Ten members of Interlakes' youth group, Teen Space, which is sponsored by the Cariboo Presbyterian Church, spent Sept. 5-7 camping out at Sheridan Lake.
Based at the Malms’ home, Sheridan Acres, the group spent a whole day kayaking and canoeing, first to Edall Bay, a protected heritage site, then to Jeem’s Island and South Bay and then across the lake. They went swimming, saw the eagle nest, and found a secluded beach for lunch. They were taught “rafting,” whereby a group of kayakers joins together.
The weather was perfect for a full day on the water, but it was a wee bit nippy overnight in tents. Delicious food was prepared in the Malms' outdoor kitchen, including cooking pizza on an open fire.
The youth were each given a sardine-sized survival can containing 38 essential items, and were expected to get a fire started, which they all managed to do. A survival game involved being blindfolded and trying to identify odd foods; and they discussed “how to survive being a Christian.”
The group was chaperoned by Ken and Jody Malm, Elaine Adams, Coreen Caldwell, and a parent and professional diver, Eric de Vries.
The cost of the adventure was borne by the youth themselves. They spent their summer Saturdays at Loon Bay Market, selling hotdogs and smokies, which were provided wholesale by Pavlik Exquisite Meats of Fawn Lake.
“Everyone stayed above water, and for a group of teens, there was a lot of harmony – it was a great weekend,” said spokesperson Elaine Adams.
All Interlakes youth aged 12 and up are welcome at Teen Space. They usually meet Fridays, but their next meeting is at Interlakes Hall on Oct. 9 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Diana Forster is the Interlakes correspondent.