Camp Tamarack Association. — 1978 – 2004. — 1.5 cm of textual records.
Agency History
The idea for developing a wilderness camp for people with disabilities in northern Alberta and northwestern BC stated with the Grande Prairie Shrine Club in 1976. A 1978 Master Plan stated that the main objectives were to:
1. Provide a year round opportunity for potential handicapped park users to achieve a physical and emotional relationship with a wilderness area in a controlled system of contacts.
2. Harmonious integration of the site’s natural features with man’s structural requirements.
3. Maximum preservation of the existing land features, vegetation and wildlife in the area. It is most important to achieve this preservation, as it is the existing natural beauty of the area that will attract facility users.
In 1979, the Province of Alberta granted the Camp a lease on crown land in Township 70, Range 6, West of the 6th Meridian, north half of section 26 from January 1979 until 2004.
The Shrine Club turned over the control of the project to the Camp Tamarack Association in 1985. The first summer programs began that year. In 2008, an additional 57 acres was acquired, expanding the land to the south and east where you can find the native Tamarack trees.
The Association continued to expand the campground over the years. They purchased four teepees in 2010; an Adventure Course consisting of a zipline, giant swing, low ropes, and initiatives in 2014; and a climbing tower in 2017.
Camp Tamarack is now widely known as a reputable summer program for people with and without disabilities. Over the years, it has evolved from a Day Camp, to an overnight camp. The Camp continues to provide opportunities for outdoor education and adventure.
Custodial History
These records were in the care of the Camp Tamarack Association until their donation to the South Peace Regional Archives in 2019.
Scope and Content
This fonds contains records related to the activities of the Camp Tamarack Association, headquartered in Grande Prairie.
These records consist of three scanned to PDF copies of the 1979 – 2000 lease for NW 26-70-6-W6; 1979 – 2004 lease for N half 26-70-6-W6; and the original Tamarack Master Plan. Paper copies are available at the SPRA.
Notes
Accruals are expected