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Silver Lake Camp saved by community members

Registration for the summer camp is open
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Get ready for a summer of swimming, fishing, paddle boarding and more because the Silver Lake Summer Camp has been saved.

The summer camp, located 20 kilometres northwest of Peachland, faced a closure last year when the Kelowna YMCA, which was operating the camp, terminated their operating contract.

According to YMCA marketing and communications manager Erica Hudson, the YMCA decided to terminate the contract because of expenses and resources that would be better directed to other programs.

“We’re truly happy to hear Silver Lake Camp will be up and running again,” she said.

A new board of camp directors was formed including Emma Oliver, camp manager, and her boss at Alpine Consultants, James Kay.

“Just average people that wanted to participate formed the board,” said Oliver. “We saved the camp.”

Since then the camp has been searching for an operator and funding.

The kids camp has been operating for more than 40 years beginning in the late 1960s with the Junior Forest Warden program and the British Columbia Forestry Association.

Evans Lake Forestry Society, based out of Squamish, will be operating the camps this year.

The summer camps are for ages eight to 16 and run in one and two-week segments.

“Our main focus is forestry education. Getting outdoors and even just the friendships that you make last a lifetime. There’s so much nature,” said Oliver, whose son is attending the camp this summer.

Camp registration and private bookings are currently available. Take $150 off the camp price until March 30 for early registration.

The camp is also currently accepting job applications.

The kid’s camps will run from July 11 to Aug. 20.

“Our goal is to be operating year-round,” said Oliver, which could include winter activities like snowshoeing and ice fishing.

To register and find out more information visit the camp’s website at www.silverlakecamp.net or find them on Facebook.