Junior Canadian Rangers build more than just confidence at Camp Loon

A select group of 14 staff Junior Canadian Rangers made a major impression at Camp Loon which is held every July in the bush between Geraldton and Nakina.
The Junior Rangers receive nine days of enhanced training at Camp Loon but the Junior Rangers selected into staff positions receive an additional five days of advanced leadership training just prior to the start of Camp Loon.
“Three years ago we started looking at giving the most promising older Junior Rangers some added responsibilities,” said Captain Fletcher, Camp Loon commandant. “This year the fourteen Junior Rangers selected for the leadership course were phenomenal.
“I am so impressed with what they accomplished. This log cabin is so well constructed that it should be here for years to come and be an inspiration to the younger Junior Rangers.”
Warrant Officer Mark Kendall, Junior Canadian Instructor noticed that an important structure that was built by Rangers nearly seven years ago had collapsed and thought that building a cabin would be the perfect way to build confidence and team work.
“I knew we needed something to replace this structure so I gave the staff Junior Rangers some rope, a bag of nails and a chain saw,” said Warrant Officer Kendall. “They presented me with a plan and within three nights they built a six foot by six foot log cabin. We even found the ‘WELCOME’ sign from the old structure and placed it over the door of our log cabin.”
“It felt great to finish the cabin,” said Sharmaine Suganaqueb, 15, of Webequie. “We learned how to work as a team. I look forward to the day I can be a Ranger and someday pass on what I learned to new Junior Rangers.”
“Kendall and I developed staff leadership course three years ago and we have noticed a remarkable change in our candidate’s abilities and confidence,” said Master Corporal Amanda McLean from Bearskin Lake. “Everyday they were given a leadership lesson which they put to use in a practical setting such as effective communication and resume writing.”
This year, 154 Junior Rangers between the ages of 12 to 18 attended Camp Loon. They were supported by 45 Rangers and 53 regular force and primary reservists who did everything from preparing meals, organizing sports, medical and social issues, fixing vehicles and equipment, arranging travel, issuing pay and ensuring all the training sites were both safe and fun. The staff Junior Rangers played a significant role in assisting those responsible for most of the camp activities.
The Junior Rangers who participated on the leadership course were Elton Anderson, 17, of Kasabonika Lake, Justin Anderson, 16, of Kasabonika Lake, Stewart Boulette, 17, of Sachigo Lake, who is missing from the photo, Sinclair Childforever, 18, of Fort Severn, Stanley Edwards, 17, of Attawapiskat, Sydney Esquega, 17, of Constance Lake, Hilda Hudson, 17, of Kitchenuhmaykoosib, Sage Mawakeesic, 17, of Sandy Lake, Brandon Nakogee, 18, of Kashechewan, Daniel Nanokeesic, 17, of Kitchenuhmaykoosib, Brett OKeese, 17, of Eabametoong, Sharmaine Suganaqueb, 15, of Webequie Terri-Jo Weistche, 16, of Moose Factory, Raven Williams, 16, of North Caribou Lake.