Tuesday, 18 September 2012

RIP Mr. Boddy, Founder and Visionary of Muskoka Woods Sports Resort

On Saturday September 15, the world lost another great man to the heavens.
John Boddy was a successful businessman and some of you may even have lived in one of his homes (John Boddy Homes). But to me he was the visionary behind a place I spent many summers of my youth, Muskoka Woods.

As alumni we were asked to send notes to the Boddy family on how Muskoka Woods has shaped or impacted our lives. This is what I sent to the family...

Tiina, Alison & I "Tuck Shop Girls"

I first came to Muskoka Woods at age 11 after having tried other "traditional"camps. Obviously, after having to sleep in platform tents, washing your own dishes and sleeping in cabins without running water, Muskoka Woods was heaven! (Little did I know how close to heaven MWSR would take me!) I went home after my first week in reluctantly, and sang the praises of this amazing place. We would never look back and the next summer my brother would join me. 

Muskoka Woods wasn't just a place we'd spend a few weeks of our summer. To me, it WAS summer. I could not think of any place I'd rather be than in the sunshine with my friends, on the water, at the docks, learning new skills, playing crazy games, enjoying campfire, the list goes on and on. And once I "out grew" being a "guest", I joined summer staff...most notably working in the teeny tiny tuck shop, doling out GIGANTIC flurries/ice creams to the cutest boys! :)

Muskoka Woods did a lot to shape the person I am today; teaching me to take (calculated) risks, how to be a leader, and about my faith.

My "Muskoka Woods" life extended way past Lake Rosseau. Because of friends at MWSR, I went to Capernwray Hall and because of Capernwray I travelled the world and have wonderful friends all over the globe.

I am forever grateful to my parents who were able to send my brother and I to this playground every summer and thankful to the Boddy family for their vision to make Muskoka Woods the best place on earth to spend your youth!
 
The gorgeous boathouse
 

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