Volunteers and kids left P.A. Monday morning for the annual River Runners Trek (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

River Runners

Annual canoe trip kicks off

Jul 22, 2019 | 12:14 PM

A regular summer tradition has kicked off again in Prince Albert.

Today four volunteers from the P.A. Police Service and 11 local kids set off for the River Runners Canoe Trek. The three-day excursion will take participants along the North Saskatchewan River.

Brandon Mudry, one of the volunteers from the police service who is making the trip, said the event offers participants opportunities they may not have otherwise.

“Along the way we develop some friendships and we do some leadership exercises and you know what. It’s something different,” he said.

Originally the plan was to set out on last Monday, but the departure date was pushed back due to high water levels on the river. Mudry said there are many different experiences for kids ranging from building fires to camping out on the islands.

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“It’s a diverse group. We’ve got a bunch of different kids from the community. Every time they get together out there, they’re going to take away something from it,” he said.

A number of organizations help make the trip happen. They include the local police association and the High Noon Optimist Club. Ross Butterwick, the president of th High Noon Optimist Club said the canoe trak is a good cause for them to support.

“Whatever we can do within the community with the youth is what our goals are,” he said.

Butterwick added the life skills the kids can pick up, such as teamwork and planning will truly be valuable for them going forward.

“We’ve got some of the most fantastic resources, including the river, which is underutilized,” he said.

Carter Mcdougall, who is making the trek for the second time said it is a fun experience overall, with one of the best parts being the people.

“The people that you go with and the friends that you make,” he said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn