JCI Kootenay and Blue Lake Camp

Blue Lake Camp, it’s a place that I have heard many a good thing about in my return to the East Kootenay’s. So many good stories of kids getting to have the best childhood possible and growing into amazing adults. JCI Kootenay has been proud to help support Blue Lake Camp for the last few years and this past weekend we had an opportunity to put some sweat equity in to the camp. Our member Shonna Murphy brought forward to us a new project that Columbia Outdoor School has been working on with their new high ropes course and their need for some help to build a new equipment shed donated to them by Mt. Baker School – Carpentry Program. So, a bunch of us piled into our individual cars and trekked into the Purcell Mountains to build a shed.

For me it was the first time being there and immediately I could see the attraction of the camp which just made me more excited to be able to help. With three of us being in Civil Engineering (Derek, Jason, and myself) there was plenty of construction experience and opinions to go around which made for lots of great jokes. First up the foundation because no building is worth anything without a good foundation. And with that done and in place it was like Lumber Lego as we got the floor and two walls quickly installed. Then it was back up to the Camp for lunch. Todd made everyone a delicious chili which we all promptly devoured.

Fueled up and ready to get back at it, we worked the afternoon away to get the shed completed. And with many hands we slapped up the other two walls, heaved up the roof and sheathed it in red tin. After some sweat, screws, a scraped shin, dog kisses and more laughs we had a finished product, and we could not be prouder of it.

Always love spending time with my fellow Jaycees and especially when we get to do worthwhile things for our community. JCI Kootenay hopes that the new High Ropes Course brings many a great memory to kids from across the East Kootenay’s for years to come. Thanks to Columbia Outdoor School and Blue Lake Camp for getting us involved. And a big thank you to Derek and Angalea Penson, David Jarret, Shonna Murphy and Jason Battaglio for donating time on your Saturday to help complete this little project.

 

Marcus Brown – 2021 Chapter President