We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

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Camps staff

Sheila Rhodes

Hi campers and families. I am an Associate Teaching Professor in the Faculty of Education at Ontario Tech University where I have taught a variety of courses including Science and Technology, Health and Physical Education and Environmental Education. I am on the executive of the Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario and I am actively involved in many environmental organizations. I have been the Camp Director for camps based out of the Faculty of Education for fifteen (15 +) years (since camps started!). I look forward to meeting new families and renewing friendships with returning families.

Qusay H. Mahmoud

Hi there! My name is Qusay H. Mahmoud. I am a Professor of Software Engineering in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Software Engineering at Ontario Tech University. I am the Associate Dean of Experiential Learning and Engineering Outreach in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, where several of our camp programs are developed. Our 2021 camp programs were my first year being involved with Ontario Tech's Child(ren) and Youth camps, and I am excited to hear even more great feedback from campers and their families as we engage the community in future camp programs!

Ellen (James) Istvan

Hello, my name is Ellen Istvan and I am the Women in Engineering and Engineering Outreach Program Supervisor in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. I graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Western University, where I was involved in the Women in Engineering program, volunteered for the Engineering Outreach program, and completed an internship at Union Gas. After graduation, I joined Ferrero, the leading global chocolate and confectionery manufacturer (Nutella, Ferrero Rocher, Tic Tac, and Kinder Chocolate) as a project supervisor, and moved to Alba, Italy. Now back in Canada, I am using my experiences to help inspire and lead the next generation of youth to understand the importance of STEM pathways. I hope through our work we are able to transform the way youth interact with STEM concepts by simplifying complex thoughts into actionable ideas that society can use. My door is always open!