Official Newsletter of the
Alberta Junior Forest Warden Association
May 2015
Tree Mail
H
President’s
Message
submitted by Roger Madaire
Hi Friends!
With canoe season in full swing for
most and lessons/trips being booked
all around the
province, I hope all
of you take care on
the water and have
lots of fun passing
on the passion of
paddling to the
next generation!
Our Spring
Conference and
AGM was a
success and as
usual, lots of
awards were
handed out by
the Chief
Warden of
Canada and
Chief Warden
of Alberta!
Special guest instructors included
Mors Kochanski, Connie and Ingo,
Brian McBride, Terry Garrett and many
more, don’t miss them next time!
Your Provincial Board executive has
been chosen for the next two years.
Re-elected are Leigh-Ann Butler
(Secretary), Jacquie Hromyk (Vice
President), myself (President), and our
new treasurer is Brett Schönekess.
Rounding out your executive are Al
Wardale and Terry Garrett. The whole
board looks forward to working with
all the new board
members from
the districts and
Alumni!
Well, enough for
now, read ahead
for the details on
all the great
activities planned
for you and by you
for the benefit of our
great program!
Respectfully
Roger Madaire
Inside this issue:
President's Report
1
Chief Warden’s Message
2
Peter Mehl Scholarship
3
AGM 2015
4-13
JFW - A Brief History 14-17
Summer Outreach
18
AC Facebook Photo
19
Woodlanders on Tour 20-21
The JFW Volunteer Spirt 22
Alumni Smoky River
Bits and Bytes
23-24
25
AJFWA President
Upcoming Events
26-28
Chief Warden’s Message
Submitted by Terry Garrett
Hello everyone,
What a wonderful time the Junior Forest Wardens had at the AGM and
Conference in Edmonton!!!!
Great people, good friends, amazing
instructors, awards and so much more. I heard from one new family that
they were “blown away” by the quality of programming that was offered
and were going to go back to their club to encourage everyone to attend
next year. The Board Members worked very hard on this project to make
sure that everyone had a wonderful time and that every detail was looked
after. Thank you to all of them for their hard work. Thank you, as
members of the Junior Forest Warden program, for attending the
conference and making it such a success.
Congratulations to all the people who were recognized for their Years of
Service awards. Your dedication to our program is immense! Volunteers
aren’t paid because they are worthless, but because they are
priceless!!! In the Junior Forest Warden world you are truly priceless
treasures. Thank you for all you do to make this program successful for
our wardens. Read more about the awards and see the list of recipients,
as well as lots of photos of the event, in this issue of Tree Mail.
Telegraph Cove Work Experience Program: Applications have started to roll in for this wonderful
new summer adventure, kayaking and working at Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island. There are only a
few spots left, so if you are still trying to decide, send in your applications as soon as
possible.
Registration will close on May 30 th . Don’t delay and possibly miss out. If you are
interested in this project, email me at [email protected].
Summer Outreach: Canoeing the Lakeland Circuit near Lac La Biche in Northern Alberta on the long
weekend in August (July 31 to August 3). Certifications will be gained, along with great experiences, lots
of fun and learning under the guidance of Wild By Nature Adventures. Check the JFW website for more
details and to register on-line. Space is limited to 16 participants so register as soon as possible.
Take care,
Terry Garrett, Chief Warden
AGM Contributing Photographers:
Al Wardale
Arlene Walroth
Garry Nelson
Heather Soetaert
Kelly Holden
Leona Boisselle
Mary Armstrong
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 2
Applications are now being taken for the 2015 Scholarship...your application
must be received by July 31, 2015 in order to be considered.
The AJFWA Peter Mehl Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to applicants who excel at the following
criteria:



Accepted by a post-secondary institution in a faculty or program appropriate for entering a career in
natural resource management or outdoor related fields
Have a strong academic record
Record of commitment to a not for profit youth program
The Peter Mehl Memorial Scholarship is available to all students across
Canada who are enrolled in a Forestry, Ecological or Environmental related
program, and who have been a member, leader or volunteer for a not-forprofit youth program. Join previous recipients Anne Neumann and Conrad
Taylor by submitting your application for the chance to win this prestigious
award, in the memory of Peter Mehl, long-time JFW member and volunteer.
