EVENT REPORT:

Let's Camp S'more at Tyee Lake - October, 2007

Two patrols of Guides from Williams Lake and a patrol from 100 Mile House attended Let's Camp S'More at Tyee Lake Campsite. We had a good time. The girls were there to learn basic camp skills, to make new friends and to have fun. All of these objectives were met.

We emphasized two main skills - knots and outdoor cooking. The girls were quick to learn the knots - I don't know how long they've retained that knowledge, though. They learned five knots and were rewarded with tying the knots with shoestring licorice which they could eat. As for outdoor cooking, Saturday was the day. They made eggs in a bag on propane stoves for breakfast; for lunch they made toasted cheese sandwiches on the stoves and supper was tin foil chicken stir fry done in tinfoil over the fire. We tried cooking cakes in an outdoor oven but it was not successful - possibly too cold outside. Lunch on Sunday was good old hot dogs and s'mores cooked over the campfire.

We played games inside and out. We sang lots of songs. We pitched and struck tents, and discussed tent care. We did a formal campfire and a Guide's Own. We did colours each day. Girls learned about doing chores. They learned how to light the propane stoves safely. Everyone made a wonderful craft (with many parts) put together by a Quesnel Trefoiler, Deborah Karey. It was a backpack with the extras of a bedroll, some toilet paper, a frying pan with bacon and eggs and the cutest mini-lantern. Deborah packaged each part, with all the pieces needed, individually in bags. Each girl needed three or four bags of parts to complete her project.

I would like to thank the staff who came so willingly and so knowledgeably. Suzanne Franks, from 100 Mile, was our cook. Wendy Donald from Quesnel looked after Program. Araina Golding, from Quesnel (then - now she lives in Victoria) was first aider and program. They all did a super job.

The patrol Guiders were Andrea Cooper from 100 Mile and Amber Nustad and Nancy Bothamley from Williams Lake. Amber and Andrea are 2nd year Guiders and they are super. They found this weekend very informative. They were wonderful help and the girls related to them very well. We'll watch for great things from them in the future. Nancy filled in for Julia Berry at the last minute when Julia was too sick to come. Between Nancy and me, there was lots of singing!

Tyee Lake Campsite is thankful for being able to have a provincially sponsored event held there. Now many from 100 Mile know what Tyee has to offer and they may come camping here in the future.

Kathy Breadner
Responsible Guider