24 | 2017 LAKE STEWARDS NEWSLETTER Child’s Play & Lake Associations Has your association dedicated time and energy to connecting with the youngest generation at the lake? Lake Manitou Area Association (LMAA) has! They include a “Kid’s Corner” in their Newsletter, “Wind Swept.” The Fall 2016 edition included this entertaining introduction to loons, by Chris Sailus: Has one of your grandparents or parents ever called you a ‘loon?’ Chances are you were making funny faces, walking in a silly manner, or just being goofy. Indeed, you may have even been unknowingly mimicking the walking style of a bird that shares the same name, the loon. Indeed, loons were named for their awkward walking style and acrobatic takeoffs. In fact, loons tend to avoid land altogether!... LMAA joined FOCA when they formed as an association in the early 1990s, representing the largest lake on Manitoulin Island. The Association currentlyhasaround200members.Checkoutpasteditions of LMAA newsletters, here: http://lakemanitouarea.ca/ Another FOCA member Association is working hard to engage kids in eastern Ontario: Big Gull Lake East End Cottage Association (BGLEECA) With over 130 member families, the group joined FOCA in 2001. We recently heard from member Keith Rowe, who reported: I suggested bringing kids into the focus of the cottage newsletters we send out a couple of times a year. … [H]aving grown up on our lake since 1959 and raised three children who summered on Big Gull, I felt some of my thoughts might be interesting for kids. As a bit of ‘nature nut’ I came up with the title of “Listen, Look and Learn,” as my favorite thing to do on a hike is to just stop and listen for a chirp, crack or wing beat—a sure sign something interesting is close by. With today’s kids caught up in a world of electronics, kicking backatthesummercottageisaplacetoslowdownandenjoy the wonders of their own backyard...something nature offers for free! I’ve tried to offer some insight into some birds, bugs and plants which might be something kids will look for on their next summer adventures at their own cottage. Hopefully, some other lake associations will attempt to reach out to the next generation of “nature nuts” and come up with their own Kids’ Newsletters! Review their Newsletters, here: http://www.bgleeca.ca/ news/news.php A h th d CPS-ECP values FOCA members, your families – and your safety on the water! Even if you can always see your dock when you’re boating, you need to have your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). If you don’t have your PCOC, get it online or in class with CPS-ECP. Offering courses in 65 locations across Ontario. Find one near you at: boatingcourses.ca Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons www.boatingcourses.ca | 1-888-CPS-BOAT Photo: USCG *or proof of compentency *