Big Rideau Lake Association - BRLA
Recreation and Youth Programs

The BRLA runs a full slate of activities designed to keep everyone engaged in the Rideau Lake community.

BRLA Recreation, Youth and Children's programs are centered at Cow Island - a unique space donated to the BRLA years ago, for "the enjoyment" of all.

Join us for Fireworks, Summer Day Camp, the Regatta, and Sailing. Check the schedule of events for dates.

News: Parent Volunteers Wanted

Cow Island Fireworks

Each year, we celebrate Canada Day with a unique exhibition of fireworks set off on Cow Island. Join us on the water, or on land from the Portland area to see this unique spectacle. Fireworks are held on the Saturday of the Canada Day long weekend. Check the Calendar of Events for the specific day.

The fireworks program is entirely funded by the BRLA; we need your support to ensure its success. Please make your donation to the BRLA, by dropping off a contribution at one of the collection boxes in stores around the lake, sending us a donation - PO Box 93, Portland ON, K0G 1V0, adding a bit to your Membership Renewal or being generous when you're asked for your support on the day of the event.

Cow Island Recreational Programs

Your BRLA membership entitles your entire family to enjoy the facilities of Cow Island and to join in BRLA programs. Check the Calendar of Events for specifics.

Parent Volunteers Wanted for Day Camp Advisory Committee

Do you have children involved in the annual summer Day Camp held on Cow Island? If so, please join our newly formed Parents Advisory Committee. BRLA's Day Camp provides kids who spend summers on our lake a chance to socialize and forge friendships that grow into life-long relationships.

We need parents to help us ensure this program is the best it can be. The Advisory Committee will provide input on program directions, activities and funding. Meetings will be kept to a minimum number and use of internet communication will be maximized during the off-season. Interested volunteers are invited to contact Doug Arrand by email to

Children's Program (Ages 4-12 years)

Cow Island Day Camp

Mornings (9:00 - 12:30) throughout July & August we run the BRLA Day Camp on Cow Island. Join us for crafts, games, swims, sports and theme weeks.

Register for Camp by returning the Registration Form (PDF Pending); either mail it to the BRLA offices or bring it with you to camp.

Camp Registration Form (PDF)
Information Sheet available (PDF)

Swim Lessons

Swim lessons are sometimes available. Check the Events Calendar for dates. Watch for the Registration Form (PDF Pending) for details.

EnviroCamp (Full Days for one week in July)

Program features hands-on activities related to the natural environment, a variety of fun and games designed to promote awareness of the lake environment. Check the Events Calendar for dates.

Camp programming developed and delivered by a certified Teacher / Outdoor Educator.

Advance Registration Required:
EnviroCamp Registration Form (PDF)
EnviroCamp Background Info (PDF)

Sailing Program

Sailing Races

All ages get together for weekend racing off Cow Island. Bring your own boat or come out and crew. Everyone is welcome. Check the Events Calendar for dates.

Sailing Lessons (Full Days for only one week)

Instructors from the Ontario Sailing Association come to Big Rideau to offer sailing classes for children and teens as part of their BOOM program. Evening Classes are also offered for Adults. Check the Events Calendar for dates.

Registration is Limited. To Register, complete the Registration Form (PDF) and mail it to BRLA, PO Box 93, Portland, ON, K0G 1V0.

Sailing Registration Policy: Registrations in sailing lessons are accepted in the following order, until capacity is reached: 1) returning sailors have priority; 2) siblings of returning sailors are taken next; 3) if space remains, new participants are accepted in order received. We apologise if you are disappointed because space is unavailable. We can only get one week of sailing lessons from the BOOM program.

Annual Regatta - The Saturday of the August Long Weekend
Registration 10:30, Start 11:00 am

Join us for various swimming and canoeing events for all ages. We'll also enjoy a Barbeque Lunch of hot dogs, pop and juice.

Participation in the Regatta is free. There will be fees for each item at lunch.

Schedule

• Registration begins at 10:30
• Regatta Starts at 11:00
• Barbeque Lunch at 12:30 (approximately)

Things to Bring

• Life Jacket
• Swim Suit and Towel
• Canoe (if possible)
• Sunscreen and a Hat

Registration is required

• Advance registration by email to . Please include participant's name and age.
• On-site at 10:30 am, 1/2 hour before the start of the event

Come out and join us!

Social Events

Three or four times a year friends of all ages get together on Cow Island to catch up with our neighbours at the lake. Join us after the Regatta, the Sailing Regatta or at one of our other scheduled events.

Summer Sounds - Check the Calendar of Events for the specific day.
2:00 pm on Cow Island

Join us for an afternoon of music and fun on Cow Island. We'll be entertained by two talented musicians as we enjoy refreshments and good company.

Tickets are $25 per couple or $15 per person. For more information Tickets will be available for pick-up at the AGM, or mailed to you following that date.

Recreational Tennis and Beach Volleyball

The tennis courts on Colonel By Island were refurbished a few summers ago; use the sign-up sheet there to reserve courts.

Cow Island has our own Beach Volleyball Court, built in 2001.

Logistics

Transportation

Our thanks to local marinas (Len's Cove and Bayview) who generously provide water taxis from the Portland town dock to ensure all interested participants can get to and from Cow Island on Program days.

Fees

Some Recreation and Social events are offered on a cost-recovery basis. While funds are needed to cover the costs of programs and to pay the youth co-ordinators, these fees should not be a barrier to any children who wish to participate.