History

In 1976, the idea of developing a wilderness camp for the use of people with disabilities in northern Alberta and northwestern B.C was formulated by the Grande Prairie Shrine Club. A pioneer of the Peace Country, Isaac Iselmoe, left a portion of his estate in the care of the Shrine Club to be used for the benefit of people with disabilities in the area.

Members of the GP Shrine Club began the task of obtaining crown land from the Government of Alberta in 1977. The ecology of this land would remain as undisturbed as possible. There now exists a section of land 7 kms  south of Grande Prairie on highway 40, with 35 acres developed as the main campsite. An additional 57 acres was aquired in 2008 expanding the land to the south and east where you can find the native Tamarack trees.

In 1979 the main lodge was built. It is complete with kitchen facilities and the capacity for up to 125 people. Also on site, there now stands several other log buildings: the “Rotary House” containing modern adapted washroom and shower facilities, the camp office, first aid room and a kitchenette/laundry room. Four of the six projected cabins have been completed including a Seminar Cabin and three sleep cabins with wooden bunks. Recent additions to our site  include an outdoor ampetheatre, archery range, paved hiking and biking paths, and a wilderness Teepee Camp with four 24ft. teepees.  Future expansion and upgrading are an ongoing process. We are looking forward to adding challenging projects to enhance our outdoor programs.

In 1985 the Shrine Club turned over the control of the project to the Camp Tamarack Association, which was formed from delegates elected from service clubs in the area and the general public. The 12 members of this board are responsible for directing the operations of the camp.

The summer of 1985 saw the first programs of Camp Tamarack. They were offered to physically and mentally challenged participants and senior citizens. These integrated summer programs, which were a day camp only, proved to be very successful. Today, people of all ages from across northern Alberta, British Columbia and beyond enjoy an integrated summer program that has surpassed its’ expectations.

Camp Tamarack is now widely known as a reputable summer program for people with and without disabilities. It has also evolved from a  Day Camp, to an overnight camp with the capacity to sleep up to 55 participants in cabins and 40 plus in Teepees. The facilities are available to renters all year round.

The camp is also accredited by The Alberta Camping Association  which represents organized camps in Alberta that meet high standards of good practice & safety.