On December 26th, 2008, Private Michael Freeman, age 28, November Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, was killed when his armoured vehicle was struck by an explosion in Zharey District at approx. 12:45pm, Kandahar. Private Freeman had been on his first tour of Afghanistan. He was an avid golfer who loved the game – so much so that he created his own driving range on the forward operating base where he was stationed. In tribute to Michael, the Private Michael Freeman Memorial Golf Tournament was created.
The Private Michael Freeman Memorial Golf Tournament in support of Camp Maple Leaf is being held on Friday, September 20, 2019 at Baxter Creek Golf Club located at 1702 Cedar Valley Rd, Fraserville, ON.
Camp Maple Leaf is a registered Canadian charity founded in 1955 by the Canadian Council of War Veterans. Their mission is to give children of Canadian military families and children living with unique life challenges a safe, fun-filled and life changing summer camp experience. For the child, attending camp, this is an opportunity to leave stress behind, connect with other campers and take part in activities that promote self-discovery beyond the identity these children face on a daily basis.
Camp Maple Leaf is a not-for-profit, sleepover camp for children of Canadian Military Families and children living with unique challenges. Camp Maple Leaf crams a whole lot of fun, friendship, learning and adventure into six jam-packed days! They offer 12 traditional camp activity areas taking full advantage of their beautiful island site. From Swimming, Canoeing and Fishing to Sports, Arts & Crafts and Camping Skills, they challenge all campers to push their own personal limits. There is rarely a staff member not in costume or a cabin of campers not cheering in the dining hall at our delicious family style meals. As the sun goes down, evenings define “camp magic” as campers engage in all-camp games, take the stage during their weekly Broadway style show and dress up for the closing-night Banquet. Every night the whole camp ends another “best day ever” by gathering around the campfire in love, support and song. Camp Maple Leaf is proud of the rich history and tradition of their founding fathers, honouring our Canadian Heroes by raising their flag to ‘Oh Canada’ every morning beside the Veteran’s Memorial and the lowering it while singing taps every night.
“Michael believed that they were there (Afghanistan) to make a change for someone else, give them a better life. After seeing how they lived and what they were going through, he wanted to help in making a difference” stated Mark Freeman, Michael’s dad.
Mark Freeman shared that his son often thought of the Serenity Prayer while in Afghanistan.
God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change
The courage to changes the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference
A past mission statement at Camp Maple Leaf stuck with Mark Freeman
Behind every soldier is a family
Behind that family is Camp Maple Leaf
“This is what I felt the camp was doing for me, by giving me a purpose after Michael was killed, being somewhere that was a part of Michael’s life, around the water, the activities he enjoyed are all here. They were behind me in helping me through my situation and the camps commitment to helping military family kids in enjoying the things Michael loved”
To participate in the Private Michael Freeman Memorial Golf Tournament at Baxter Creek Golf Club to support Camp Maple Leaf contact Mark Freeman, at mfreeman8008@gmail.com or his cell: 705-768-3710
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
