The Kenosee Lake Kids Camp, which is sponsored by the Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party, was held from Saturday, July 28, to Tuesday, July 31. The camp took place at the Boys and Girls Camp within Moose Mountain Provincial Park.
The camp brought in 22 youth to learn all about the fiddle and guitar. This camp was not only directed at the youth, but at training future teachers.
"There is a strong traditional music culture in this area and it is important to keep that alive. Here we train teachers in fiddle and guitar who will go on to become teachers within Saskatchewan and Western Canada. Your kids received some of the best instruction found anywhere," Michele Amy, camp director, exclaimed upon welcoming the crowd to the concert.
Music mentors included Michele Amy of Forget and Shamma Sabir of Kelowna focussing on the fiddle. The guitar mentor was Jim McLean of Saskatoon. While out on the water in a canoe they were instructed by Will Elliott.
Teachers for the camp included Emily Klatt of Carlyle, Patrick Tinant of Bellegarde, Aimee Poirier of Antler, Booker Blakely of Saskatoon, and Mitchell Dureault of Wolseley. All were eager to learn from the mentors and gain experience in teaching their respective instruments.
Camp counsellors who helped during the camp were also from a variety of areas. These who kept their cabins in order included Kaiti Rieder of Winnipeg, Alishia Beach of Ernfold, Lucas Kennedy of White Bear, and Erin McLean of Saskatoon.
Throughout the camp the kids played in a variety of ways. They of course played their instruments; but, were able to do fun activities such as canoeing, hiking, and creating art. The youth also learned a variety of folk dances throughout their time at camp.
On Tuesday the final performance was scheduled for 6 p.m. There was a large turnout of people supporting the youth in their end of camp concert.
Before the music program began the youth discussed their art projects they developed with the help of artist, Marlene York, who made the trip to Kenosee Lake from Nova Scotia. She specializes in working with children in developing art, while an artist in her own right.
The youth chose spirit animals and created three art projects around this theme. Everyone worked hard and had fun making them, while those who viewed the displays were amazed by the talent of the youth.
From there the teachers introduced their classes and performed a number for the crowd, which they had learned in their assigned groups during camp. The groups played such hits as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Rubber Dolly, and The Cuckold Chicken. Each student shone in their respective instruments.
Following the youth's performance was the Teacher Feature. All of the teachers, mentors, and camp councillors played a song saying goodbye to the youth. They then thanked all of the students for coming to the camp.
Counsellors took to stage and acknowledged each of the youth through a variety of creative awards specifically tailored to each camper. They presented some of the kids with nicknames and pointed out at least one very special thing about each of them. The youth were extremely pleased to be recognized in this way and smiles widened across each of their faces as they were called to the front.
Following the awards ceremony the entire group played together. Teachers and all of the campers were very excited to play a pirate song for the crowd. This was the final event of the evening and following this youth said their goodbyes. For some it wouldn't be it for the Kenosee Lake Camp as some will attend one of the Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party week long camps.
