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Space to Grow: What’s Taking Shape This Season
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From Jeremy Stewart, Operations Manager
Spring always arrives with a sense of opening up again. After the quieter months, the land starts asking to be used differently, to be walked more often, gathered in, and simply spent time in.
At Five Oaks Centre, we’re moving into that shift as well. Spaces are being refreshed, outdoor areas are being readied, and the property is opening back up for the season ahead. Weekday availability is strong right now, making it a great time for group retreats, organizational bookings, or a simple overnight stay away from the usual pace of things.
We’re also continuing to encourage day use. More and more people are discovering that Five Oaks doesn’t need to be a once-a-year visit. It can be a few hours in the middle of a week, a quiet walk, a picnic, or a pause in the rhythm of everyday life. Those smaller visits matter here just as much as the longer stays. To make that even easier, we’ve introduced a new Annual Day Pass, making it easier to spend more time here throughout the year.
There’s a lot of activity behind the scenes right now as we prepare for a full and busy summer season, and it’s good to see the grounds slowly coming back to life.
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From Mallory Biggs, General Manager
Spring also brings a more serious reality into view.
Like many organizations right now, Five Oaks Centre is navigating rising costs and increased pressure on our day-to-day operations. The work that happens here is only possible because of a community that chooses to support it in tangible ways.
If Five Oaks has ever been meaningful to you, we are asking you to consider how you might support it this year. Donations directly sustain our operations, care for the land, and help us keep this place accessible for the many people who rely on it for rest, learning, and renewal.
There are many ways to be part of that support, whether through a financial gift, becoming a member, booking a stay or day visit, or volunteering your time. Each of these helps keep the foundation steady as we continue to grow into what this place is meant to be.
We are deeply grateful for everyone who chooses Five Oaks Centre, in whatever way they are able.
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Ways to Donate:
- Online at www.fiveoaks.on.ca/donate
- By Mail to Five Oaks Centre, 1 Bethel Road, Paris ON, N3L 3E3
- In Person during office hours (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat 9am-1pm)
- With eTransfer to finance@fiveoaks.on.ca, please make the password Guestoaks
Tax Receipts will be issued for donations of $20.00 or more.
Registered Charity #: 107389108RR0001
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Labyrinth Pilgrimage Series - Walking the Seasons
Date: Sunday May 3rd, 2026
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Cost: $38 per person
Registration: Closing Thursday April 30th at 5pm
Join us during the same weekend as World Labyrinth Day, when people around the world walk labyrinths as a moving meditation for peace and reflection. At Five Oaks Centre, we gather in that spirit as the season begins to emerge.
Learn to walk the labyrinth as a reflective practice, noticing what is beginning to take shape in both the land and within yourself. The experience includes time for quiet walking, shared reflection, and gathering around the fire as we listen for what is quietly unfolding.
No preparation is needed. Come as you are.
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Doors Open Along the Grand
Date: Saturday May 9th, 2026
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: Free + No Registration Required
Join us for our first year participating in Doors Open Along the Grand, a province-wide heritage event featuring 18 locations across our region, offering a chance to explore a variety of spaces free of charge. Check out Five Oaks Centre at your own pace with self-guided tours of select spaces, learn about our history, hike the trails, spend time by the Grand River, walk the labyrinth, or gather around a campfire and roast a marshmallow.
Whether you attended camp here 50 years ago or have never set foot on the property, this is a perfect opportunity to come experience Five Oaks and see what’s taking shape here.
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Rooted in Hope Retreat
Date: Monday Sept 28th - Wednesday Sept 30th, 2026
Cost: $406 Shared Accommodation | $460 Single Accommodation
This reflective retreat explores what it means to hold hope in uncertain times. Rooted in the spirit of intentional community, the gathering invites deep listening, shared learning, and space to reflect on what sustains us.
Together with Ruth Harvey, we will explore themes of resilience, faith, and connection, drawing on wisdom traditions and lived experience to consider how we live and grow for the good of all.
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Our Acorn Adventure Camp programs offer children and youth opportunities to explore nature, build confidence, and connect with others through hands-on, outdoor experiences. From single-day PA Day programming to week-long summer day camps and leadership opportunities, each program is designed to foster curiosity, independence, and a strong connection to the natural world.
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June PA Day Camp - A Day in Nature:
- Date: Friday June 5th, 2026
- Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm
- Cost: $65 per child
- Ages: 6-12 years (Born 2014-2020)
Summer Day Camp Availability:
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Spring, with growth emerging from the land, always seems to be a time to look forward and that is what the Board has been doing. In what ways will we continue to implement the 2021 Strategic Plan? What is the core identity that holds together our Vision, Mission and Values? What do we need to do differently?
