Camp Whitney looked more like the United Nations as Rotary Exchange students from around the world gathered at the outdoor destination.
Seventeen students from 15 countries marked the end of their yearlong exchange trips with a get-together held the first week of July.
“This is the last event that they do together before they go back to their home countries,” said Rotary Club of Flin Flon president Bill Pauley. “It’s memorable for the kids.”
The gathering, held annually at Camp Whitney, again involved Rotary Exchange students from across the district, which includes Saskatchewan, Manitoba and part of northwestern Ontario.
The students participated in team-building activities and spent a few days relaxing and enjoying Camp Whitney before heading home.
The teens went on a nature walk with Pauley – who has been leading the hike for more than 20 years now – and learned how to geocache.
They also worked together and learned to build a catapult, with the winning team pelting the losing teams with water balloons.
“It usually ends up as a free-for-all,” said Pauley. “It’s a pile of fun.”
Along with the fun had by students and Flin Flon Rotarians, the group holds one last meeting at Camp Whitney. In attendance is the Rotary Club’s district governor.
Between the students and Rotarians and their families, 77 guests attended the supper at the meeting.
And that’s not 77 hamburgers and hot dogs – that’s barbecued pork loin for 77.
“They eat well out there,” said Pauley.
This year marked the 23rd year for the exchange student gathering. It’s a tradition that continues to foster fond memories for those involved.
“I really enjoy spending time with the kids,” said Pauley.
Flin Flon will welcome its next Rotary Exchange student sometime this month.
