By Andrew de Souza

Camp Tamarack ready to open after last year’s vandalism

Jun 5, 2011 | 3:40 PM

Camp Tamarack is ready to open its doors to youth with learning disabilities, after cleaning up serious and expensive vandalism last fall.

After the camp closed for the season last year caretakers stumbled upon extensive damage, including broken widows, a ransacked kitchen and a destroyed school bus—damages estimated at upwards of $50,000.

But the camp’s past president Myron Middleton said that didn’t stop the dedicated employees and volunteers from picking up the pieces and carrying on.

“I’m a firm believer that when you’re dealt lemons you make lemonade,” he said.

“We’ve (made) the best of a bad situation and I’m looking at moving forward, letting the past be the past and helping the children as we have been.”

Court proceedings

'The impact of this trauma will echo for generations': court case surrounding La Ronge woman's death reaches conclusion

23h ago

Going Global

P.A.'s Zablocki named to Team Canada for U18 Women's World Championships

23h ago

Election 2024

Birch Hills staff won't share election decision

Dec 11, 2024

Since the camp was vandalized, much of the needed repairs have been completed and Middleton said he’s in the process of purchasing a new bus.

As well, the community where the kid who vandalized the property have been working with the camp to help raise funds.

Middleton said there were no hard feelings towards the youths. He said the camps mandate to help young people extended to them as well.

While much of the damage has been repaired, Middelton said the camp probably won’t be filled to capacity this year, however, he said they’ll be doing their best with what they’ve got.

“We’ve got the camp put back together, with the help of a lot of good people and we’re looking at moving forward and onward,” he said.

adesouza@panow.com