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| about pioneer ranch camps |
| history |
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Pioneer Lodge, Sundre
Pioneer Lodge
began with the dream of Joe Curry, Cathie Nicoll, and
Marj Long. Then, in 1959, the dream began to take shape
when Joe and Clancy Thiessen bought land in the Sundre
area as a wintering ranch for their growing horse herd.
They hoped that someday they could use the land for a
year-round camping facility.
Not long after, volunteers were hard at work to build
corrals and a house. Soon, the basement of the house
was being used to accomodate campers.
In 1967, Pioneer Lodge was built as an 'all
under one roof' year-round facility. Today, the Lodge's
facilities and programs accommodate up to 110 campers
and staff. |
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Pioneer Ranch, Rocky Mountain
House
Pioneer Ranch
began in Alberta in 1951 when Joe 'Cap' Curry and a number
of interested friends began to build a ranch house and
cabins in Crimson Lake Provincial Park. Construction progressed
and a few horses were borrowed to prepare for the arrival
of the first campers in July of that year.
Since then, volunteers have worked hard to add many
facilities and programs. Both human and horse accommodations
are some of the accomplishments of the huge number of
youth and adults who have donated time and materials.
Just one example is the new ranch house that was built
and dedicated in 1982.
Today, Pioneer Ranch accommodates up to 110 people.
Although summertime is the busiest, schools and other
groups make use of the Ranch’s facilities and
programs throughout the year. |
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Peace Country Pioneer
Peace
Country Pioneer began in the late 1970s when several
people came together in the Peace River area to develop
a riding camp in northern Alberta. In 1980, the first
camp was operated at Simonette River with cook Dorothy
Kadatz offering seven different kinds of meat including
beaver and elk! This "mobile" camp set the style
for the Peace Country Pioneer philosophy of few facilities
and maximum riding time.
In 1982, the first of many Pioneer Rodeos was held
at the Bob Balisky Ranch and in 1987 a base camp was
established for junior campers at the Erlendson’s
property near Debolt. A 12-day pack and ride trip and
base camps for senior campers and adults continue to
be offered in the mountains west of Grande Prairie. |
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