Close to 40 enthusiastic Merritt-area youngsters, ages 7 to 14, descended on the Kane Valley ski area on Friday of last week for an XploreSportZ snow camp.

The one-day event, which ran from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., was organized and run by the local branch of PacificSport Interior BC.

Decked out in snow suits, gloves and tuques, the eager camp participants took advantage of the terrific weather conditions to take part in cross-country skiing and snow

shoeing lessons, and just play in the ideal snow conditions. By day’s end, the vicinity of Kane Valley’s Parking Lot 2 was inundated with elaborate forts, igloos and snowmen.

Snow conditions were just perfect for the construction of forts and igloos by XploreSportZ campers. Kylee Bernier (above) shows off her winter abode. Ian Webster/Herald

Snow conditions were just perfect for the construction of forts and igloos by XploreSportZ campers. Kylee Bernier (above) shows off her winter abode. Ian Webster/Herald

“It was a huge success,” said PacificSport co-ordinator Josée Warren. “The original camp was full two weeks before the date. We had to increase the size of the camp to accommodate more kids.

“A week before the event, I was wondering if we were going to be able to pull it off because of the weather and snow situation. But the puzzle pieces all fell into place in the last couple of days. Conditions were perfect: lots of snow, sunshine and nice temperatures.”

Warren said that feedback from her campers was all positive.

“The kids had only good things to say. Everyone went home happy and tired.”

In preparing for her first outdoor winter sports camp, Warren received tremendous support and assistance from the local school district and Merritt Youth and Family Resources Society.

“Both organizations were happy to loan their equipment. Thanks to a grant from PacificSport, we were also able to purchase a set of snowshoes for the camp.”

Warren also appreciated the help that she received from Nicola Nordic Ski Club volunteer instructors Murphy Shewchuk and Tom Reynolds, from the Sunshine Club for use of their van, and from VSA in prepping the Kane Valley Road for safe travel.

“[VSA] even called me that morning to give me an update and ask when we were heading out. When we got to the trails, they had just finished sanding the road.”

XploreSportZ camper Alyx Narjes displays great cross-country skiing form on the Kane Valley trails. Ian Webster/Herald

XploreSportZ camper Alyx Narjes displays great cross-country skiing form on the Kane Valley trails. Ian Webster/Herald

Warren is already busy at work on her next XploreSportZ camp, scheduled for March 17 to 21 during Spring Break.

“So far, I’ve lined up diving — with instruction from the Rip Tech Club out of Kamloops — and kids’ yoga,” she said. “I’m looking into basketball, volleyball, gymnastics and possibly a strength and conditioning class.”

XploreSportZ camps aren’t the only avenue that Warren is using to get kids active and enjoying healthy living.

The second session of the 60MKC (60 Minutes Kids Club) is currently underway at all five area elementary schools. The last session saw Collettville Elementary School take top participation honours in the entire province.

Warren also has a Learn To Play basketball session happening until spring break, and an after-school program starting March 31.

Young Abigail Bateson (left) and instructor Murphy Shewchuk of the Nicola Nordic Ski Club break trail during their snowshoeing session at Kane Valley. The snowshoes have been purchased by the local branch of PacificSport Interior BC. Ian Webster/Herald

Young Abigail Bateson (left) and instructor Murphy Shewchuk of the Nicola Nordic Ski Club break trail during their snowshoeing session at Kane Valley. The snowshoes have been purchased by the local branch of PacificSport Interior BC. Ian Webster/Herald

Warren is in the early stages of introducing a Kids Can Move gymnastics program into school PE classes. Once a month, she talks to Strong Start program parents about overall physical literacy.

For more information on PacificSport Interior BC and XploreSportZ camps, stop by the City of Merritt’s Recreation Department in the Civic Centre. You can contact Warren directly by email or by phoning 250-315-1050.