Summer camp saved

Photo: Contributed

Waking up with toothpaste on your face, singing songs, and playing capture the flag are just some of the fondest memories of summer camp.

Now thanks to the hard work of some local residents, the distant dream of camp won’t be so far off. Silver Lake Camp has been saved. 

It was at risk of not operating for the 2016 season, but thanks to a newly formed board of directors, the camp is back on track.

New leadership at Silver Lake consists of some previous board members along with a group of fresh faces from the Rotary Club of Kelowna and Alpine Consultants.

James Kay, chair of the Silver Lake Forest Education Society, calls Silver Lake Camp a jewel in Peachland and the Okanagan.

“So when The Rotary Club of Kelowna learned of the plight, eight Rotarians knew we had to act, and together with other directors and volunteers, we are actively improving and re-establishing the camp for years to come.”

Last year, Silver Lake was the host for more than 750 children at the Peachland camp. It has been in operation for over 40 years, offering forest education programs and outdoor camping experiences to young people between the ages of seven and 16 years old.

The board has been working for the past four months to re-open the camp for the 2016 season.

Renovations and upgrades are currently underway and limited camping is to begin in August. The camp includes a brand new lodge with full kitchen, 10 cabins that each sleep eight to 10 people, six no-fee camping areas and a lake fully stocked with rainbow trout.

Silver Lake Camp offers outdoor education and activities such as canoeing, hiking, swimming, archery, field sports, fishing, nature walks, and games. The new lodge, camping for up to 10 families or 75 kids.