SOAR 2001 in Trail, B.C. was an incredible experience for me.  I went as a co-Guider with a great patrol of Pathfinders from Terra Nova, Minoru and Tsawwassen Districts.  83 Girl Guiders, Pathfinders and Guiding members from New Zealand started the trip at 6 a.m. on July 20th at Tim Horton’s.  After an eventless 10 ½ hour bus ride, we arrived at camp around 5:30 p.m., unloaded our buses and equipment truck, registered at our sub-camps, picked up our patrol information/schedules, hats and t-shirts and were escorted to our site.  Much to our surprise, we had to clear the sites of underbrush before we could set up camp.  By 7:30 p.m. we had the tents up and were getting everything else stored away.  We were all in bed and fast asleep by 10:30 p.m.

On the next day, approximately 2,400 girls, leaders and core staff covered a hill side to watch the RCMP’s Musical Ride.  Everyone had a wonderful time at the Opening Ceremony, meeting new friends, renewing old friendships, singing and dancing.

The weather was hot all through the week and showers were few and far between.  However, despite the heat, blisters and sore feet, a great time was had by all.

Closing ceremonies saw all the girls dancing in the rain (!), be it line dancing or the can-can.  It was a beautiful but touching sight.

We left camp in the pouring rain and arrived home by 11:30 p.m.

Everyone I met at SOAR was friendly, caring and great.  The camp provided me with a wonderful learning experience.  I am planning on attending the next SOAR wherever it may be held.  I would recommend the experience to anyone.  You meet the greatest people and make the best of friends at camp!