*Scholarships will be awarded each September. Click on the following links for information on
the 2015 Scholarship Awards.
General Scholarship Information *Dates are all 2015
Scholarship Brochure
2015 Scholarship Application
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 3
Annual General Meeting and Spring Conference, Edmonton AB May 24-26, 2015
AJFWA Board of Directors
(l-r above)
Terry Garrett, Chief Warden of Alberta
Dawn Friesen, Membership Director
Lisa Patrick, (former) Treasurer
Leigh-Ann Butler, Secretary
Jacquie Hromyk, Vice President
Roger Madaire, President
Al Wardale, Past President
Brett Schonekess, (incoming) Treasurer
Thank you for your countless volunteer hours as
Treasurer, Lisa Patrick.
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 4
Fire Honour
Kieran Brown - Bragg Creek Bald Eagles
Colby Soetaert - St. Albert
Shayne Soetaert - St. Albert
Huxley Wolfater - Glory Hills
Fire Honour:
Awarded to
Wardens for significant fire
suppression, detection or action
where protection of property or
our forest environment is at
risk. A badge is presented for
the recipient's uniform along
with a personal congratulatory
letter from Alberta’s Chief
Warden.
Colby Soetaert
Colby Soetaert
Kieran Brown
Shayne Soetaert
Shayne Soetaert
May 2015 Tree Mail
Huxley
Huxley Wolfater
Wolfater
pg 5
Silver Honour
Lewis Schiebel - St. Albert
Silver Honour: This second highest award in the organization for a Warden is awarded for
meritorious and commendable service to the club and Junior Forest Warden organization. Length of
service may be a consideration. A badge is presented for the recipient's uniform. A certificate and a
personal congratulatory letter from the Chief Warden of Canada or Alberta’s Chief Warden also
accompany this award. To recommend a Warden for the Silver Honour, the Warden’s
contributions are outlined in a letter composed and signed by the Club Coordinator, Club Leader or
Leaders, and Adult Council, and sent to the AJFWA. The Chief Warden of Canada or Alberta’s Chief
Warden will determine if the Warden is eligible to receive the award.
Lewis Schiebel
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 6
Gold Honour
Gold Honour: This highest award in
the organization for a Warden is
awarded for continuous and
outstanding service to the club and
Junior
Forest
Warden
organization. Length of service may
be a consideration. It may also be
awarded for heroism and valour. A
badge is presented for the recipient's
uniform. A certificate and a personal
congratulatory letter from the Chief
Warden of Canada or Alberta’s Chief
Wa r de n a l s o a c co m pa n y t his
award. To recommend a Warden
for the Gold Honour, the Warden’s
contributions are outlined in a letter
composed and signed by the Club
Coordinator, Club Leader or Leaders
and Adult Council and sent to the
AJFWA. The Chief Warden of Canada
or Alberta’s Chief Warden will
determine if the Warden is eligible to
receive the award.
