Our young men attended Helaman's Encampment from July 4-9 held at Camp Impeesa, located on the shores of Beaver Mines Lake. We joined with 23 stakes from Alberta (including the Regina Stake from Saskatchewan) in celebrating 100 years of scouting in the province of Alberta. The planning and day-to-day operations needed for such an event were incredible, and as participants, we greatly appreciated the chance to actively participate in the encampment. We had exceptional weather throughout the week (somewhat miraculous considering all the rain and snow that had fallen in the mountains this spring) and each day brought engaging and often challenging hikes and activities. After each day's activities, the evenings were spent eating, watching a quickly popular spontaneous stick fighting competition started by members of the Cardston 3rd Ward, relaxing, and finally enjoying a fireside speaker at the natural amphitheater after dinner. The speakers were as follows:
Monday: Elder Richard Melchin, member of the Fifth Quorum of Seventy. Elder Melchin read a letter to us written by President Monson, the text of which was made available afterwards.
Tuesday: Edwin Moliki Mulitalo, starting left tackle for the Baltimore Ravens, SuperBowl winner, drove up to Alberta the night before he spoke to us once he realized his passport had expired and he couldn't fly.
Wednesday: Elder Gifford Nielson, member of the Sixth Quorum of Seventy, All American Quarterback from BYU
Thursday: Charles Dahlquist, former President of the Young Men's organization
Friday: President David L. Beck, President of the Young Men's organization
Capturing all that transpired throughout the camp would be difficult to summarize, but it was a memorable experience for everyone who participated. What follows are a host of pictures capturing some of the events. If any of you have photos to share, please send them to fifthwardym@gmail.com. Thanks to the Bishopric, leaders, and all the young men who helped make this encampment a memorable experience! And thanks to our mothers and fathers who got us all there!
Thanks to everyone who submitted pictures!
