by Tracy McCall

 Yellowhead Rotary’s three-day Adventure in Forestry and Environmental Studies program came to a close Saturday night at the Native Friendship Centre.

 Overall, there were 13 participating students; nine from out of town and four locals. By all accounts, the student group was one of the best we’ve had with great attitudes, and high levels of interest. Great bonds and new friendships were created as they quickly became an inclusive and unified group.

 One of this year’s highlights and something new, was our tour of UNBC’s Bio energy facility. If any of you have a new idea for the next year please let the committee know.

 Another change this year was the location of our wrap up banquet. Due to Esther’s Inn being booked we tried the Native Friendship Centre, which proved to be a cozy spot that provided delicious food.

 Once again, minister Pat Bell was our keynote speaker the banquet. His informative speech including his vision and forecast of Canada’s resource sectors was inspiring. Dressed for the part in a suit, one of our local students, Dylan presented Bell with a certificate of appreciation. His parents, who joined us at the dinner, were very proud and I am sure that photograph will find a special place in their home. Having local parents attend our wrap-up dinner was a great opportunity for our club to reach out to our community and illustrate just one of the things we do – great public relations for our club and Rotary in general.

 We are still working on wrap up duties including thank you letters, invoices and will be planning our debriefing meeting. If you think you might want to participate on the new years committee, please consider joining us for the final meeting.

 Thank you to our donors: Ken Kilcullen and staff for the advertisements, Kim Gill and staff at Quiznos for Saturday’s Lunch, Ken Sands for the fuel and Diversified Transportation for the bus.

 Thank you to our host families, chaperones, committee members and other volunteers: Janice Bleecker, Ron Davis, Lorna Dittmar, Garth Frizzell, Laurie Hooker, Jay Lazzarin, Richard Lear,  Brenda Mondor, Phil Ramage, Roy Spooner, David Wharrie and Janice Wharrie.

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