Kelly Holden - St. Albert
Heather Soetaert - St. Albert
Kelly Holden
Heather Soetaert
Heather Soetaert
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 7
Order of the Golden Spruce
Audrey Marsh - Meadow Lake Woodlanders
The Order of the Golden Spruce Award is the highest recognition a volunteer can receive in the Junior
Forest Warden Program. It is to honour dedicated volunteers, adult leaders and life-long supporters of the
organization. An oval-shaped pin and a gold and green certificate are presented. A personal congratulatory
Audrey Marsh
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 8
Congratulations to:
3 Year Award
5 Year Award
Airdrie Hawks
Greg Condon
Paul Hunter
Pat Jiggins
Sandra Jiggins
Roy Vandenbrink
Chris McIntosh
Samantha Miller
Bragg Creek Bald Eagles
David Deere
Brett Schonekess
Sheena Taggart
Gabrielle Zimmermann
Mike Brown
Karen Krey
Calgary Black Bears
Tim Watts
Calgary Bobcats
Keith Ellison
Audrey Rose
Timothy Yarjau
Damian Gillis
Evelyn Gillis
Erin Milton
Calgary Eagles
Ron Ager
Don Dixon
Dianne Gamache
Marc Gamache
Andrew Craig Hamilton
Heather Anne Hamilton
Anita Lynn Keitel
Bradley Chris Keitel
Ron Ager
Scott Baker
Sylvie Baker
Sandra Gordon-Evans
Calgary Sarcee
Dinesh Advani
Mala Advani
Michelle Dufault
Marcia Jeanes
Stewart Jeanes
Boon-Hwa (Hana) Kim
Richard Hugh Mogenson
Kevin Nickel
Lesley Nickel
Julia Penner
Scott Truswell
Tietje White
Katherine Weimer
Steven Weimer
Cold Lake Chipmunks
Diane Park
Ken Park
Sha Gagne
Leah Palmer
Drayton Valley Wildland
Pioneers
Rebecca Alexander
Chris Culbert
Terri Culbert
Jim Kalen
Kari Moody
Peter Moody
Sheen Ostapowich
Dana Quartly
Erin Quartly
Kathy Schwengler
Mandee Wilson
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 9
Congratulations to:
3 Year Award
Edmonton Water Striders
John Blerot
Andrea Callin
Max Kante
Jody Shenkarek
Edmonton Windwalkers
Christine Homeniuk
Edson Explorers
Helena Kwantes
Ian Kwantes
Sonja Norum
Kevin Thurner
Trisha Thurner
Glory Hills
Andrew Garrett
Grove Grizzlies
Virginia Ballerman
Brandy Burroughs
Trevor Burroughs
John Dizy
Tamara Porlier
James Rochon
Lisa Rochon
Hinton
Carla Jacobsen
Brian Hicks
Melissa Hicks
Nicole Meyer
Keephills White Whale
Lisa Mickelson
Murray Mickelson
Lac Ste. Anne Ospreys
Barbara Barrett
Kelly Barrett
Nicola Barrett
Manning Moose
Rae McDermott
Cheri Paulovich
Dustin Paulovich
Andrea Pedersen
Rick Pedersen
Jenine Robinson
Keith Robinson
Meadow Lake Woodlanders
Aaron Fillion
Heather Fillion
Chad McCord
Katia McCord
Beverly Tallmadge
Derek Tallmadge
Medicine Hat Warriors
Deidre Giesbrecht
James Giesbrecht
Grant Haukeness
Michelle Haukeness
May 2015 Tree Mail
5 Year Award
Andy Pydde
Christine Pydde
Cacilia Wardale
pg 10
Congratulations to:
3 Year Award
5 Year Award
Parkland Great Horned Owls
Kevin Johnston
Peace River Wolverines
Allan Dial
Jessie Dial
Red Deer Woodchucks
Gina Raynard
Ken Lewis
Rocky Rams
Corie Cooper
Trisha Stubbings
Carson Stewart
Sherwood Park Saw-Whets
Art Angielski
Connie Angielski
Scott Milligan
Vera Milligan
St. Albert
Martin Schiebel
Martin Schiebel
Rondalene Schiebel
Stettler Swift Fox
Annelise Van der Bank
Johan Van der Bank
Nadine Lang
Tofield Snow Geese Home
School
France Gagnon
Jenn Hill
Jennifer Kennedy
Tracy Stadnik
Westlock Whitetails
Larissa Holub
Wheatland Wild Things
Carmen Kublik
Rowan Kublik
Congratulations - 10 Year Award
May 2015 Tree Mail
Calgary Black Bears
Roger Madaire
Calgary Bobcats
Michele Madaire Hebert
Mark Taylor
Sandra Taylor
Calgary Eagles
Lee Ager
Ron Ager
Debbie Puppato
Edson Explorers
Sandy Hemsworth
Red Deer Woodchucks
Rose Crist
St. Albert
Barb Holden
Kelly Holden
Christian Brenholen
Westlock Whitetails
Terry Byvank
pg 11
Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to
all volunteers and members for your
dedication to Junior Forest Wardens
15 Year Award
Alumni
Garry Nelson
Glory Hills
Terry Bartley
Smoky Lake
Peggy Zatorski
20 Year Award
Alumni
Neil Douville
Margery McBride-Elliot
Garry Nelson
Meadow Lake
Woodlanders
Larry Nelson
25 Year Award
Alumni
Jan Blunden
Glory Hills
Terry Garrett
Manning Moose
Al Wardale
New Appointee
Al Wardale
Deputy Chief Warden of Canada
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 12
Farrowing
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 13
Junior Forest Wardens
The Seeds are Sown in 1929...
