Kamp Longview Keychain Camera
Our social media coordinator recently rediscovered the keychain camera that he took with him to Kamp Longview. The pictures contained on it provide a rare glimpse into camp life from a staff member’s perspective. The following pictures are presented with editorial comments from the photographer.
A quick word about the camera and why it was there in the first place: our social media guy brought it because he wanted to take pictures at camp without having to take out his phone. Also, the camera itself was a handy conversation-starter with the boys.
Another quick word about the camera: the picture quality is about what you’d expect from a novelty device like this one, which is to say, “not great.” So, maybe not broadcast-quality stuff, but you get a pretty good look at candid moments with a retro feel. Plus date-stamping, so not too shabby.
The staff from Cadets HQ, like many campers, flew into Calgary as the first step toward camporee. Here, we see a few cadets from our flight eagerly anticipating the adventure to come.
We arrived at camp in the dead of night, so I wasn’t able to get a good lay of the land until the sun came up the next morning. Beautiful scenery and great expectations.
Here, a few staff members and a camporee photographer admire the scenery near the big top tent.
The first morning of camp was a little chaotic as campers arrived and registered.
Here is a rare shot of our photographer Trevor in his natural environment.
Like the other guys on staff at camporee, I had the privilege of being a guest at a different cadre for every meal. This meant that I was able to meet a LOT of campers, which was awesome. For example, for Wednesday’s supper, I got to hang out with Orange 5. Clearly, I was enjoying my fun new camera toy.
The next morning, I had breakfast with Red 7. They cooked up some fantastic breakfast sandwiches.
I managed to sneak a shot of a pretty typical shelter. Imagine sleeping in one of those for a week. Now imagine having to put it together with total strangers first. Good times!
Supper with White 6, and a few shots of surrounding cadres.
Friday breakfast with Yellow 3. Good stuff!
I had lunch with Yellow 12. I didn’t take many pictures because I was getting a little light-headed – I think from the hike up the hill.
Meanwhile, at staff camp, folks are staying busy, but also taking breaks and socializing.
Supper with White 8. The chicken stir-fry tasted great, but I purposely didn’t take any pictures.
I took this picture because the boys said if I did, the smoke would quit blowing in my face. The boys were wrong. Also, what is up with Cadets and Crocs at Camporee?
Campers come from all over the U.S. and Canada (and beyond). Some color areas displayed flags of campers’ home states and provinces.
Saturday supper with Orange 3. These guys were into whittling and playing with the camera.
Sunday supper with Brown 1.
Monday afternoon, some of the staff and I took a hike on the Marl Lake Trail. It was very nice, but I was getting pretty sick by then.
Not something you see every day, which is fine.
We also visited Sheep River Falls. These are rapids I photographed before I realized the falls were farther downstream. Then I took better photos with my phone.
Soon after, I misplaced the keychain camera. Its recent discovery has brought me much joy, and I hope it brought you some smiles.
Thanks for looking and reading!
If you have comments or questions about this article, please let us know – info@calvinistcadets.org.