Campground Progress and Updates
March 2009 Update
HI BONJOUR GOOTENTAC
Welcome to another year of fun and camping in the sun at Roebuck Campground.
That big ole "R" word, recession, that is, was released in the summer of '08 and quite honestly, it scared the heck out of us. Therefore, we put a hold on all major projects, as did everyone else, we did not know how it was going to affect us financially. As it turned out... we actually increased revenue (now there's a good "R" word) albeit minimal.
Hence, this year, it is imperative that we complete 2 of our "on hold" projects in May and June. Those being, our Slo-Pitch Ball Diamonds and address our Swimming Area aesthetically and have the swim area be more functional with a walk in safety railing (yeah, we don't want the Park Ranger slippin'). Also, throughout the summer our basketball hoops area will be completed.
May 24 weekend will be a buy 2 nights get the 3rd free (minimum weekend reservation is 2 days).
At Roebuck Campground we are attempting to get internet services (HOLY COW, the old guys getting with the times!!! lol) for our guests. I should re-qualify that statement and say that Eric is looking into the parameters of setting up internet services. (Yeah, again, the old guy is trying to look all up to date lol) Information will follow as to availability and cost.
Labour Day weekend will have an increased camping fee to help offset the cost of Fireworks, BBQ, Karaoke and Corn Roast Pot Luck Dinner. $1 per person, or $5 per site or $5 per car.
February 2008 Update
Hi! A new year and of course a short note to update all of our guests and to those who view our website.
Our Social Events keep getting bigger and better with each year. The staff at Roebuck Campground would like to thank everyone for joining us in having a wonderful summer
Two unscheduled projects in 2007 prevented us from getting done those additions that we had penciled in. Therefore, we get to try again this year to get our Ball Diamond and a Basketball Hoop Completed.
Our major project this year is to complete 12 pull thru sites for our traveling tourists with water, electricity and sewer connections. They will be those sites numbered 1 through 12.
February 2007 Update
How times flies when you're having fun!!
Here at Roebuck Campground we are looking forward to opening the gates on April 15th and welcoming all our guests to a new season.
Buy 2 nights get 1 Free for May 24 weekend (May 19 to 21) will be offered again this year. Last year was such a success, we decided to offer it again.
As for the Down Homer Karaoke, that will definitely be taking place again, but instead it will be held Canada Day weekend (June 30 to July 2). Details will be posted as we get closer to the date for all events.
Karaoke, which has always been a hit, along with our 50/50 draw will be held on all long weekends and as requested by our guests.
Our recycling fund, along with donations from friends and family, has helped us to purchase our own Karaoke equipment. Song requests are always welcome. DJ Manbug (Eddie) will be spinning the songs for us to feel like a rock star for a night.
Our Camper Appreciation Corn Roast and Fireworks Display on Labour Day weekend grows each and every year. 105 guests were present this past year. Corn was prepared several ways with everyone bringing their favorite dish to share at the Pot Luck and a Fireworks of their choice to add to the Fireworks display. The weather was not cooperative for most of the night but come the fireworks the rain did stop briefly for Toad and Manbug to light them. The Fireworks display was such a great success that Toad and Manbug plan to have it again on Labour Day weekend. Thanks to everyone for contributing food, fireworks and FUN!!! After the fireworks Karaoke was enjoyed while we all kept warm around the bonfire.
Plans for this year include a Ball Diamond for slo-pitch, Soccer nets and hopefully, a Basketball Hoop for One on One games. Regular upgrades will continue for tent and R.V. sites.
We have become a dealer for Roebuck Campground of General Coach Trailers offering a wide variety of sizes and floor plans , with and without tip outs. Brochures are available at the office.
Toad figures that Elaine (Mom) needs a nickname, suggestions are needed. Just about everyone else at Roebuck has a nickname, Mom should too!!
Happy Camping
Curly and Elaine
February 2006 Update
A New Year. The Year of the Dog. The year "Toad" was born. (My number 1 girl on the computer, my daughter, Angela.) And a new nickname for the old boy "Park Ranger". Angela (Toad) still prefers Campground Maaaaan, though. At least there are no cuss words to add to the list.
A very successful year at Roebuck Campground. We had made that assumption when we had to turn away guests on long weekends, which prompts us to add more sites for the coming year.
Group tenting has been a blast, where we have had groups of twenty or more people, from ball teams, soccer teams, reunions, college students, and cross country bike clubs.
