Ten Oaks Project, October 2008 eNews

2008 Annual General Meeting

So You Think You Can Dance, Camp Ten Oaks 2008

The Ten Oaks Project Annual General Meeting is scheduled to take place on October 23, 2008 between 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm at the Metro Central YMCA-YWCA (180 Argyle Ave).

At the AGM, which covers the fiscal year January 1 - December 31, 2007, we will conduct the following business:

Preview the 2008 slideshow
Special guest speakers and presentation
Update on what we've been doing at the Ten Oaks Project
Vote on motions related to finances, bylaws and electing the new slate of the Board of Directors Snacks and refreshments

The AGM is open to the public and we welcome community participation. Please note that only specific categories of members as defined in our bylaws will be able to vote. All those eligible to vote have received notice by email.

For additional information, please contact us.

We Bid a Fond Farewell

As we prepare to welcome a new leadership team, we bid a fond farewell to four Board members who have completed their 2-year terms. We thank them for all their hard work, dedication and commitment to growing the Ten Oaks Project and our programs.

Larisa Williams, Camp - Over the past two years, Larisa has helped grow Camp Ten Oaks from 40 campers in 2006 to over 58 campers in 2008. Her numerous other contributions include finalizing our Ontario Camping Association accreditation, changes to our evaluation and reporting processes, assisting with staff training and facilitation and the management and support of our camp program over the past two years.

Aimee Bruner, Member Without Portfolio - While Aimee didn't have an official portfolio title, unofficially she participated in the Camp portfolio, and she contributed vastly to our camp program over the past two years. Notably, Aimee brought her knowledge and connections to help us develop and implement three key structural pieces for camp - our staffing manual, crisis manual and kitchen manual.

Andrea Poncia, Volunteer Coordination - In her first term, Andrea provided leadership to the community consultation and development of our 2008-2011 strategic plan which was presented at our last Annual General Meeting. This year, she stepped up to lead a brand new portfolio and has been working diligently to develop and implement volunteer policies and procedures. She's also hugely contributed her talents to the last two camp bowl-a-thon fundraisers.

Salina Eldon, Community Development (Toronto/GTA) - As one of only two Board members based in Toronto, Salina has had the task of connecting, engaging, networking and spreading the word about the Ten Oaks Project and Camp Ten Oaks. From her support of 3rd party fundraisers to coordinating a presence at Toronto Pride, Salina has helped the Ten Oaks Project increase awareness and be a part of the Toronto community.

Ten Oaks Project

Looking for Two More Directors
We've just wrapped up our 2008 nominations process and are preparing to present a fantastic slate at the upcoming Annual General Meeting. We're still looking for two candidates to join our leadership team. 1) To head up the Bowl-A-Thon as we've already got a crew of volunteers looking for the next task to be delegated to make the 5th annual event the best one yet. 2) A Vice President to be the second in command and lend a helping hand supporting the work of all the Directors.

Portfolio descriptions and details on our Board structure and Board member responsibilities can be found in our nominations package. Incoming Board members will be appointed for a period of two years. For more information, contact Mark Schaan at info@tenoaksproject.org.

Peterborough Pride

Thanks to a group of our dedicated volunteer camp staff, the Ten Oaks Project made its first appearance at Peterborough Pride. Our crew put forth a fantastic marching effort and spread the spirit of our camp program.

Thanks to Catherine Purdie for contributing the great photo!

Join our Facebook Group
If you haven't already found us over on Facebook, now may be the time. Become a fan of the Ten Oaks Project today and we'll delight you with updates, photos and videos.

Workplace Charitable Giving

Did You Know...
If you choose to make some of your annual charitable donations through the United Way that you can select the Ten Oaks Project as a recipient? All you need is our charitable number 85521 5471 RR0001.

Other Items of Interest

Rainbow Families is Back for a New Year!
Rainbow Families is an informal group for LGBTTQ families which is meeting for the fourth year now. Families meet to share stories, common challenges and experiences, and to network with other LGBTTQ families. Children 0-6 are cared for by child care providers while children 6-12 are provided with fantastic programming by two children's programming staff. The parent discussion groups are co-facilitated by two staff members, one from Centretown Community Health Centre, the other from Family Services a la famille Ottawa. Rainbow Families meets the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 - 7:30 pm at Centretown Community Health Centre, 420 Cooper Street, off Bank. If you are interested in attending or have any questions, please contact Andrea Madan at amadan@centretownchc.org.

The Herb Girl Second Annual Family Funtime Halloween Concert!
Sunday, October 26, 2008, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm at the Carleton Tavern 223 Armstrong Street (by the Parkdale Market). Cost is $5.00 per person, $10.00 - $20.00 family (sliding scale). A family menu will be available for the occasion. As its Halloween and all please feel free to dress up you like or dress down if you choose. If you would like more info please email the Herb Girls at herbgirls@rogers.com.

The Ten Oaks Project is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. Our mission is to engage and connect children and youth from LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, queer) communities through programs and activities rooted in play. Our programs include Camp Ten Oaks and a new Youth Leadership Retreat that will launch in 2009.

Ten Oaks Project | 255 Montreal Road, Unit 205 | Ottawa, ON | K1L 6C4

613.321.2825 | info@tenoaksproject.org | www.tenoaksproject.org | www.camptenoaks.org
charitable number 85521 5471 RR0001