My work commenced with Carolinian Canada on the same day as the first ever SAR Ranger Camp in 2008 at Camp Sylvan. I had to prepare a presentation that day, so remember being a bit nervous. But the event ended up being so full of activities that time flew. We kept 25 Rangers busy for two days straight learning about the “Zone” and species at risk. The best moments were during a night hike in the woods. All the kids jumped at each and every rustle in the leaves! I enjoy experiencing the world as they do.
Youth outreach can be a lot of work, but it’s also rewarding. At the end of the session, we had people coming up to us telling us how much they had enjoyed it. Several mentioned how they had a lot more appreciation for rare species and the importance of nature in Southern Ontario. “I’d never heard of a Tulip Tree before,” said one. “Now I come across them more!”
This camp has evolved in amazing ways over the years, but I’ll always have fond memories of the first one