Scouts Canada membership rates epic campsites; Writing-On-Stone listed as hidden gem

By Ry Clarke - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on July 29, 2022.

Scouts Canada has named Jasper National Park the ‘most epic camping site’ in a national survey of its volunteers and scouts.

In the survey by Scouts Canada, Jasper ranked first among five other parks, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in BC ranking second, and Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario coming in third.

“Camping appears to really be increasing in popularity, especially through COVID, because it’s local, affordable, and people are able to do it as a fun thing together. Scouts Canada has a community of expert campers and skilled outdoors people, so they went out to their membership to get tips about the camping destinations that a lot of scouting and scouting members have seen and done and what’s on their must-see lists,” said Teresa Waddington, Scouter for Scouts Canada.

With 46,704 members surveyed the list has the backing of many seasoned campers. Among the survey was a ‘hidden gem’s you’ve never heard of’ section, with Alberta again making the list at Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park, indicating it’s a gem because of where it lies along the Milk River, with hoodoos and a rich history.

Scouts and volunteers were asked what makes a campsite a dream spot, saying the views, water proximity, and wildlife were the top reasons for choosing a place.

Scouts Canada teaches many opportunities with life long applications both in the wilderness and everyday life. From teachings on leadership and resourcefulness, to how you work in a group and collaborate building a tent or building a project.

“You’re going to be out against the elements no matter what. It’s bringing the right gear, bringing the right attitude, and being willing to work with the people in your group to adapt. And really enjoying being out there regardless of what the weather is because it’s a beautiful world, even if it’s pouring rain, or lightning and thunder. It’s amazing what you can experience,” said Waddington.

With a focus on building youth into leaders, Scouts Canada looks to see how they can help build experiences, and have the ability to put them towards confidence in their lives, while focusing on having real world skills that allow scouts to feel ready when they get into the real world.

“They can be resilient, they can adapt, they can collaborate, and they can work well with teams. Having the sense of self to be successful in whatever their endeavours are,” said Waddington.

For a full list of the “Most Epic Campsites in Canada” visit scouts.ca/ under news and events. Scouts Canada pairs its programming parallel to the school year, and youth and adults looking to sign up or volunteer can register in September.

Comments are closed.