Page 33 - Trending Magazine 2018 Summer

Although Victoria is a city, it’s one that remains appreciate things more and value using your money
well connected to nature, with parks and the ocean as a vote instead of spending it because it’s there.”
remaining a short walk way from their residence. Mitch said that whereas when he was bored in the
At a “crossroads,” they realized that their next step city he’d likely head out somewhere to spend money,
would have to be closer to nature. Continuing to live now he’ll head out into the wilderness to engage
in a city would have felt like taking a step backward, in a recreational activity like cross-country skiing
Mitch said. or hiking.
With his mother firing on all cylinders running “We’re doing something physical and releasing
the conference centre and summer camp following endorphins because of it, and feeling better,” he
her husband’s death, he said that filling the centre’s said. “It’s a little bit like a spiritual thing for me, being
management role felt like it would be the right fit. outside in nature.”
The not-for-profit organization’s board of It’s this love for nature that they aspire to help
directors agreed, with Mitch and Sarah-Anne taking bring out in people as a result of their management
over effective Jan. 1, and Janet remaining on board of the Riding Mountain Conference Centre.
as a financial manager and mentor. Camp Wannakumbac appears good to go, Mitch
Having lived in cities for the past several years, said, adding that they already have about 400 of
it’s been a bit of a culture shock, but one that both their 500 available spots filled out.
of them consider a forward progression that has Maintaining their tradition as a general nature-
helped them inch toward becoming the people they themed summer camp, he said that there’s enough
wish to more closely resemble. inverted interest from past years to carry it forward
“I’m not going to say it was all rainbows and for some time. Even so, he said that the hopes to
butterflies, because I’m used to living in a city where improve upon its marketing, and like anything else
you walk block to get groceries, and here it’s a trip continue to allow the summer camp to evolve with
into Brandon to get groceries,” Sarah-Anne said. the times.
“I think the lack of convenience makes you On this front, he clarified that technology would

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