D
Charles “Skipper” Wilkinson “The organizer of
this band of young boys.”
It is interesting to note
that in the eighty five
years of the program
there have only been
three National Chief
Wardens.
uring the 1920's, Forest and Outdoors magazine, an
official publication of the Canadian Forestry
Association (C.F.A.), included a regular section called
“Young Canadians” devoted entirely to the activities,
interest and education of boys and girls. The magazine
was widely read and very popular, especially amongst the
young people of British Columbia
In 1929, a story was published in this section which was
to have an effect upon its readers, and upon history, far
beyond anything its author could have expected. The
story was set
at Snug Cove
on
Bowen
Island,
and
concerned two
boys. It tells
how
they
discovered
a
fire
in
the
bush, reported
it
to
the
ranger,
and
helped him put
out the fire.
The
ranger
remarked,
“Boys, I wish
we had more
people like you
to help in stopping this forest fire.”
The response to this story was incredible. Boys from all
parts of the province wrote in to the author inquiring
about how they could help the ranger, like the boys in the
story. Somewhat overwhelmed by this reaction, the local
manager of the C.F.A. Office, Charles Wilkinson, and his
associates, who were looking for a new approach to fire
prevention, decided to revise the current system of
education and use kids to teach adults about forest fire
prevention.
...So the Warden Movement was born.
The Junior Forest Wardens were the first environmental
youth organization formed in British Columbia. From the
outset, the scheme caught on and spread like a forest
fire. A badge was designed and cast in bronze. School
Principals were invited to select the first candidates for
membership, who were installed at public ceremonies.
Each Junior Forest Warden became the representative for
the Association in his District.
...cont’d
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 14
The organizer of this band of young boys was Charles
Wilkinson, who became their Chief Warden and came to
be known as “Skipper” to thousands of boys, as he led
red-shirted Junior Forest Wardens in parades in the
lower mainland of B.C.
In 1942, Charles Wilkinson offered Bill Myring the job of
touring British Columbia, lecturing on conservation, and
organizing Junior Forest Wardens. It was strictly a boys’
organization until 1944, when the Girl Forest Guards
were formed by Bill’s wife, Margaret.
Bill Myring
Chief Junior Forest Warden 1944-59
National Chief Junior Forest Warden
1960-89
In 1944, Charles Wilkinson resigned to take up ranching
in the Caribou, as owner of the Flying U Dude Ranch.
Bill Myring was appointed Chief Junior Forest Warden,
and for the next five years, with the aid of one secretary
and a small budget, great strides were made across
British Columbia by a movement with dedicated
volunteer leaders, only 14 years old. Charles Wilkinson
passed away November 18th, 1978.
Bill Myring held the position of Chief Junior Forest
Warden until becoming National Chief Junior Forest
Warden when the program came to Alberta in 1960. He
held that position until his death on December 5 th, 1989.
Ken Kelsey became the next National Chief Warden, and
remained so until he retired in 2000; Ken died in 2010.
Ken Kelsey
Chief Junior Forest Warden 1990-2000
Dave Cullen became the Chief Warden of Canada in
2000 and still holds the position today. On April 25,
2015, at the Alberta Junior Forest Warden Association’s
AGM, Dave appointed the AJFWA Past President, Al
Wardale, as the first ever Assistant Chief Warden of
Canada.
