The local Girl Guides are asking volunteers to donate their skills and muscle to help with fixes at Camp Rory next Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We are planning a camp clean up day but some of the jobs will be bigger and beyond what the guiders can do,” explains Tammy Cox, Columbia District Commissioner, Girl Guides. “We have the basic clean up happening and still need two new hot water tanks .. one of the jobs that were required are one of our cabins needs a new roof and new stairs, another cabin needs a door replaced and we have some dangerous trees that need removing near the cabins the girls sleep in.”
She adds, “We need help from people that are experienced in dangerous tree removal, roofing and installation of hot water tanks to get our camp safe again.”
Anyone willing to volunteer their trade skills is welcome to contact Cox at: Columbiadistrictggc@gmail.com.
Camp Rory is set in the wilderness 10 kilometres outside Rossland towards the U.S. border, at 650 Paterson-Trail Highway.
About Camp Rory
Camp Rory was founded in 1938 when 90 hectares of land was sold for $500 to trustees of Girl Guides of Canada.
Mr. R.F (Rory) MacLennan built the original pool, cabins and lodge. The original lodge has since been torn down and a new one has been built. The pool has been filled in for safety reasons and an archery area has been added.
There are five colourful cabins that line the edge of camp along the trees as well as a leader’s cabin, an activity storage cabin, and washrooms.
There is also a new cook lodge on one side of camp that is especially fitting for Sparks, Embers and Guides.
Storage sheds, tent pads, picnic tables and outhouses are located along the creek for the older groups: Pathfinders, Rangers and Trex.
Both sides of camp are accessible most the year by vehicle and, in the winter, by snowshoers or cross country skiers.
In 2018, the Guides celebrated 80 years of Camp Rory.
Over the years the cabins and buildings have aged. Cox notes that the COVID pandemic took a toll on the committee and in turn the camp, which now needs some help to get back to a safe and fun place for girls to go.
Read more: Camp Rory turns 80, help celebrate
Read more: Trail Kiwanis supports Camp Rory