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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, August 26, 2016 | 12 Youth leaders recognized with Summer Camp awards Annual event held in memory of Ray McConnell by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver For 28 Oakville youth leaders, working at summer camp has been a reward in itself. As feathers in their caps, they were recognized Monday (Aug. 22) for their hard work, dedication and achievements this summer at the annual Summer Camp Leadership Awards, hosted by the Town of Oakville and held at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. The yearly event honours the memory of Ray McConnell, a former leader in the Oakville Parks and Recreation Summer Activity Centre program from 1979-81. He was killed on Sept. 1, 1982 in a motorcycle accident involving an impaired driver. In recognition of his leadership and dedication to the Town's children summer programs, the Ray McConnell Memorial Leadership Award -- presented by the McConnell family -- is given to a summer camp staff member who best exemplifies these qualities and contributes to the Oakville community. This year, the award was given to 23-yearold Maeve Gamble, a cultural camp senior leader. Gamble said she was grateful and flattered to be given the accolade bearing McConnell's name, as his legacy "lives on through our program." "I am overwhelmed at the recognition. I've watched so many wonderful leaders, who have contributed so much to the program, get recognized for their contributions. The parents that worked with Ray, I'm now working with," continued Gamble. The 23-year-old attributes the recognition to teamwork and mutual support from everyone involved because it has "always been a team effort," she said. "We really worked together to build each other up. We bring that energy everyday. The energy of my peers, co-workers and senior supervisors inspires me and brings joy to campers and myself," noted Gamble, who has worked at summer camp for six years. "Since (I began), I've never looked back. The people around me bring such energy to my life. The friendships I've built have only grown over the years. My closest friends are my camp friends." Accolades were also handed out for Rookie of the Year, HIGH FIVE Champion, HIGH FIVE Lifetime Achievement, Extra Mile Club and Five-year Service to individuals who have shown a commitment to adhering to the principles of the HIGH FIVE program and dedication to recreation services. Seane Thorman, 20, took home the Carol Gall Rookie of the Year Award for her role as a special needs play leader. She said she was overwhelmed by the recognition and is "extremely grateful" for the support and inspiration the staff has given her. "I feel so honoured to be recognized for my efforts, but truly it was a team effort. I couldn't have done it without the support from all the campers and staff," said Thorman. "Going to camp everyday and seeing the children really "pushes me to give them everything I can," she continued. "Knowing that I'm going to a smiling and welcoming, warm environment really pushes me to give my best." Thorman said her favourite part of the job is working with others who get children to come out of their comfort zones and inspire them. "That pushes and motivates me to work extra hard," she added. Town officials noted more than 11,000 youths took part in summer camps this year and were aided by 170 leadership staff and The Summer Camp Leadership Awards, hosted by the Town of volunteers. Oakville, took place Monday (Aug. 22). Seane Thorman (at top) In addition to recognizing summer camp was the winner of the Carol Gall Rookie of the Year Award, while staff, the ceremony also paid tribute to Carol (above) Ray's mother, Rosemary McConnell (left), presents Maeve Gall, a recreation supervisor, who is retiring Gamble with the Ray McConnell Memorial Leadership Award. see Gall on p.14 | Town of Oakville photos MORTGAGES Family Doctors Accepting New Patients Male and Female Doctors now accepting new patients in our Family Health Group. Call 905-825-DoCs to book your appointment. We have a pool of private money available at great rates. Instant Approval, Fast, Reliable Service by your bank? Turned down Serving you for over 30 years. www.tmdc.ca Licence # 10585 Call: Jim Panasiuk · 9053382222 Mortgage Broker, M08000232 REAL ESTATE Providing professional real estate services from start to finish. 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