- Submitted by Garry Nelson
Dave Cullen with Al
Wardale,
appointed
first Assistant Chief
Warden of Canada
April 25, 2015
Dave Cullen
Chief Warden of Canada since 2000
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 15
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 16
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 17
Adventure awaits
at summer
outreach 2015 in
Lakeland
Provincial Park!
Do you love an adventure?
Join fellow ACs, leaders and adults on a fantastic canoe
paddling adventure from July 31-August 3 in
Lakeland Provincial Park, in northeastern Alberta - starting at
the Jackson Lake Staging Area.
Wild By Nature
Adventures (Connie & Ingo) will provide the guiding. This
circuit offers challenges in tripping by having a few
portages! Certifications
can be obtained for
Paddle Canada Flat
Water Certifications and
Tripping.
Canoes and
related
paddling
equipment
will
be
provided.
Bring your
own
camping
equipment, clothing,
food and prepare for
adventure!
This weekend will be all about canoe paddling the Lakeland
Circuit in the Lac la Biche Region. Lakeland Provincial Park
focuses on primitive "wilderness" recreation and features
Alberta's only backcountry canoe circuit.
Summer Outreach 2015 is for Adventurers, Challengers,
leaders and adults.
(Note: There is space for only 16
participants for this program so register early!)
Cost: $130/person including certifications!!
Log in to register online.
For more information: contact Terry Garrett, at
[email protected] or phone 780 964-7183.
For further reading, click on this link from Alberta Parks.
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 18
The winner of the
AC Facebook
Page photo
contest is....
William Dial of the
Peace River JFW!
This photo will now
grace the top of the
Facebook Page.
May 2015 Tree Mail
William wins a $50 gift certificate from the JFW Store for his
stunning sunrise photograph.
The Junior Forest Wardens ACs Facebook Page is an online
space for Adventurers and Challengers only - a safe place to
chat with your fellow ACs around the province and beyond.
Wardens only - if you are a current member with a Facebook
profile and wish to join the group, search “Junior Forest
Wardens AC’s” and request to join.
Congratulations William!
pg 19
May was a month of tours for the Meadow Lake Woodlanders Junior Forest Wardens!
On May 2nd we went on a trip to Prince Albert, and we saw:
The Cowan Dam - built early in the last century, the dam creates a very long,
narrow lake which was used for floating logs from the forest to the sawmill in days
gone by. The dam features a fish ladder which allows fish to move upstream past
the dam. This is a great place to catch supper.
The tour group, Cowan Dam in the background
Provincial Wildfire Centre
Fire Science Specialist Chris Dallyn
shared an incredible amount of
information about forest fires and
modern fire suppression strategies.
We learned how accurate weather
forecasting is vital and is used to
predict fires and fire behaviour. We
saw how ground and air crews are
dispatched and monitored on huge
computer displays. We got a bird’s
eye view of forests all over
Saskatchewan (watch towers now
have video cameras rather than
people) and we even saw a fire in
progress!
As we watched the
screen, water bombers dropped
their loads on the fire.
What a
treat!
Learning about fire weather at the Forest Fire Centre
...cont’d
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 20
PRT Tree Nursery
Manager Doug Gullickson
treated us to a great tour of
this facility, which is one of
the few remaining nurseries
in Saskatchewan.
Cones
collected from all across
Canada
arrive
at
the
nursery.
The seeds are
removed from the cones,
the seeds are “de-winged”,
planted in trays and grown
for up to two years in large
greenhouses. Then they are
packed and shipped to
forestry
companies
for
planting.
A sea of seedlings (white
pine in this case) at the
tree nursery
On the way home, we stopped at an
organic farm near Big River, w here
you can buy all kinds of “farm gate” meat.
Many of us took home some excellent
beef, pork, chicken and bison. The kids
got to see the pigs and chickens up close
(for some, a first time) and - this really
was our lucky day - saw piglets being
born! (What’s the word for pigs being
born? Look for the answer elsewhere in
this issue of Tree Mail.)
