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history
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.

   
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.

   
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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Pioneer Lodge - Sundre | Pioneer Ranch - Rocky Mountain House
owned and operated by Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship