A large group of Sparks, Brownies, Girl Guides and their leaders were dancing and singing lively “Caimarusa” as I cycled into Dutch Lake Resort on Sunday June 8.
Katrina Link, who will be the next district commissioner, smilingly directed misplaced girls into the right spot.
Piles of neatly wrapped camping gear and luggage indicated this weekend camp was nearing its end. Parents and younger siblings arrived to watch the closing ceremonies and to take contented children home.
It was obvious this had been a happy camp with pleasant experiences like camp cooking, activities on and off Dutch Lake, and singing around the campfire before bed.
A short distance away from the singing dancers, seven more Guides were seated around a picnic table with Judy Shipley, listening intently. On July 19 these girls will go to Enderby with hundreds of other Pathfinders and older Guides for B.C.’s seven-day provincial camp, which is called SOAR.
Jean Nelson, as she has done for years, will lead canoe trips at this event.
Through her efforts, our Guides have been corresponding with Guides in Japan. Four of these Japanese girls and their leader will join our girls at SOAR.
Perhaps even better, the visitors will be coming for a home-stay in Clearwater once camp is over.
An exciting line-up of activities is being planned for them, including hiking and whitewater rafting.
Girls and Guiders formed the traditional horseshoe in front of the stand in which Canadian and World Guiding flags fluttered gently.
After the singing of “O Canada”, each group recited its promise. Girls of an age to go into a different unit were then escorted forwards: Sparks to Brownies, Brownies to Guides, and Guides to Pathfinders.
Badges, pins and crests were joyfully received. Jean Nelson, in her final official duty as district commissioner, mentioned that the next camp for all girls will be held the first weekend in October at Selhowtken Guide Camp on Adams Lake.
Amongst other activities, the girls will have the opportunity to view salmon spawning in Adams River.
Her next announcement told of a change in meeting arrangements. Starting in September, all age groups will meet at the same time and place (TBA). Having this multi-unit with its larger numbers will make participation in singing and games more fun and sisters will be together making transportation easier for parents. Nelson also enthusiastically suggested that families go “treasure hunting” in Wells Gray Park this summer, following clues in either of the two books available for sale at the Information Center. Girls then presented “Mrs. Nelson” with lilacs and iris along with grateful thanks for all she does.
More thanks were expressed to Wells Gray Community Forest for grant money received to assist with payment of registration fees as needed, and to reduce camp costs for families.
Camp, obviously a great success, ended with the singing of Daytime Taps. Six girls then stepped out of the horseshoe to come forward to retire the colours (flags). Tired but happy girls helped parents round up and load their gear. Camp at picturesque Dutch Lake Resort was over.
