Editor:
I recently spent two days teaching archery at Gavin Lake Forest Education Society.
It had been a few years since I taught there, but was heartened to see that little had changed.
They still provide a fantastic program for children. While I greatly enjoyed the rapport with the children, employees of the Society and a few parents, it was the Columneetza teachers who most impressed me.
After my teaching there (I drove back to Williams Lake to teach the Junior Olympic Archery Program at the Williams Lake Sportsmen’s Association Club House), I did some mental calculations. Over the two days, Columneetza teachers, Brandi Vath (left her spouse and children) and Mike Wilson (interrupted his own private life) to supervise other peoples’ children for 36 hours ‘over and above’ their regular teaching responsibilities.
That is more time than some parents are lucky enough to spend with their own children in a week.
In addition, both of them spent countless hours to organize fundraising and to plan in order that their students were afforded this wonderful opportunity.
My Gavin Lake Society experience was tremendous because the children were considerate, polite and eager to learn.
The experience was equally enjoyable because of the staff and parents.
However, Mike Wilson and Brandi Vath were ‘in charge’ and ensured the safety, educational opportunities and social wellbeing each child was afforded.
They are my current heroes!
Al Campsall
Williams Lake