
Secretary
Nancy Parker
BA
Ian Phillips
Dip. Tech., B.A., M.Ed.
Kathi Poupard
President
Cathy Robertson
Vice President - Recreation & Business Development
Tracey Butcher
Hotel/Restaurant Management Certificate & Resort Management Course
Nancy Flagler-Wilburn
Member of the Board of Directors
Chris Renaud
Member of the Board of Directors
Norbert Bolger
Member of the Board of Directors
Joanne Pelat
Secretary
Nancy Parker
BA
Ian Phillips
Dip. Tech., B.A., M.Ed.
Kathi Poupard
President
Cathy Robertson
Vice President - Recreation & Business Development
Tracey Butcher
Hotel/Restaurant Management Certificate & Resort Management Course
Nancy Flagler-Wilburn
Member of the Board of Directors
Chris Renaud
Member of the Board of Directors
Information For Parents
On October 29 2021, the Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club became owners of the Bryerswood Camp property!
Bryerswood Youth Camp invites all children and youth from 4 to 18 to use the camp and enjoy the facilities. Operating on a year-round basis, the Club endeavours to provide an affordable and inclusive camp for all.
The camp has several cabins, a large dining hall, kitchens, meeting rooms, indoor flush toilets, and showers. There is a small apartment as well. There are several tenting areas, campfire rings and shelters spread across the property. There are hiking trails, an archery range and a small pond located on the property. Depending on the season and the programs chosen, there are snowshoes, cross country skis, archery equipment, canoes and a playground area available for use.