About
Camp Tamarack strives to provide an inclusive and barrier free outdoor camping experience through accessible, fun-filled and innovative programs. Our safe and positive environment nurtures personal and social growth by allowing individuals to connect to nature and develop physically, socially, spiritually and emotionally. Through this we hope to enhance the quality of life of all participants and create positive opportunities to discover one’s potential.
- 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.
1977Members of the GP Shrine Club began the task of obtaining crown land from the Government of Alberta. The ecology of this land would remain as undisturbed as possible.
- 1979
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.
- 1985
The Shrine Club turned over the control of the project to the Camp Tamarack Association. That summer saw the first programs of Camp Tamarack.
- 2008
An additional 57 acres was aquired, expanding the land to the south and east where you can find the native Tamarack trees.
- 2010
We purchased 4 teepees each with a diameter of 24 feet.
- 2014
Installation of Adventure Course (Zipline, Giant Swing, Low Ropes and Initiatives)
- 2017
Addition to Adventure Course, Climbing Tower Installed
- NOW
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.
Emerald - Camp Director
Cassie, known as “Emerald” around camp, joined Camp Tamarack as the year-round Camp Director in February 2015, with over a decade of experience working in a variety of positions and camps across Alberta, BC, and into the United States.
Growing up in the Kootenay region of British Columbia allow her to gain a passion for being outside. Even though she never went to a traditional summer camp as a child, she spent many summers outside and trekking across BC with an amazing Girl Guide Leader and fellow Guiders. She has spent countless years working with children, starting as a young teen, as a volunteer with her local Figure Skating Club, sparking her interest in the education field, but it turns out a classroom just wasn’t her style.
Her first summer working at camp was beyond her expectations and allowed her to find her true self. It wasn’t until completing her degree, at the University of Lethbridge, with a B.Sc in Exercise Sciences and returning to camp, that the option of a career at camp seemed plausible.
She believes that camp provides more for every child than a full extra-curricular program. With every camper she meets, she hopes to allow them the opportunity to grow and be themselves in a fun, supportive and encouraging environment.
With each summer that passes she continues to learn and grow and continues to strive to offer our community a safe and inclusive summer escape for our children and youth.
Aspen - Office Manager/Registrar
Josie, known as ‘Aspen’ around camp, joined Camp Tamarack this year as staff. However, in the past, Aspen had attended Camp Tamarack as a Parent Volunteer when her boys were in Beavers and Cubs.
Aspen and her family truly love the outdoors! They have spent most of their years camping in local campgrounds, and campgrounds throughout Alberta exploring and adventuring. Aspen’s husband of 20 years is local Forester, their older son is working towards his Bachelor of Science in Forestry, and their younger son has plans to enter the field of Environmental and Conservation Sciences.
Aspen and her family have lived in Grande Prairie for the last 15 years and are proud to call it home. Her children grew up being part of Scouts Canada, and attended school within the Grande Prairie Public School District. Aspen spent many years volunteering within the schools her boys attended, which prompted Aspen to attend GPRC to study education. This was the start of her career in the Grande Prairie Public School District, where she continues to work today.
Aspen has also created and runs a small tutoring company that she is very proud of and loves to see the gains made by her students and staff alike!
“Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.” – C.S. Lewis
Board of Directors
President – Turk Taylor
Vice President – Ken Belke
Secretary/Tresurer – Dennis Fedeyko
Board of Directors
Gord Sears
Gord Taylor
Dave Middleton
Dale Gagne
Dale Williams
Leo Reding
George Winia
