May 05, 2011


Photo: Finn enjoys a ride on Sailor at Circle Square Ranch in ArdenChildren’s camps are fast gearing up for another season of summer fun and are opening their doors to children and their parents looking for summer camp options.

Staff at Circle Square Ranch in Arden, which has been existence since 1979, held an open house on May 1 for visitors to peruse their facilities and the programs they will be offering to campers. Visitors had a chance to ride “Sailor” the pony, play on the trampoline, skate at the park and check out the awesome tree forts nestled in the forest.

The non-profit camp, which is located on Big Clear Lake in Arden, is part of a Christian-based organization called the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship and the camp welcomes children of any faith and race. Staff aim to “encourage young lives to grow spiritually, mentally, socially and physically in a fun-filled Western environment”.

The camp’s central area consists of a main hub styled after a mock Western town, which includes a large rec. hall used for indoor activities, a dining room that can accommodate 180 diners, and 11 heated cabins that each can sleep 10 campers and two staff members. There are two large teepees on the property as well as two impressive tree forts located in a hemlock forest, where children can camp out over night.

Located on 300 acres of land, the facilities include a sandy waterfront beach area, an extensive horseback riding stable, natural forested areas with multiple trails, plus a skateboard park, rock climbing wall, a very impressive high ropes course, as well as basketball and volleyball courts. Other land activities include bike riding, soccer and archery. Waterfront activities include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, tubing, wake boarding, water trampoline, and perhaps most appealing of all, the two-storey inflatable iceberg climbing wall. The camp also offers countless instructional programs for campers looking to obtain specialized skills.

Dwayne Matson will be directing the camp this year and is looking forward to another action-packed summer. “The camp offers a safe, fun environment for kids and the staff are trained and highly qualified in the activities that they are running. Our aim is to offer kids a chance to experience Christianity in an environment other than church.” The camp offers an affordable option for parents looking to provide a summer camping experience for their children. The staff were all friendly and helpful, including waterfront director Dan Wesson, who will be returning on staff for his fifth consecutive summer.

Along with campers, the camp is always looking for new volunteers and financial partners due to its ever-rising operating costs. Anyone looking for more information about the camp, or wishing to volunteer or donate, can call 613-335-5403 or visit www.csranch.ca/arden

 

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