MacKenzie Camp has some exciting news. Lana O’Brien, a well-known drama teacher in the Vernon School District, has been hired to take the reins for the 2015 camping season.
O’Brien has been a long-time volunteer at the camp. For the last several years she has been the resource person for its week-long drama camp.
“The board was thrilled that Lana agreed to join us for the full summer this year,” said Lorraine Powell, co-chair of the MacKenzie Camp Society board. “Lana is such a vibrant, creative person and with her vast experience as a teacher and parent, we know she will be perfect for the job.”
Although she is in the middle of Romeo and Juliet, Seaton’s spring theatre production, O’Brien is excited for the coming summer, too.
“I love this camp. It is too bad that there are so few remaining wilderness camps. It is such a vital part of a healthy childhood for kids to get an opportunity to be unplugged and connected with the environment and themselves.”
As for the coming summer, O’Brien isn’t expecting many changes.
“The programming is already excellent. I just want to maintain its excellence and embellish with my creativity where I can.”
The camp, located 35 km east of Enderby on the shores of Mabel Lake, has been in operation for 88 years. It is just about to open its doors for another summer of camping.
A crew of volunteers was on site in April, cleaning the grounds and buildings and doing minor repairs. The camp has also been the recipient of some equipment from Camp Hurlburt, the Vernon camp that recently closed its doors.
“I guess that Trinity United Church felt that the equipment that had been purchased for use by campers should continue to be used for that same purpose,” said Powell. “They donated a number of canoes and kayaks to us, as well as a small zodiac and some kitchen equipment. So things are really looking up for MacKenzie this year.
“Between these donations and hiring Lana, I am expecting this to be a banner year.”
Camps run from the beginning of July to mid-August. Registrations are still being accepted on the camp’s website, mackenziecamp.ca.
