The North Thompson Recreation Society had their AGM on Sept. 30, and would like to share some of their activities and plans.
Swim lessons had 90 children registered and were blessed with sunshine and excellent teaching conditions for two weeks thanks to instructor Brittany Stamer and the Feller’s, Kershaw’s and Stamer’s pools. A big thank you to Tammy McDonald who facilitated the program, and to the Volunteer Centre for taking registrations.
Yoga is underway with 24 people participating in a 14 week program. When the program resumes in the New Year there will again be an opportunity for older youth to take part with two free trial sessions and then half price for the remainder. A sincere thank you to Judy Davis for organizing this program.
Soccer for more than 80 children has been organized most successfully by Chris and Kathy Matthews, and the Recreation Society has been involved only with initial support. The group has now obtained membership in the BC Soccer Association and hope to keep the program going with the help of grants and the volunteers coaches who have received training.
Five different hikes were enjoyed by many members and friends and dogs from May to September, with thanks to Zelda Copley for organizing ..she loves to hike!
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing continues to be popular among our adult members and families all winter.
Last year two lessons and a fun night ski were available for children and all grade. 8 students had the opportunity to ski and snowshoe at the Barriere Forks Park.
Mary MacLennan has again offered to coordinate the grade 8 program, but at this time there are no qualified coaches for cross country skiing for children.
The club has many sets of skis ,boots and poles to rent for children and the plan is to have them available at the No Host Bazaar on Nov. 16, at the Fall Fair hall, as well as another date to be decided. There are a few adult sets as well.
Rental is $50 for the entire season until the March school break. Parents if you are interested in doing this fun and active sport with your family why not become a coach?
Tammy McDonald has information regarding training sessions. The Recreation Society can support some of the costs. Trainings are happening now but can be completed, especially for beginners. Call 250 672 0121. There are also snowshoes to rent on a daily basis.
Last year, many enjoyed “Ski and Tea” every Tuesday at the trails from December to March. Trails were track set and groomed by Gary Burkholder, Mike Casey, Doug Davis , Norm Veitch, Steve Rainer and Dave Cooper. We couldn’t have skied without them, so many thanks!
With the heavy snow load we also had about 50 trees blow down which had to be bucked out of the way, and then in late spring many more came down across the trails.
Assessment was done by Carman Smith and crew and this was followed by the BC Forest Service putting in a Fire Suppression crew who luckily were not fighting fires and were able to assess and fall danger trees and buck up the many trees over the trails.
Work is still in progress but plans are to have the trails ready for skiing when the snow flies.
Everyone is welcome to ski the trails and use our warming hut. We have a donation box to help cover expenses.
Better still, join our group.
Call Judy Davis at 250-672-5275, or Carman or Barb Smith at 250-672-9403 for more information.