50 years ago, a group of dedicated Scouters, our Founders, had a vision of a progressive camp based on old fashioned Scouting ideals and building the skills of camping, backpacking, and pioneering. All these years later, we provide a remarkable skill-based experience, focusing on hiking, back country camping and orienteering, for our youth. Throughout our 50 years, we have had some 6,000 participants come through the gates and collectively they have hiked more than 200,000 kilometers (about 124,274.24 mi).
On Saturday July 9th 2022, we had an Anniversary Celebration at camp with all the participants of WR 2022 and approximately 75 guests for the day. Our guests included 3 of the original Founders group plus youth and adults and past staff members. There was representation from Scouts Canada, Saskatchewan Parks, Fort Walsh National Park, Alberta Parks, and the Town of Maple Creek.
The day started out bright, sunny, and warm. The activities included many new and traditional activities for a final Saturday of WR including, the customary Pioneer Chariot races, and the tug of war between 1st year and 2nd year. We had a CF-18 fly over in the early afternoon from CFB Cold Lake and the pilot, Major Jordon Rychlo, was a past youth participant of the camp (and his Scouter, who still attends the camp, was present!).
This was followed by a group of First Nations Dancers, Drummers, and Elders from Nekaneet Cree First Nation from the Cypress Hills.
Then, we provided an opportunity for our guests to sit down and visit with friends, both old and new, before we had a barbeque supper for everyone. A hike was organized after supper for those who wanted to hike up to the Cairn where any 4th year participant gets to place their egg. This was followed by a flag lowering, award presentation and greetings from the dignitaries attending. While this was taking place, we had a thunderstorm make an appearance and a good rain and hail shower. Our final campfire was held after the storm passed and which marked the end of a momentous day.
WR 2022 was also another successful year of WR. This year, because of the 50 th celebration, we had one of our directors, Rob Ewert, bring his drone and take a photo of all participants of camp at the opening ceremony and they were given a copy of the photo with their badge at the end of the week. Our staff holds a collective total of 840 years of service to Wilderness Rendezvous at the conclusion of the 2022 camp.
The camp was also recognized at the national level, appearing in both the Woggle and the Scouts Canada Annual Report.
A huge thank you to all the participants, youth, leaders, and staff! Without your support, this camp would not have been the success that is!