On another evening in May, some of our
Wardens got to see the bird dog and skimmer
aircraft at the Meadow Lake Tanker Base (one
of our leaders just happens to work there Thanks Richard!). We even got to climb into a
water bomber and have a look!
It was a great month for
being a Junior Forest Warden!
The kids got to see the
pigs and chickens up
close (for some, a first
time) and - this really
was our lucky day - saw
piglets being born!
May 2015 Tree Mail
Future water bomber pilot!
pg 21
Our level of Commitment to the Program
Recently, as supporting information for a grant application, the
administrator posed a question that yielded some very interesting results. I
was asked to articulate “what is the volunteer base and hours given to
Junior Forest Wardens”, in an effort to build a stronger case for awarding us
the grant. This was an item that I had thought of many times in my time on
the Board, and during my tenure as President, I logged my personal hours
to get a better idea. But suffice it to say, we had not to this point actually
attempted to chart this information.
I began by pulling the statistics that we do keep detailed and current, and that was the number
of clubs (40) and the number of chartered adults (1068) as essentially all have a contribution
towards the success of their respective club, either in a leadership or supporting role. Using that
information, I looked at the following ways we “commit ourselves to the program”:

All 1068 adults contributing to their club an average of 2 hours a week, for 38 weeks a year

Club Executive and Group Leaders likely average an additional 3 hours per week

District and Provincial Council commit on average another 5 hours per month

Council elected Officers spend an average of 30 hours per month on Council business

Each club event likely has 100 “person hours” into its planning and facilitation

District Camps likely have 1,000 “person hours” into their planning and facilitation

Provincial Conference carries a volunteer hour load of 4,000 hours

National Camps are likely greater than 10,000 hours, but only occur every 3 years
It was an interesting exercise, and the data fell together quite quickly. It is important to say that
figured were very much an average, as not all portfolios managed on Councils are as heavy as
the next, and not all leaders spend the same amount of time in research and planning activities.
Regardless of any disparities, it is an astounding figure! Conservatively, all members through
multiple levels of commitment, contribute 154,188 hours annually to the success of the Junior
Forest Warden program.
Conservatively, all members,
That speaks volumes for the type of people and families that through multiple levels of
we attract, and we’re fortunate to have that level of commitment, contribute
dedication.
154,188 hours annually to the
It the process of navigating through the data, the first success of the Junior Forest
number that I really focused on was that over half of the Warden program.
total hours originate from that “2 hours a week” by all adults
at the club level. Whether your club meets weekly during the evening, or monthly for an outing,
it’s reasonable to assess the average that totals just over 81,000 hours a year! Add to that the
Club Executive at 3 more hours per week, and 108,000 of the annual hours committed are just
from doing our job at the club.
It’s safe to say the Volunteer Spirit is alive and well in our program! It’s a great
time to be a Junior Forest Warden!
Al Wardale
Past President – AJFWA
Deputy Chief Warden of Canada
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 22
JFW ALUMNI
SMOKY RIVER CANOE TRIP
July 25th – 26th 2015
This is an overnight, self contained and guided river
trip for Alumni and JFW families to see and
experience a beautiful northern waterway. We will
put in at the Watino Bridge, and follow the Smoky
River as it makes its last miles before emptying into
the mighty Peace River. Our trip will end at the town
of Peace River after approximately 12 hours of water
travel. Bring your own canoe, overnight supplies, and
sense of adventure!
Guided by: Al Wardale and Martin and
Rondalene Schiebel
We specify 16 years and older for this trip.
Registration is free! Just reach out to:
[email protected] or
[email protected]
for more details.
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 23
Smoky River Overnight Canoe Trip
July 25th and 26th, 2015
The Smoky River originates in the Canadian Rockies, in the northern area of Jasper National Park from Adolphus Lake. It then
flows north through the Willmore Wilderness Park until it reaches the town of Grande Cache. It continues north and merges into
the Peace River south of the Town of Peace River, Alberta
The section that we’ll paddle begins at the bridge on the Smoky near the town of Watino. It is there that we will start our trip and
paddle with the current north towards Peace River. Along the way there is much to see from the abundant wildlife to the boulder
fields, the boreal forests to the long sloping banks of the rivers canyon. There are also gravel and sand bars in abundance to
make landings easy and perfect overnight camps. It has a “swift” current and a few 2+ class rapids that can be avoided, so
paddlers should have moving water experience or pair themselves with experienced river paddlers!
