The Taylor Statten Camps

There are some camp rituals that quietly mark the changing of the seasons.

Putting away our war canoes is one of them.

Many hands carry these beautiful, century-old cedar canvas canoes from the shores of Canoe Lake to their winter resting place, a task repeated across generations at TSC.

It takes a team. Not simply because they are big and heavy, but because caring for them is part of our responsibility to this place. These canoes have carried generations of campers, witnessed countless races and heard more cheers from the shoreline than we could ever count.

For more than a century, we have cared for them together so that another generation can paddle them, race them and add their own chapter to the tradition.

One more season tucked away. One more camp ritual complete.

Rest well, old canoes. We’ll see you on Canoe Lake in 2027. 🛶

Some traditions are measured in years. Others are measured in kilometres, portages and generations.

The Stilson Race has been a TSC tradition since 1952 — a legendary test of paddling, portaging, grit and teamwork that has challenged generations on Canoe Lake.

Last week, two more names join the long list of Stilson champions. Congratulations to Section Directors Dawson Clutterbuck and Duncan Biggar, this year’s winners! 🏆🛶

More than 70 years later, the race continues. The paddlers change. The tradition carries on.

Timeless by design.