On July 24, the local Pathfinders (Girl Guides aged 12 to 15) left for a week of adventure at the site of the Merritt Music Festival for Spirit of Adventure Rendezvous (SOAR).
The Coast group met up with 2,700 girls and leaders from B.C., Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Manitoba and from eight other countries: Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, the U.S., United Kingdom, Mexico, St. Lucia and Taiwan.
You could feel the excitement in the air despite the hot temperature, wind and dirt. The girls were able to participate in canoeing, scuba diving, kayaking, power tubing and dragon boats. They helped with service projects around Merritt such as painting fences and barns at a ranch, beach clean up and building birdhouses. They enjoyed activities like rock climbing, fly fishing, self protection (martial arts) and obstacle course.
All went on various types of hikes in the area from easy terrain to very difficult. The Guides spent a day in Kamloops where they had a swim and shower. They also went on the Kamloops heritage train ride and then explored the waterfront.
One of highlights was when a rock band from Vancouver, called The Living, performed. The end of this adventure came too fast.
On the final night, the group enjoyed a country fair and hoe-down. The house was brought down when Cynthia Roberts (Shania Twain impersonator) came on stage to sing. At the end of camp everyone was dirty, tired and full of smiles and lasting memories. Looking forward to SOAR 2007!
Huge thanks go to those who helped make the trip possible. Donations were made by Panther Division, Trefoild Guild, MDS Labs and the Lions Club. Thanks to those who bought our cookies and supported our other fund-raisers. Thanks to Quality Farms for the use of the wagon - it saved our backs carrying our gear. Thanks to the girls' parents for sending them on this adventure! For a look at the campsite and activities, go to www.bc-girlguides.org and follow the SOAR link.