Karaoke and BBQ's have been a hoot for everyone and will continue on long weekends. Labour Day weekend Corn Roast/Pot Luck and Karaoke is growing each year. "Slammin' Sam" our Karaoke Jockey kept us dancing and singing after we enjoyed a feast of corn, lamb and various dishes brought to the dinner.
We now have 46 RV sites completed with 3 way hook up with 30 amp service. Twenty five tent sites are completed, six of those sites have water and electricity and 3 sites now available in the Group Tenting Area. Curly hopes to have them completed for this camping season.
New for June 2006, is our first cabin which will accommodate 4 people plus. A BBQ outside and a dining table inside will be provided. Bedding and Cooking utensils are not supplied. Pricing will be approximately $40 per night for 4 people, extra persons will be $8.
If you have any suggestions for activities or additions please pass them on to the Park Ranger (Campground Maaaan)
Happy Camping
Roebuck Campground
March 2005 Update
Curly, the old boy is another year younger, 60 +1 with another season under his belt of being called " Mr. Campground Man", which is the latest handle given to him. Even then he sometimes doesn't respond to it.
Our progress has been slow but sure and has included the landscaping of 40 of the 100 RV sites, 23 occupied with seasonal guests. The natural swimming area is now ready for use, with some landscaping details needed. Gotta make it pretty!!
A small portable mini putt was purchased and setup for use by our guests.
The 9 hole Disc Golf is completed and was used by many guests.
At Roebuck Campground we seem to be getting known for very interesting games and activities. One of these games introduced to us in the past year was String Golf by friends from B.C. Many competitions were held throughout the campground with even more laughs, hoots and hollers. The game is portable, therefore it can be used anywhere. Thanks Don and Shirley!! Another portable game we will be having available is Newfie Horseshoes which will be ready for the summer. A must see as its too hard to explain. Its newfie... so its got to be fun and full of laughs!!
We had several karaoke nights and BBQ's throughout the summer, mostly held on long weekends. Mr. Campground Man is still pelting out the songs on stage. Plus, Roebuck Campground, puts on a Corn Roast for all guests and campers on the September long weekend with karaoke in the evening. Each year the attendance increases for the Corn Roast, last year the headcount was approximately 85.
We are proud to announce that the Rowbotham Reunion will be held at Roebuck Campground again this year.
Roebuck Campground, Curly and Elaine, Angela, Cassie and Eric invite you to come and visit with us this summer and take in our Panoramic View of Georgian Bay.
Happy Camping
Roebuck Campground
January 2004 Update
Curly, "the old Fart", as referred to him by one gentleman, in a birthday card, is continually gaining knowledge on the ways and lifestyle of a campground owner. Thanks to all visitors for their patience and flexibility.
Last fall another 8 R.V. sites were completed bringing us to a
total of 30 R.V. sites, sofar, 18 of which are seasonal.
15 tent sites are ready with another 6 needing the final touches
of esthetics on the landscape.
A request for a large group tenting area will be a priority for construction in April and May, to accommodate up to 30 people per area. 3 of these sites are now planned with the possibility of more.
The swimming area is now lined with a liner and patio stones to
enhance the natural swimming area. A patio area
and a walk area around the swimming area need some minor details
attended to. The children in the campground have enjoyed our
new addition. The tiny tots swim area is also a priority for
this spring.
The BBQ's were very successful with plenty to eat and drink. A very nice treat to all campers and a great way to bring everyone together and socialize. Gary Clark Ministry BBQ's are scheduled for 2004, one per month starting on May 24 weekend to celebrate the beginning of another great season of camping.
A new entity of Karaoke was experimented with last year and great results and good times had by all. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to be in the spotlight. Even the "Old Fart" tested his windpipes on the microphone, and on our ears. 2004 will include a Karaoke night with a musical entertainer, once a month following the BBQ's.
P.S. The concern of the taxation on trailers in campgrounds has a lot of people worried. The information we have received and as we understand it, trailers must be used year round, be 3.5 m or more wide and have a florida room to be taxed. To date there are no trailers or R.V.'s at Roebuck Campground that qualify to be taxed by MPAC, which is great news to our seasonal campers. Further information is continually being brought to our attention and this will be carried on to our fellow seasonal campers.
We Look forward to seeing our regular campers and new visitors this summer.
