Amy (Goman) Nardi
Where do you currently live?
Toronto, Ontario
What years were you at camp and in what capacity?
1989– 1994, as a camper for the month of August each of those years
What are some of your fondest memories from camp?
Making friends for life, being Charlie in the play “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”, S’mores on canoe trips and being tribal leader in my final year as a camper.
What did camp teach you, what did you learn at camp?
Independence and confidence. I was 10 years old the first year I was at Ouareau. I was put on a train from Toronto to Montreal to spend a month away from my family. There was no shortage of homesickness that summer but by the end of the month I had made friends I still speak to, tried new activities, improved my French dramatically, and learned about people from different parts of Canada and the world.
Favourite camp song?
House At Pooh’s Corner and Annie’s Song
Favorite camp activity?
Tennis
How did your camp experience contribute to who you are today?
At camp, there was always an air of “you can do anything you set your mind to” and that being a girl didn’t mean that you couldn’t achieve great things. I live by that today.
Tell us about your current career
In November 2020 I launched my company BETTER THREADS, which is a line of eco-friendly, made in Canada, clothing for Women, Men, and Kids, that also gives back to charities near and dear to my heart (The Terry Fox Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and the MS Society of Canada).
It all started a few years prior with a challenge of trying to buy Canadian-made. Who knew it would be so hard?! Every time I went to a website and did some digging I often discovered what I thought was made in Canada was in fact not. It was either designed in Canada or printed in Canada, but not actually made here. I was also tired of shopping online, receiving my items only to be disappointed in the quality. Speaking with friends and family I discovered I was not alone. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and BETTER THREADS was born.
Some would say launching a new company during a pandemic was crazy, but as I learned at Ouareau, I can do anything I sent my mind to and I’m proud of it.
Website: www.betterthreads.ca
Instagram & Facebook: @betterthreads.ca
“Some would say launching a new company during a pandemic was crazy, but as I learned at Ouareau, I can do anything I sent my mind to and I’m proud of it. ”
Finish this sentence.... thanks to camp…
I have the most amazing memories for the rest of my life.
Any other camp connections?
We learned about the camp through my childhood babysitter, Louise. Her step-daughter, Michelle Attwood, was the niece of Fergie (Madeleine Allen). Michelle and I grew up in the same town of Midland, Ontario and when we were old enough we both hopped on that train to Montreal together heading to Ouareau.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
I believe that Camp Ouareau is a place for girls to truly be themselves, where they can try things without fear of judgement, and develop friendships that will last a lifetime. There is a connection with Ouareau girls that is forever. Something that I will cherish always.