One challenge that has been identified over many years is that Five Oaks is a well-kept secret. We’re aiming to change that with a marketing strategy, refreshed website, and strengthened relationships. The Seniors Lunch and Learn has been one small step in raising Five Oaks’ visibility and value in the surrounding community.
Programming capacity continues to be a challenge. Day Camp continues to be a success. We would love to expand outdoor education opportunities, particularly in the fall and winter. Your financial support will help us grow.
As always, we are grateful for all members of staff who under Jeremy’s and Mallory’s leadership have become a strong cohesive group that supports one another and acts in Five Oaks’ best interest.
Thanks to all those who came to the January members’ meeting, and for your contributions to the ongoing discussion. The Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday June 14 at 2 pm. and we look forward to welcoming you in-person, although an online option will also be available. Any comments or questions for the board can be sent to board.five.oaks@gmail.com.
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Annual General Meeting
Sunday, June 14th, 2026
2:00pm-4:30pm
NOTICE – Join us for the Annual General Meeting to review the 2025 fiscal year, hear organizational updates, and take part in shaping the future of Five Oaks Centre.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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2026 Memberships
Becoming a Five Oaks Centre member is a meaningful way to support our mission and help shape what’s ahead. Members also hold voting privileges at the AGM. For $25, your membership supports communications, community initiatives, and the ongoing life of Five Oaks Centre through December 31, 2026.
PURCHASE YOUR 2026 MEMBERSHIP
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Visit, Explore, and Enjoy the Land This Spring
Did you know you can come to Five Oaks just for the day? Whether you’re looking for a quiet solo escape or a simple outing with family or friends, spending time on the land is one of the easiest ways to experience what Five Oaks has to offer. We have something for everyone.
10 Ways to Spend a Day at Five Oaks
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1. HIKING - Walk the forest trails and take in the sights and sounds of the season, with kilometres of trails to explore across the property.
2. RIVER - Spend time by the Grand River or explore the creek. You can also book a paddling excursion exclusively with Grand River Rafting that launches directly from our site. (additional fee applies)
3. PICNIC - Pack a picnic and settle in for a relaxed afternoon outdoors in one of the many open green spaces, under the gazebo, or by the labyrinth.
4. FISHING - Cast a line along Whitemans Creek and enjoy a quiet morning surrounded by nature, where cool, clear waters make it ideal for trout.
5. PLAY - Let kids roam, play, and explore the playground, tire swing, sports pad, and open fields with plenty of space to run and move freely.
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6. LABYRINTH - Walk the inlaid brick labyrinth as a slow, intentional journey that invites reflection, stillness, and quiet connection with yourself and the land.
7. ART - Bring your sketchbook or camera and take inspiration from the landscape through painting, photography, or journaling.
8. BIRDWATCHING - Bring your binoculars and watch for a wide variety of birdlife across our 116 acres of fields, forests, and waterways, taking in the seasonal sounds and rhythms of the land.
9. CAMPFIRE - Book a fire pit and gather with friends or family for a simple, memorable outdoor experience. Don’t forget the marshmallows. (Fire pit rentals are $25 per hour)
10. MEDITATE - Find a quiet spot on the land for personal reflection, yoga, tai chi, or gentle movement, surrounded by a peaceful natural setting.
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Come for a few hours or stay for the day - Five Oaks Centre offers space to unwind, connect, and enjoy the season at your own pace and in your own way.
A day access pass is available for $10 per person per day. Booking ahead is encouraged. Visitors can check in at the front office upon arrival, with parking available in the upper campus lot by the main building.
For more information, contact us at 519-442-3212 or hospitality@fiveoaks.on.ca
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Spend More Time Outside this Year with our NEW Annual Pass
Make the most of your time at Five Oaks Centre with our 2026 Annual Day Pass. Designed for those who want to return again and again, it’s your invitation to experience the land in every season.
Walk the trails, settle in for a picnic, dip your feet in the creek, try your luck fishing, or enjoy time by the fire pit. Whether it’s a quiet solo visit or a regular family outing, your pass makes it easy to drop in whenever the land is calling.
Simple, flexible, and full of possibility, this is your key to a full year of time outdoors at Five Oaks Centre.
Purchase your pass for $65 and start planning your visits today.
LEARN MORE & REGISTER
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From Our Trees to Your Table: A Taste of Spring at Five Oaks
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This spring, our Kitchen Team tapped a small number of maple trees right here on our property and turned the sap into a limited batch of pure maple syrup. Each bottle was carefully boiled, bottled, and labelled in-house, capturing the simple work and care of this season at Five Oaks Centre.
These bottles are now available for $10 each at our office. Proceeds support the ongoing care of the land that makes our work possible. |
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FIVE OAKS CENTRE
1 Bethel Road, Paris
Ontario, Canada
N3L 3E3
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