Curly and Elaine Rowbotham
January 15, 2003 Update
Curly is one year older and a little wiser about camping, maybe.
Last Fall we were able to complete 7 more R.V. sites, bringing the total to 22 R.V. sites.
Elaine's yellow convertible and the dump truck were able to complete the lower loop road in the tent site area, opening up the access to approximately 10 more sites, 2 of which have water and electricity, a few others have water and electricity near by. These additions will have the finishing touches done by May 15, 2003.
We will be continuously working on the campground, adding sites
and recreational activities, weather permitting.
We are planning Barbeques throughout the summer, services provided by Gary Clark Ministry, where he serves up hotdogs, hamburgers, sausages, corn, soft drinks and yummy desserts, all you can eat, at a very nominal donation. All proceeds go to Gary Clark Ministry for charity work.
Happy Camping
Curly and Elaine Rowbotham
July 1st, 2002 Update
Here at Roebuck
Campground, since the May 24 weekend, we have added the Beach
Volleyball Court
,
Horseshoe Pits
,
a large Sandbox, a Crawl and Climb Playground with Swings
,
a Kiddie Swimming Pool for small children
,
Bocci Ball and we have some Softball and Soccer equipment.
Bathrooms with showers have been completed.
with
soon to be Laundry Room and Games Room.
The hiking trail has also been extended through part of the 75 acre campground. Thanks to the 25th Kitchener Scouts a second trail has been marked out, crossing a tributary of Orchard Creek at 3 different places.
We have 15 R.V. sites
ready for use with Full Hook-Ups and 10 tent sites, 3 of which have
electricity and water.
We have two ponds, one which has fish for the children to catch and release only. Please, no barbs on your hooks or spinners. The other man made pond needs a bit more work and will be an open swimming pond.
We have a Panoramic View of Georgian Bay here on Bayview Hill at Roebuck Campground. Looking east at 240 feet above sea level, we first see the Meaford Water Tower standing next to the Meaford Hospital. Farther east, on a clear day, we can see the top of the Lighthouse out in the harbour in Collingwood.
Off site hiking trails are also available. A hike east along the 22 Sideroad allowance from Roebuck Campground, to the Gorge along Orchard Creek. Continue on the road allowance to the 9th Line, a left turn (or north) will take you to Ted's Range Road Diner for a snack, meal or refreshment. A right turn (or south) will take you to Highway 26.
Another hiking or biking trail can be experienced by heading west of Roebuck Campground on 22 Sideroad, cross over the 11th Line and continue on the 22 Sideroad allowance to have a look out over part of the Niagara Escarpment Rock Formation. This is in the general direction of Balaclava and in sight of Georgian Bay towards Owen Sound to the west.
You can also access the Escarpment Game Reserve walking trails by turning north on the 11th Line of St. Vincent Township off of 22 Sideroad, approximately a 1/2 km you will see the signs for the Game Reserve. We believe there are 600+ acres to hike thru. There is plenty of flora and fauna, rock crevices and a cave to explore. Some white cedars growing out of the limestone rock are over 300 years old.
Happy Camping
Curly and Elaine Rowbotham
Your Host and Hostess of Roebuck Campground
Our plans for a campground started in the spring of 1993 and thru red tape, an O.M.B. (Ontario Municipal Board) hearing and engineering studies, we arrived at a construction date with permits approved and in hand in July 2001.
We have two ponds on the campground, one for catch and release fishing for the children and the other will exclusively be for swimming.
Playground activities, at first, will consist of: Horseshoes, Bocci Ball, Beach Volleyball, Sandbox and a Playground for the children. A Disc Golf Course is being created, as well, a different twist to golf that is taking the world by storm.
Footing and knee high wall construction for the washrooms and laundromat.
Washroom/Laundromat Building depicting our color scheme for the Campground of Cape Cod Blue.
His and Her washrooms and three coin operated showers on each side. Wheelchair accessibility is provided for both washroom stalls and showers. We will have one shower to start which will also be wheelchair accessible.
Elaine's new car (nicknamed the yellow convertible) has done a multitude of tasks for the campground.
A mobile crane lowers one of four required septic tanks into the ground.
Partial construction of the Waterloo BioFilter System Building. The four round cylinders are sponge polyethylene tanks used for cleaning and filtering waste.
After being circulated and re-circulated thru the BioFilter System pure water is pumped under pressure to these disposal beds.