Camp Stephens 50th Trail Anniversary meeting

A group us met Feb. 28 in Winnipeg to start planning what we need to do for 2013. It was our second meeting.

Who was there: Les Robinson, Laurie and Lynda MacIntosh, Leif Larson, Steve Allen, Kayln Murdock, Dave Vankoughnett, Perry McGregor, Margaux Cadieux, Ashleigh Hall, Tara Law, Jim Arthur, Dave Wright, Grant Platts and Punch Jackson.


All eras of camp and trail were represented. Allen is the current director of Camp Stephens and Vankoughnett is the Y's general manager of fund development and communications.

Our next meeting is March 21 at a location still to be determined:

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We have several ideas so far on how we can mark the 50th and make a lasting contribution to camp. We haven't picked dates yet, but will soon to allow you enough time to find your trail jacket and plan a trip to attend.

Besides a chance to get together, our main goal is to raise funds which can be used by camp in future years, like replacing old tents or life jackets. The second goal is to set up an official alumni association. The third to is build an awareness of wilderness conservation and the importance of a wilderness experience in a young person's development.

The fourth is to create a permanent record of the Trail program, including a display of six-week trip routes which could be both static and web-based, and a video history.

Events are still in the formative stage; nothing is set in stone. Briefly, here's what we've discussed:

- A pre-reunion event which could include a folk-fest, a symposium on nature-deficit disorder or a wine and cheese event, something like a TEDx talk for people who know what gorp is.

- Alumni involvement in the sunrise farewell to the 2013 six-weekers, perhaps hosting a pancake breakfast open to other alumni to attend.

- A reunion event in Winnipeg in the summer of 2013 to mark the 50th anniversary. Personally, I believe beer must be involved. I do not see how this can be avoided.

- An event at camp. How this is organized, we're still discussing. We don't want to overshadow the return of the six-weekers as this day should be theirs, not our's.

- There are also plans to run at least one alumni canoe trip out of camp. Different dates are available, so more than one trip is possible. Family trips are also possible. 

Everything we're planning will done with Y's blessing. All organizing will be done by us.

As this progresses, we'll need some extra help. 

The first thing we need of you is to reach out to former Trail alumni, trippers, camp staff and others connected to the Wilderness program.

The best way at this stage is through the Camp Stephens 50th Trail Anniversary group page on Facebook. If you're not a member, please join and add others from your friends list.

We are also exploring how we can include those of you outside Winnipeg in this process. If those of you living in Australia or Great Britain or Transcona have any ideas, fire away.

As plans become more precise we'll update you as quickly as we can. We always welcome your input. My email is campstephensalumni@gmail.com and you can post public comments on the Facebook group page. - Bruce