Nurturing Guardians of a Safe and Healthy Lake

The RLEF and the BRLA share a commitment to the appreciation, understanding, preservation, and safe enjoyment of the Big Rideau Lake. BRLA programs, specifically Cow Island Day Camp, instill a passion for our lake in our youth and help ensure sound stewardship into the future; an educated, strong, committed community is essential to protecting the local environment and keeping our lake safe. 

The BRLA and RLEF are once again teaming-up to make critical investments in programs that are in service of their shared missions, by: 

  • Supporting the delivery of environmental education programs at Cow Island Day Camp

  • Teaching and encouraging water safety practices including observance of provincial and federal laws at Cow Island Day Camp

  • Providing proper septic systems and relevant support on Cow Island, ensuring a safe environment

  • Extending access to camp to the broader community through subsidized spaces

  • Fostering a community with life-long commitment to the Rideau Lakes

Environment & Lake Safety Education

Cow Island Day Camp includes a curriculum developed by an educator. Kids participate in carefully crafted activities to foster learning and curiosity related to the lake environment and lake safety such as: identification of indigenous and invasive species, life jacket safety and activities that raise awareness of fire risk and fire safety. Check out more about these enriching experiences. 

Improved Septic Support

The success of the camp has put significant strain on our sanitation system. See for yourself our current “septic solution” for up to 70 kids and youth counsellors at day camp. An intervention is necessary to protect and preserve Cow Island’s environment and ensure that it remains a thriving platform for BRLA’s environmental activities.

Membership Ask - We Need Your Help

The RLEF and BRLA and working together to make these important changes before the upcoming summer camp season. Just a few hundred dollars from each member will get us to our financial goals. Contribute at a level that works for you and your family. Follow the link to our donation page.


Champion: $1,000 to $4,999

  • Name on Champion Donor Plaque & Website

  • Invite to Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

  • 1 BRLA Hoodie & 1 BRLA  Beer Stein

Booster: $500 to $999

  • Name on Booster Donor Plaque & Website

  • Invite to Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

  • 1 BRLA Hoodie

Supporter: $250 to $499

  • Name on Supporter Donor Plaque & Website 

  • Invite to Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

  • 1 BRLA Beer Stein

Leadership Ask - Thank You!

We are grateful to our community who have expressed significant interest in the long term combined mission of the BRLA and the RLEF. A bespoke group of individuals and Corporate Partners have already ignited this vision with their generous donations. We have momentum towards these legacy goals! 

If you are interested in being a part of this valued group through significant contributions in cash or goods in-kind, please set up a discussion with one of our board members. There is no commitment.