Pancake fundraiser April 20 at Clandeboye Hall
A group of Girl Guides from the Interlake area are preparing for a thrilling trip to northern Manitoba this summer, where they will spend time at the Churchill Guiding Camp.
The group of 13 girls, ages 11 to 16, from the Pathfinders and Rangers programs will be travelling up to Churchill in July. They are from Stonewall, Clandeboye and Fisher Branch.
Girl Guide leader Danelle Hanchar said she is excited for the expedition.
“Lots of girls don’t get the opportunity to travel.” she said, adding that, for some of the girls, this will be the first time they are leaving home.
The camp is located 22 km from the Town of Churchill. The group will meet with other Girl Guide teams as a bridging event.
The groups will learn and experience how the northern Girl Guide program is different from the Interlake.
“This trip will give these girls an experience that they have never had before.” said Hanchar, who has always wanted to go to Churchill.
“It is important that we are able to set out and explore what is in our own backyard.”
Hanchar explained that being able to adventure outdoors creates many learning opportunities.
Pathfinders and Rangers will get to kayak with belugas, prepare meals, go dog carting, create campfires and visit the Prince of Wales Fort National Historic Site.
The nine day trip will also see the Interlake Girl Guides visit visit Thompson and attend Scout Camp at Pisew Falls.
A lot of planning and expenses have been put into the trip, said Hanchar, who has been preparing since 2019.
“There is a lot of paperwork, budget approvals and explaining why it relates to our program,” she said.
She estimated it will cost $2500 per girl to go to Churchill.
Fees cover transport, lodging, meals and activities. A portion of the fee also goes toward the hired bear guard.
“We are in no-mans land, so a bear guard is required at all times at the base camp,” Hanchar said.
Karl Daher, a parent in the Interlake Girl Guide’s program, has planned a pancake breakfast fundraiser.
On April 20 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Clandeboye Hall.
A plate of three pancakes, three sausage and a drink will be $10. A smaller plate will be available for $6.
Clandeboye Hall is located at 111 Main St.
“Travelling to Churchill is not cheap,” said Daher, who explained that this is the first big fundraiser for the camp.
Girl Guides have been selling cookies since 2019 as a program requirement. A portion of the funds must be raised in cookies.
The Interlake Girl Guides have also raised funds with Epicure and World’s Finest Chocolate.
On May 11, the group will host a Mother’s Day Tea and auction fundraiser at the Rockwood Red Barn. A bottle drive will also happen throughout the month of May.