Participants in this weekend adventure should consider being in the Donnelly / Falher area to camp on the night of July 24 th. The
weekend schedule will look like this:
Friday July 24, 2015
6:00pm – Informal gathering at the campsite – Watino Bridge on the Smoky River
*Local group will assist moving vehicles to Peace River landing
Saturday July 25, 2015
8:30am – Gear check and brief at launch site on Smoky River (Watino bridge)
9:00am – Get on the river
5:00pm – Claim our camp location (we’ll try for “Boulder City”)
Sunday July 26, 2015
8:00am – Get on the river
11:00am – Smoky merges with the Peace River
11:30am – Arrive at town of Peace River
1:00pm – Goodbyes and tears following a great trip!
While we are not limiting space, nor charging a registration fee, we are requesting that all participants are registered to assess
our group size. Equipment is not provided unless previously arranged, and all participants are expected to have the required
paddles, PFD’s, bailer, throw bag, whistles, lights, etc in their boat. Paddlers are expected to be completely self sufficient as
pertains to meals and camping equipment. Open fires are allowed, and we’ll be congregated such that you can beg and borrow.
For questions and reservations, please contact Al Wardale at [email protected] or Rondalene Schiebel [email protected]
Cancellation due to conditions on short notice is at the discretion of the Organizers.
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 24
Bits and Bytes
AJFWA Warden Fees are increasing to $35.00 per Warden, effective as of
the 2015 - 2016 Club Year. The motion to increase from $25.00 to $35.00
was made and passed by the membership at the AGM, April 25, 2015 in
Edmonton, AB.
Come and celebrate
Bob & Alena Skarra's 50th!
In lieu of gifts please bring any photos
that you would like to share and we will put
them up on the memory wall that we are
putting together.
If you have any questions please feel free to
contact me via email at
[email protected] or call me
at 604-725-7962.
Cheers,
Deanne Skarra Blackstone
Sunday, June 14th
1:30-4:30pm
Bower Kin Community Hall
85 Boyce Street
Red Deer
“Wilderness Youth Challenge Program (WYCP) is a registered non
profit, delivering a relapse prevention program for high risk youth
since 2006. WYCP is a no-fee-for-service, 100% volunteer-driven
initiative using a ten day wilderness experience, which
incorporates a four day solo camping challenge, for the youth to
build their self esteem. We have 30-plus high risk youth who
have spent four days alone in the wilderness and not relapsed
back into their old behaviors. I would like to ask your Junior
Forest Wardens to consider participating in our annual fundraiser
THE CALL OF THE WILD by spending four days solo camping,
like our youth do, to help us raise the direct program costs for a
June 26th Challenge we will be delivering in the Athabasca area.
Our programs have crossed paths a couple of times quite
successfully when we have used the Crescent Falls area, and it
would be a real solid example for our youth to know of the JFW
connection to us. Please consider visiting our site at
www.WYCP.org or phoning 780-458-7549for more information.”
- WYCP
Special Notice:
Vinessa Currie-Foster instructed at National Camp 2014,
and many JFW members might have run into her over the
years, probably at something to do with canoeing. She will
be missed!
”As some of you may have heard, Nature
Saskatchewan has lost a wonderful person. Our
Education Director, Vinessa Currie-Foster lost her
life in a tragic highway accident over the
weekend (April 24).
We wanted to make
everyone aware of a GoFundMe tragedy fund
that has been set up to help Vinessa's husband
and children. Please feel free to share far and
wide.
Vinessa had a great passion and enthusiasm for
nature and education. The light she carried with
her will be incredibly missed by everyone who
had the pleasure of knowing her.
