By Michael Bennett
Local Journalism Initiative
The Ridgetown Independent
Three long-time leaders and supporters of the local Scouts Canada program were honoured at a recent open house at Camp Cataraqui in Clearville.
Carolyn Powers, from Thamesville Sertoma, Dave Dodman, from Blenheim Optimist Club, and Julien Samson, from Enbridge received honours from Dave Elliott, Camp Ranger of Scouts Canada.
The three were honoured for their “demonstration of support, which has made it possible to continue service to Scouting Youth.”
Guests were treated to a guided tour of Camp Cataraqui, which has served the local scouting community for more than 80 years.
Camp Cataraqui, surrounded by the Clear Creek Provincial Nature Reserve in East Kent, features 17 camp sites, a chapel, an archery range, and a sports field for various outdoor activities.
The facility is open year round for several scout troops.
The campgrounds are also available for other youth groups to rent, as several sites are ideal for geocaching.
Samson took the guests to the various activity areas in the campgrounds, including climbing walls, rope webs, and tire poles, which were aimed at team-building for the Scout campers.
As many as 20 activities can be conducted on the main field, including archery, hatchet throwing, volleyball, rope zip lines and more.
“We have outriggers with hooks, so the kids actually get into a climbing harness and use some of the knots you need for climbing,” Samson said.
New activity areas include a gaga ball pit and a human foosball field.
