Fall 2023 Newletter

Dear Friends of Five Oaks,

It is hard to imagine that another year of Five Oaks is wrapping up, and hard to believe that for over 70 years Five Oakians like you have experienced the profound ending of a year. As your Executive Director, I am extremely grateful for this year – for the opportunity to welcome you to this space as a retreatant, volunteer, staff, day camp participant, hosted guest and day user. The numbers of daily impacts on this space are in the thousands.

This space is sacred – we know this from the connectedness that we feel when we come in the driveway, when we sit together in circle, when we enjoy the land and listen to her voice. This space is joy-filled and lament saturated as the hard work of humanity intersects here – people to people on the land.

I am grateful to each of our staff and volunteers – who tirelessly serve to ensure that the legacy of this retreat continues – from painting buildings, gardening, serving on a committee or the board, being a camp staff member, leading a program, maintaining, cooking, cleaning, hosting, administering – your gifts of time do not go unnoticed and make a huge impact on every guest. Recently a guest said “What an outstanding weekend. The hosts were wonderful, the meals were very good and the staff just lovely. At our final gathering everyone was raving about Five Oaks. Looking forward to 2024.”

I am also grateful for two major grant funded capital upgrades to the centre this year which ensure our resiliency:

An HVAC upgrade, made possible by a grant through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, brings heating and cooling in the Upper Room, offices, Peace, and Friendship Houses.
The addition of a two-storey deck off the rear of the main building made possible by a tourism relief grant through the Hamilton, Halton, Brant Regional Tourism Authority, expands our seating area and adding a beautiful outdoor gathering spot.

Your gifts make the difference. As this year concludes, we are reaching out to you with a prayer and hope that you will continue your commitment or recommitment with a financial donation to the centre. 2023 has been harder than imagined. Would you be able to commit an additional amount to your prior year’s giving – $7, $70, $700, $7000 or even a legacy gift of $70,000 as a 70th anniversary celebration towards operations?

We look forward to seeing you soon,

MICHAEL SHEWBURG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends of Five Oaks,

It is hard to imagine that another year of Five Oaks is wrapping up, and hard to believe that for over 70 years Five Oakians like you have experienced the profound ending of a year. As your Executive Director, I am extremely grateful for this year – for the opportunity to welcome you to this space as a retreatant, volunteer, staff, day camp participant, hosted guest and day user. The numbers of daily impacts on this space are in the thousands.

This space is sacred – we know this from the connectedness that we feel when we come in the driveway, when we sit together in circle, when we enjoy the land and listen to her voice. This space is joy-filled and lament saturated as the hard work of humanity intersects here – people to people on the land.

I am grateful to each of our staff and volunteers – who tirelessly serve to ensure that the legacy of this retreat continues – from painting buildings, gardening, serving on a committee or the board, being a camp staff member, leading a program, maintaining, cooking, cleaning, hosting, administering – your gifts of time do not go unnoticed and make a huge impact on every guest. Recently a guest said “What an outstanding weekend. The hosts were wonderful, the meals were very good and the staff just lovely. At our final gathering everyone was raving about Five Oaks. Looking forward to 2024.”

I am also grateful for two major grant funded capital upgrades to the centre this year which ensure our resiliency:

An HVAC upgrade, made possible by a grant through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, brings heating and cooling in the Upper Room, offices, Peace, and Friendship Houses.
The addition of a two-storey deck off the rear of the main building made possible by a tourism relief grant through the Hamilton, Halton, Brant Regional Tourism Authority, expands our seating area and adding a beautiful outdoor gathering spot.

Your gifts make the difference. As this year concludes, we are reaching out to you with a prayer and hope that you will continue your commitment or recommitment with a financial donation to the centre. 2023 has been harder than imagined. Would you be able to commit an additional amount to your prior year’s giving – $7, $70, $700, $7000 or even a legacy gift of $70,000 as a 70th anniversary celebration towards operations?

We look forward to seeing you soon,

MICHAEL SHEWBURG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

2024 at a Glance:

62 (so far!)

Individual Bookings

10,556

Meals ordered

6,287

Overnight stays

Welcome Back:

Brave Waves

Swim Lessons

GRR

Rafting Trips

Acorn Camp

Five Oaks day program

Upcoming Programs

Five Oaks Run Retreats and Events

Visit fiveoaks.on.ca to learn more and register!

We’re excited to share our upcoming events focused on learning, connection, and rejuvenation, all thanks to your generous support. When was your last visit to Five Oaks? We can’t wait to welcome you back!
Here’s a glimpse of what is ahead:

Where Cultures Meet & Retreat (Nov 17-19, 2023): Embark on an extraordinary journey where cultures converge and retreat. This event, led by Six Nations Tourism in collaboration with Five Oaks, offers a transformative experience. Explore the Woodland Cultural Centre, Mohawk Chapel, and immerse yourself in rich history and culture.

Owl Prowl & Birding – (Nov 25, 2023, Two Time Slots): Caregivers and children are invited to join us for an Owl Prowl & Birding adventure around the campfire. Guided by Laurel, you’ll listen for owls and enjoy outdoor activities. Later, from 7:00-8:30pm adults (16+) can join another prowl led by Laurel.

Simply Be: A Retreat for Rest and Renewal (Dec 3-5, 2023): Amidst the holiday hustle, prioritize self-care at the “Simply Be: A Retreat for Rest and Renewal.” Led by Michael Shewburg and artist Ella Balkwill, this retreat offers a serene space to rejuvenate your mind and body, rekindle creativity, and find inner peace.

Winter Solstice Community Gathering (Dec 21, 2023, 4:30-6:30pm): Embrace the enchantment of the Winter Solstice at our community gathering. Gather around the bonfire, enjoy reflective readings, bonfire lighting, songs, and an opportunity to release your longings.

Simply Be: A Retreat for Rest and Renewal (Jan 28-30, 2024): Start 2024 with self-care at the “Simply Be: A Retreat for Rest and Renewal.” Led by Michael Shewburg, this retreat offers a sanctuary to rest, rediscover creativity, and regain inner peace. Reset for the New Year.

Painting for the Soul: Acrylic Painting Course (Feb 14-Mar 20, 2024): Unleash your creativity in a six-week acrylic painting course led by local artist Ella Balkwill, suitable for all skill levels.

Dialogue for Peaceful Change (DPC) (Apr 14-19, 2024): Join the DPC program and gain valuable conflict transformation skills. Led by facilitators Stephen Law and Angelica Quesada, this program equips you to address conflicts effectively within communities, families, and organizations.

Your generous donations make these events possible and play a vital role in our success. We invite you to join us for these enriching experiences and contribute to our vibrant, inclusive community at Five Oaks Centre. We look forward to your participation and thank you for your financial contributions!

For program pricing, itineraries, registration, and inquiries please call us or e-mail programs@fiveoaks.on.ca – Our full program schedule can be found at www.fiveoaks.on.ca/program-schedule/