camp 2022
Last week, I spent three fun-filled days in Muskoka with the Media Experts team for our annual Camp retreat. After being forced to cancel our last two trips due to COVID-19, it was great to have all three offices – Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver – reunited in such a special place. But the retreat wasn’t all kayaking, bonfires, and star gazing. There is something fundamentally unique about Camp that pushes us to make it a priority year after year.
As a Camp tradition, we recognize significant milestones in our employees’ tenure with a “paddle ceremony” for anyone who has been with us for 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 years. Media Experts who reach one of these milestones are gifted a decorated paddle. It is a true joy to celebrate these accomplishments together and I am so grateful for all the fantastic talent we have on our team.
For many of us, myself included, Camp is re-energizing. It takes us out of our day-to-day and is the ultimate reminder that, although we work across the country, we are and always will be one team. Experiencing this three-day adventure through the eyes of our newer employees and seeing their excitement is all the proof we need that this event is essential to our culture. It’s why we keep coming back, year after year.
But don’t take my word for it. Here are a few of our own, recounting their camp experiences. I am truly grateful for all those who joined us this year. Here’s to Camp 2023!
Robert Jenkyn
CEO, Media Experts
“Camp is probably the most anticipated event of the year. All of our offices get together and have the full summer camp experience. We are such a collaborative agency; we work with multiple teams across locations, so bringing everyone together in one place builds the #OneTeam spirit.”
Cherica Edwards,
Specialist, Investments
First time at Camp
“Events like this are super important for a company because they help bond you, not only as coworkers but as people. It’s hard to put the experience into words, but to quote the great Lady Gaga, it’s brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping, spectacular, never the same, and totally unique.”
Benjamin Iazzi
Coordinator, Investments
First time at Camp
“Camp builds bonds across teams that would have never existed through regular day-to-day work. I believe it’s an integral part of why, as an agency, we have such a loyal core of “lifers.” I can’t say I would still be around if it weren’t for the annual Camp trip. These trips provide a mechanism to release stress from our day-to-day. Camp is an opportunity to relive your childhood, your college years, or rehearse your relaxing retirement on the lake. Whatever you need it to be, you will find your outlet.”
Chris Sylvester
Managing Director, Performance,
12th time at Camp
“Camp is important because it allows us to build a more personal connection with our coworkers. It makes it a lot easier to push through an adversarial situation or go the extra mile for a coworker when you’ve been able to establish a friendship. It’s also a great way to celebrate everything the team has achieved over the last year in person. We were able to team up in various competitive events and build camaraderie while also getting to know each other on a more personal level in a relaxed setting. It will definitely be the highlight of the year!”
Derek Wheater
Media Planner,
First time at Camp
“Camp helps us all connect as humans, friends, and family. This really helps strengthen our work relationship because we legitimately care for each other and, in the end, this helps us put out our best work because we know how to pull together as a team. I got emotional when the [Camp recap] video was played. It was very well put together and reminded me of how much fun we all had.”
Nathalie Dupont
Director, Broadcast
2nd time at Camp