The Estevan Wildlife Federation's annual summer camp "can't help but be a success," said Cindy Hokanson, co-youth chairperson of the Estevan Wildlife Federation and organizer of the camp, which took place August 4-7.
This summer's camp marked 14 years of outdoor adventure put on by the EWF, which hosted 42 campers and a handful of enthusiastic volunteers and instructors.
"The campers have a genuine interest in the activities presented at the camp and we have extreme dedication from our instructors and other volunteers," said Hokanson of the camp's constant success.
The campers, who came from around the southern portion of the province, as well as one from both Edmonton and Deloraine, Manitoba, stayed in tents at the EWF's Boundary Dam location.
"They do very well (outside) since kids are easily adaptable," said Hokanson. "It is an exciting experience for them."
Registration filled up quickly for the camp and every available spot was taken, despite difficulties caused by the Canada Post lockout and damage to the Highway 47 bridge by the spring flooding. The weather, too, was out in fine style for most of the weekend.
"We enjoyed some cooler temperatures although the afternoons did get fairly warm, especially for those (who are) used to air conditioning. There was a tornado watch in affect later in the day on Saturday that fortunately didn't occur."
This year's camp featured 25 activities for the kids to enjoy, including a prairie nature hike, a sheep heart dissection and canoeing. Three new programs were offered this summer, including the heart dissection as well as digital photography and making dead fall triggers.
Hokanson described the shooting activities as the long-standing favourite among campers.
"Shooting activities always have and always will be the favourite," she said. "The shooting activities include crossbows, pellet guns, hand guns, 22s, muzzleloaders, shot guns, archery and paintball."
The food is another camper favourite, and was prepared this summer by Karen Andersen of Alameda, who was assisted by Kim Graham of Roche Percee.
"It is absolutely amazing the delicious meals Karen puts on each year from such a primitive kitchen," said Hokanson.
Hokanson described the camp as a great way for kids to get outside and enjoy the "great outdoors."
"We want youth to know there is a whole world out there beyond the world of video games."
This summer's Camper of the Year was Jayden Mathieu of Midale. The award is the Fenwick Memorial Award sponsored by the Lionel Bender family.
Next summer will mark the 15th camp offered by the EWF, and Hokanson said that nothing specific needed to change, but that she and her husband Dale, who is also a co-youth chairperson with EWF, travel in search of new ideas to be presented in the camp. They also receive feedback from campers and ideas from friends.
Hokanson said they look forward to offering the camp.
"The enjoyment kids get out of this camp continues to be reward enough to continue to offer it. We have individuals who have come as campers, then as counsellors, then as young adult helpers and now as instructors. We have many people who tell us their kids can't wait to come to this camp so they hope it continues on for many years to come. "