To make a donation, please go to http://
www.gofundme.com/syv7tc
-Ellen Bouvier, Nature Saskatchewan”
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 25
Chainsaw certification course
When
Where
Who
Details
May 23-25, 2015
Koala Chainsaw Safety School - Bob Clarke
JFW members 16+ yrs.
http://jfwa.ca/index.php/jfwa-annual-events/provincial-campout
Ajfwa casino
When
May 29-30, 2015
Where Baccarat Casino, Edmonton
Who 18+ yrs. can attend
Summer work experience, telegraph cove, B.c.
When July 7-14, 2015
Where Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island
Details NEW!!! Summer Work Experience Project at Telegraph Cove, B.C. The
details are still being finalized, but so far we want everyone to be at Telegraph Cove on July 7 th to start this
program. Activities include, but are not limited to: beach clean-up; work at the Whale Museum, kayaking with all your
gear to various locations in the Straight to work with Straightwatch and do some whale projects. You will be expected
to have lightweight equipment to put into your kayak as space in them is limited and bring your own food! If you are
interested in this project e-mail me at [email protected]. Registration closes May 30!!!
Primitive skills at long lake
When July 17-22, 2015
Where Long Lake Outdoor Environmental Education Centre
Who JFW Families
Details If you have always wanted to learn some of the techniques used by
past generations, this is the event to attend! Skilled people and artisans will guide you through the
processes to understanding and/or creating items that have been all but forgotten by present day
society. Come and learn from the best! http://jfwa.ca/index.php/jfwa-annual-events/provincial-campout
March 2015 Tree Mail
pg 26
Family camp and fishing education at long lake
When July 24-26, 2015
Where Long Lake Outdoor Environmental Education Centre
Who All family members
Details Family Camp at the Long Lake Outdoor Environmental Education
Center and the new Fishing Education Program by Gary Love from Jackfish Lures. Remember space is limited
in the Fishing program, so register early on the Jackfish Lures website. If you are not registered as a participant at the
Family Camp, and you want to take the FISH program you will have to pay a nominal fee for your meals and/or
camping. http://jfwa.ca/index.php/jfwa-annual-events/provincial-campout
Jfw alumni smoky river canoe trip
When July 25-26, 2015
Where Smoky River from near Watino, to Peace River
Who JFW member 16+ yrs.
Details Read more on pages 23-24 in this issue.
Summer outreach - canoeing the Lakeland circuit
When July 31- August 3, 2015
Where Lakeland Circuit
Who Adventurers, Challengers, parents, leaders
Details Summer Outreach – canoeing the Lakeland Circuit with Wild by Nature
Adventures. If you always wanted to do a canoe paddle trip, this is a great one to start with!!! It should be a great
time for Wardens, parent, and leaders. Read more about it on page 18 in this issue.
Peter Mehl Memorial scholarship applications
When Must be received by July 31, 2015
Who Post-secondary students
Details http://www.jfwa.ca/index.php/peter-mehl-scholarship
March 2015 Tree Mail
pg 27
Jfw dads and kids wilderness weekend
When September 18-20, 2015
Where Narrow Lake Conservation Education Centre
Who JFW Dads and kids
Details A Wilderness Weekend with Dad at a beautiful Boreal Forest Lake. The
Dads have asked for costs to be kept to a minimum - only $39 per person - so no programs are scheduled.
jfwa.ca/index.php/jfwa-annual-events/provincial-campout
http://
Jfw “Wild women of the woods” weekend
When September 18-20, 2015
Where Long Lake Outdoor Environmental Education Centre
Who JFW Moms, Leaders and friends
Details A weekend of fun in nature - outdoor activity, relaxation and
camaraderie. Accommodations, catered meals and programs, all for only $167 per person. http://jfwa.ca/index.php/
jfwa-annual-events/provincial-campout
Comments, questions, suggestions,
submissions...WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Tree Mail is a monthly newsletter published for JFW by JFW
Leaders, parents AND Wardens are encouraged to submit articles, ideas for programming, photos and other
interesting tidbits to:
[email protected]
May 2015 Tree Mail
pg 28