Two former campers will return to an Alberta co-operative camp as counsellors this summer to revisit friends and teach youth about rural life.
Mike Morasch of Cayley, Alta., and Amanda Todd of Edmonton will volunteer their time at the Rural Education Development Association co-operative youth programs next month at the Goldeye Centre near Nordegg, Alta.
The seven-day programs teach youth leadership skills through a variety of educational and recreational activities like creating a newspaper, running a co-operative business or giving speeches. Both counsellors say they come back for the “goldeye” spirit.
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“You don’t get enough of it,” said Todd of her fraternity of friends gained from completing all levels of the camps that are open to youths in Grades 8-12.
“You gain a new family and become close.”
She arrived at her first camp with much apprehension but left with new friends, self-esteem and a greater care for the
environment.
Although raised in Edmonton, Todd spent much time on her grandfather’s farm at Ajax. She said her two years of counselling allowed her to share a love of the rural environment with others.
Morasch, returning to camp for the fifth time, said counselling allows him to give back to others what the experience gave to him.
“Camp counselling gives me more patience to deal with people and opens my eyes to other points of view to see how they see things,” he said.
The camp also helps urban participants understand how food is produced and how events in rural areas affect cities, said Morasch, who works at a feedlot and competes in rodeos.
Students seek out sponsorships to attend the camps from organization like credit unions, service clubs and grain companies. Camps cost $401 plus bus fees.
