What. A. Weekend!

For those of you who follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook you know we had a booth at this year’s Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show.  Over three days we had the opportunity to talk about Bark Lake to more than 25,000 people! 

For Allison, D’Arcy, Maria, and I this was our first time exhibiting at this particular event… and I must say, it was well worth it.  We had the opportunity to speak to several people looking for a venue for their weddings, teachers looking for a class trip, adventure racers looking for a place race (adventurously), and of course our alumni.

It was great to have an opportunity to reconnect with past campers and staff.  They all had amazing stories to share, but I think Scott summed it up best with:  “[Bark Lake] changed my life”.  (Actually we had several alumni use these exact same words… powerful stuff.)

One of the things I absolutely love about going to shows (trade shows, job fairs, school shows) is the fact that we get to put Bark Lake out there for the world to see.  Our booth had plenty of toys and other fun things to help us explain who we are and why-we-do-the-things-that-we-do:  BuzzRings, plush porcupine, cool wolf hat… just to name a few.  Being a fun and engaging Leadership Centre, it was only fair to have a fun and engaging booth.  We even got some of the other exhibitors to come and play with us.

Speaking of other exhibitors, one of the things about going to big trade shows like the Outdoor Adventure Show I always enjoy is having an opportunity to talk with the other vendors.  We were very lucking to have Temagamiopens in a new window and  Georgina’s Recreation Outdoor Campusopens in a new window   as booth neighbours, with The Great Spirit Circle Trail (www.circletrail.com) from Manitoulin Island keeping us company from across the row.

I do want to give a quick “thank-you” to the wonderful people at Parks Canada.  Their green screen booth was by far one of the most entertaining.  We were able to go to Riding Mountain National Park, the Arctic Circle, and Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site… all during a single weekend. (Don’t believe me?  Check out the photos!)

We’ll be posting more pictures to the Facebook page in the coming days.  Please check out the Toronto Outdoor Show album.

Wish you could have been there in person?  We’ll be at the Ottawa Outdoor & Adventure Travel Showopens in a new window March 15-17.

Special Bonus Picture… D’Arcy NOT falling into a pool of water.  Enjoy!