Held near North Bay, the Third Canadian Ranger Patrol Group’s summer training camp for youth enrolled in the Junior Canadian Rangers program included a trip to Treetop Trekking, a recreational zipline course
Ontario’s Third Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (3CRPG) concluded a successful summer Camp Loon 4 August, offering Ontario’s Junior Canadian Rangers (JCRs) aged 12 to 18 an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, skill-building and camaraderie.
Camp Loon, traditionally held at a remote location near Geraldton, Ont. underwent a transformative change for 2023. The camp moved to Spirit Point Academy and Camp, situated in Trout Creek, south of Powassan near North Bay.
“The new venue offers enhanced facilities, including cabins, showers and other infrastructure improvements, elevating the overall experience for the young participants,” said Major Tom Bell, Officer Commanding of 3CRPG’s Junior Canadian Rangers Company.
This year’s camp also marked the 25th anniversary of the JCR program in Canada.
The JCR program, similar to Army Cadets, is administered and supported by the Canadian Army and 3CRPG, headquartered at Base Borden. JCRs who age out of the program at 18 can enroll as Canadian Rangers.
Canadian Rangers serve as Reservists and in Ontario members are predominantly First Nation and live and serve in their remote communities. A domestic response unit, Rangers respond to fires, floods, search-and-rescues and are the army’s eyes and ears in the North.
“The Geraldton Camp Loon had a zipline for several years and it was a big hit. At Spirit Point, Camp Loon has access to Treetop Trekking (a nearby adventure tourist attraction) that provides multiple ziplines and confidence courses where JCRs can challenge themselves and their teammates in a safe and fun environment,” said Maj Bell.
The 4th Canadian Division (4DIV) command team Brigadier-General Joshua Major and Chief Warrant Officer Jeramie Leamon visited Camp Loon to experience some of the activities and to attend the final week’s closing ceremonies.
“This is one of the best days I’ve had. To see the happy Junior Rangers smiling, that’s all because of you,” BGen Major told Rangers and 3CRPG support staff.
Maj Bell explained that the decision to relocate Camp Loon was driven by the need to accommodate a growing number of eager participants.
This year’s Camp Loon will be the last under the watch of 3CRPG Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Shane McArthur, who is retiring from the army in September.
“I am proud of you all. There are exciting things coming for the Rangers because you are important and recognized for what you do,” said LCol McArthur.
One of the highlights of this year’s camp was a canoe expedition, aimed at providing an additional challenge for senior JCRs who have been in the program for three years or are over the age of 16. The week-long canoe expedition ventured into pristine Crown Land three hours northwest of Thunder Bay.
Camp Loon is known for its diverse range of activities that blend Canadian Ranger and traditional First Nation skills. Under the guidance of experienced Canadian Rangers and qualified army instructors, JCRs participated in ziplining, air rifle shooting, first-aid training, safe ATV and boating operation, beading, traditional arts and crafts, archery and sports.
“The parents or guardians want their children in the JCR program because they want them to learn the traditional ways and how to be safe on the land,” said Canadian Ranger Master-Corporal Kathleen Beardy from the First Nation community of Muskrat Dam, the camp elder and a member of the Order of Military Merit (MMM).
By Canadian Ranger MCpl Chris Vernon
