Learning to Camp graduate program at Sibbald Point

Camping is a lot of fun because it breaks our everyday routine. However, if you haven't gone camping before it can be intimidating! We became comfortable with car camping and investing in camping gear only after our session with Ontario Parks Learn to Camp few years ago. Since then we have gone on numerous camping trips at different Ontario Parks to enjoy the beauty of nature and to connect with each other.

Last summer, we had the opportunity to participate in the Learn to Camp graduate program at Sibbald Point provincial park. The graduate program is designed for those who have completed the Learn to Camp overnight program and want to get additional training and experience. 

We built on knowledge we acquired from the first Learn to Camp session on campfire cooking, camping kitchen tricks, safety, tarping skills, few tricks on how to put up and remove the tent, and more. We loved learning how to make different knots that will be useful when putting up a temporary tarp or a clothesline. We recently got a camping hammock that we are looking forward to use. 

Children and adults will enjoy the family-friendly activities the program staff plan. It is a lovely gesture when the staff welcome the children with a stuffed toy. The learning sessions are scheduled in a way that makes it possible for families to have enough time to spend with their loved ones and check out everything the park has to offer.

We can choose to do the overnight experience for two or three nights. The campsites are for up to six participants including children and parking is for one vehicle. The campsites they choose are close to flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. They also give a coupon to get one bag of ice and firewood. We love that all the equipment except for sleeping bags are provided, all we have to take is our personal belongings and food. 

We like that Sibbald Point Provincial Park has enough space to play games, a volleyball court, and picnic areas. Since it was raining during our stay, we didn't get to enjoy the beach. 

We joined the free Learn to Fish program that is offered at this park. It was a fun experience for everyone in our family. The session introduces the participants about fishing laws, types of fish, answers our questions before we get a chance to use the fishing lines and try to fish. We also learned about invasive species in Ontario waters such as the gobi and we actually caught one.  

They provided everyone with lifejackets, sunglasses, and fishing rods. We liked how the program staff was encouraging and helpful to ensure everyone was having a good time.  

Learn to Camp also reminds participants about campsite etiquette such as keeping the environment clean and keeping the noise level down considering others. We found the weekend we stayed at Sibbald Point Provincial Park to be quite noisy at night. It would have been awesome if everyone is considerate when using public spaces, so we can all have a good time.  

When you do visit Sibbald Point Provincial Park, do check out the Park Museum and and get the free heritage walking tour. We learned a lot of history especially about Mrs. Susan Mein Sibbald, the founder of Sibbald Point who was born into the British aristocracy in 1783 as the daughter of Dr. Thomas Mein, a Royal Navy surgeon and distinguished patron of the arts. 

Susan Mein attended the elite Belvedere House and graduated as a debutante accomplished in art, music, and literature. She married Colonel William Sibbald at Eildon Hall in Scotland and resided in Scotland until his death in 1835. She acquired the 500 acres of land with 110 acres cleared for farming from Major William Kingdom Rains, who sold the property for $1000 and left to Sault Ste. Marie.

Mrs. Sibbald named the home Eildon Hall. This colonial home was with the Sibbald family for six generations and was unchanged since 1836. It was renovated and opened in 1959 as a Sibbald Memorial Museum now called Eildon Hall Museum, which is a property of the Province of Ontario. Mrs. Sibbald became instrumental in establishing the first schoolhouse and in 1839 the first St. George’s Church.

If you do choose Sibbald Point Provincial Park as your Learn to Camp site, take the time to check out the museum, Learn to Fish program, and the other facilities at the park. 

The Learn to Camp programs are held between June to August at 6 locations: Bronte Creek, Darlington, Earl Rowe, Emily, Grundy Lake, Sibbald Point, and Six Mile Lake provincial parks. Registration for the program will open on May 6th, and fill fast so plan now and register to either the Learning to Camp program or the graduate program, and make memories this summer. 

Disclosure: This post in partnership with Ontario Parks. Please note that all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own. All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2010 - 2019. Please Ask First