A dream turned into reality Sunday (June 3, 1984) when Camp Munro opened its doors to the public for the mentally handicapped.   Paul Tanner of the Timmins Lions Club and camp coordinator said the camp is the result of a "joint effort of all the Lions Clubs in Ontario."   Some too far away to help with the construction have sent in donations.   Others come out weekends and holidays to pound nails, carry lumber or do some yard work. Everything is done on a voluntary basis he said.

Kirkland Lake's contribution to the camp is the construction of a shower and change room facility. Work will probably start as soon as the club receives the floor plans.  It has taken nearly four years for the camp to get to its present state but there are still many more things that will be done.

The dream of a camp for the mentally retarded started about 19 years ago.

Joan Caron, a member of the North-Eastern Council on Mental Retardation looked forward to building camp on the 37 acres of land the council bought on Munro Lake. In 1980, she approached Tanner with the idea.   Tanner in turn approached the Timmins Lions Club with the proposal and things sprang out from there.

The camp will be open for family and group camping from July through to September.   The Camp can handle 38 people per session with sleeping accommodations.   The recreation hall is complete with a fully equipped kitchen facility, indoor plumbing, electricity and a lounge.   The recreation hall and sleeping cabins are on a ridge overlooking Munro Lake.

Other cottagers are on the lake and Tanner said all the neighbours have been very supportive of the camp.   The other cottagers accept Camp Munro and the campers who will be using the facility he said.   No complaints have been received.

The camp's location makes it easy accessible from most Northeastern Ontario communities and is a maximum two-hour drive within the region.    While the camp is open and is usable, there are still lots of plans for further expansion...

Article written by
L. M. Widdifield, Northern Daily News, Kirkland Lake
Monday June 4, 1984