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
FACILITY RENTALS
Looking for space for a week long or overnight stay? Space to run a day program or an evening meeting? Look no further. We can accommodate overnight visitors both indoors and outdoors in our many tenting areas. And we have lots of room for meetings, classes, activities, or events. Please contact us to find out how we may best serve your needs.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD CENTRE
Bryerswood Youth Camp is in the process of becoming a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Centre. This international award program empowers youth to become the best versions of themselves. Award participants set goals and design plans for achieving the goals. Participants are encouraged “to give back to their communities, explore their interests and passions, commit to their health and wellness, and gain an appreciation for the natural environment.” The skills they develop through participation in the program help them grow into responsible citizens. (https://www.dukeofed.org/on/division-home-) Youth can work on any of the levels providing they meet the age requirements as set out by the Duke’s office. Youth need to be 14 to start work on the Bronze level, 15 for Silver and must be 16 to begin their Gold work.
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
A Wide range of both summer and winter sporting equipment is available to rent. Contact us to find out we may serve your needs.
SCHOOL DAY AWAY PROGRAMS
Bring your class out for the day. The program is designed around what you would like covered. Programs are 3 hours in length and have flexible staring times. Costs will vary depending on the program and options chosen. Contact us today to find out how we can serve your needs.
DAY CAMPS
PD Day and the children are home from school? Don’t worry we have you covered. Full day of activities. Lunch and snacks may be provided. Program goes from 9 to 4. Early drop off and late pickup available for extra charge.
SUMMER CAMP
We offer six weeks of summer camp program starting in July. Currently summer camp is run on a day camp basis. You can sign up for a day or for the full six weeks. Our registration is very flexible with early drop off and late pick up available for an small extra charge. Camp themes vary each week and each week offers a field trip to a destination in the community.
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
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.
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.