The Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) recently donated $500 to help the Girl Guides of Canada – Merritt put on their upcoming Nite Trek.

“Nite Trek is an area event that involves Girl Guides and Boy Scouts from Lillooet, Kamloops, Ashcroft and all the way across to Kelowna, Peachland and Summerland,” said Danica Vere, district commissioner for the Fraser-Nicola district and Merritt Pathfinder and Girl Guide leader. “Merritt was selected to be the host this year and we’re holding it at Harmond Lake on May 4 and 5.”

Vere said the money received from the TNRD will go towards a couple of challenges. The theme of the evening is going to be emergency rescue or survival.

Vere expects 172 youngsters to attend the camp from ages 11 to 18.

“Teams of four will be going on a 11.3 km hike starting at 8 p.m. and going out at five minute intervals,” said Vere. “They’ll be done around 5 a.m. There’s a break-the-ice competition and challenges just prior to the main event. We’ll be able to use the funds from the TNRD to get those challenges up and running so the participants can enjoy their stay.”

Vere said the Girl Guides in Merritt are doing very well, and it’s a great organization for girls to learn confidence and leadership.

Herb Graham, TNRD director for Area N, was glad to be able to help out.

“We believe the young people of our community are not only the future, but also the backbone of the community,” he said. “It gives us great pleasure to help with not only their development, but also their safety.”