Forty-two youths learned more about the outdoors and wildlife during the Estevan Wildlife Federation’s annual conservation camp at the EWF’s grounds at Boundary Dam.
The young people spent four days learning from the various instructors, many of whom were volunteers. Six counsellors also helped out with running the camp.
“I think the kids all had fun,” said camp co-ordinator Stephen Lainton. “We had a lot of good feedback from the kids, the parents and the volunteers as well.”
The camp opened on Thursday with lessons on fisheries, orienteering, knife and axe safety and kayaking. The focus then shifted to night games for Thursday night, with sessions dedicated to outdoor cooking, archery, night vision, spear fishing, a turkey shoot and the spider web.
Friday featured a full day of lessons as well. First the campers learned about fishing and canoeing, as well as how to use a GPS, a crossbow and a pellet gun. Then in the afternoon, classes focused on lure making, digital photography, bats, aquatic invasive species, rock climbing and trapping.
Lainton noted the rock climbing wall and the Sask. Trappers presentation were new for this year, and both were popular with the campers.
“With things like canoeing, we try to teach them all of the skills they need in case something does go wrong, if they were to be canoeing or kayaking on their own,” said Lainton. “They’re sent out and purposely capsized, and they learn how to flip themselves back over and get back to safety.”
Saturday was dedicated to firearm lessons, which are a popular attraction at the camp each year. After an explanation of the shooting rules, the youths learned how to handle handguns, .22’s, muzzleloaders and paintball guns, and learned about trapshooting and archery.
“They get to shoot every type of gun, basically, and everybody gets the chance to try them out,” said Lainton.
The camp gives the kids the chance to learn how to shoot in a safe environment from certified instructors, he said.
“We always say it’s the most fun day for everybody, but also the most serious day as well,” said Lainton. “Safety is by far No. 1.”
The camp wrapped up with presentations on Sunday.
