Beyond the Woods

We live in a culture of perfection and there is a pressure to present ourselves as always in control. Muskoka Woods alumnus, Marianne Deeks, speaks with John about how should approach this reality and when we need to take off the "good face" and share our burdens. 

Duncan McGregor Jr. was a Muskoka Woods guest and staff member but today he is the president of a successful business. On this episode, he discusses how Muskoka Woods gave him the three key ingredients to grow into a successful career. 

You're in school but you realize the program you're in is the wrong one. Meredith White, Muskoka Woods alumni, was in that exact situation. She switched and is now an accomplished artist with work in the Art Gallery of Canada. John finds out how she did it and some tips for making the same transition. 

He's travelled the world over but points to his time at Muskoka Woods as one of the most impactful experiences. Jorden has carved out a successful career as a content creator. His travel channel on YouTube boasts over 60,000 subscribers and allows him to travel full-time. John explores what it's like to have ditched "the real world" (Jorden's words) and what impact Muskoka Woods had on his career. 

Taking the kids out of school and sailing in the Caribbean, buying a farm and buying farm animals where you least expect and keeping bees. Trying new things is almost habitual for Dallas and Doug James, two Muskoka Woods Alumni. On this episode, John finds out what they have learned by charging into new adventures and ideas. 

Rob Conroy is a high school gym teacher. Several years ago the board asked if he would teach a class of students who had a high likelihood of dropping out and never graduating.  After a few weeks, attendance levels began to increase. The local board of education invested and Muskoka Woods came alongside him to help give his students hope and ultimately show them success. 

Bob Fukumoto has been a big part of Muskoka Woods for many years. He and his family have influenced the camp and they have been influenced by it as well. Today he discusses how his journey has taught him not to fear criticism. 

"I never would have thought I would end up in this job at Muskoka Woods." Jackie Carmichael came to Muskoka Woods kicking and screaming but on the road she found a place that allowed her to be who she was and valued her for who she was. On this episode Jackie and John speak about how she was called out as being a leader and how it helped shape who she grew into be today. Since we recorded this episode, Jackie has moved to a new position with another organization where she's playing a vital role in youth development. We are so proud of her and couldn't be more excited for her.

Mike and Tina Barlow came to Muskoka Woods in 1990 and have grown into roles supporting full-time staff, seasonal staff and alumni. Living in community has unique benefits and challenges so the question is, how do you maximize the benefits and minimize the hard parts? John, Mike and Tina talk about candidly about caring for the staff at Muskoka Woods. 

The number 15 is ubiquitous with Muskoka Woods. It's the hockey number of guest come staff member, Jamie Groves. Jamie tragically passed away at a young age but his short time at camp has had a lasting impact. Sandra and John discuss what it is about even spending a short time at Muskoka Woods can have a lasting impact in your life and the lives of others.

When Chris and Ben showed up at Muskoka Woods their impact was so immediate John set in motion a plan to make Muskoka Woods accessible for people of all abilities. Chris and Ben, both rely on their wheelchairs for getting around. They have worked with Muskoka Woods to discover both the physical and philosophical changes needed to ensure all children can benefit from Muskoka Woods. 

Antoinette Taranets came to Muskoka Woods as a young girl and came to camp every summer before completing CEO and then working in various roles. Now she's Muskoka Woods Product Marketing Manager and points to her time at camp as being definitive in helping her set direction for herself and putting actions behind her words.

First a camper, then summer staff and now Muskoka Woods Summer Camp Director, Paul Cade talks with John McAuley about stretching your boundaries in a safe environment builds into your life for years. 

How does being a guest and the staff at Muskoka Woods help shape a young man to become mayor? Long-time Muskoka Woods guest and then staff, Iain Lovatt joins John McAuley on the podcast where he shares how his time at Muskoka Woods shaped the way he approaches his current role as mayor of Whitchurch-Stouffville, a growing town of 50,000 located just 20 minutes north of Toronto.

It wasn't easy growing up as a young man with gymnastics as your chosen sport of excellence. But Ryan Stephenson, Muskoka Woods alumni come Cirque du Soleil Acrobatic Artist points to his time on staff as a big impact on his confidence, discipline and will to be successful. Ryan also choreographed the hugely popular Opening Day show from the summer of 2018 which has drawn tens of thousands of views online. 

Marc Neil was a CEO counsellor in 2007-2009 and now he's overseeing the running of a 600 bed hospital in Northern Ireland. He brings an uncommon high level of professionalism and care to his job, inspired by what he saw from staff when he was working at Muskoka Woods. In today's episode, Marc and John speak about what it's like working at Muskoka Woods when you're from another country and how what you witness on staff is so different than back home. 

There's something magical about working at Muskoka Woods. It's hard to explain sometimes but we're going to try with our new podcast, Beyond of the Woods. Hear from your favourite staff and coworkers at Muskoka Woods as they share how being pushed outside their comfort zone helped them propel in work today and how by using their talents, real lives were impacted. Subscribe today.