Scouts Canada’s 3rd Prince George West Scout Troop and dedicated volunteers arrived at Camp Hughes Scout Camp on West Lake, excited for a weekend of winter camping, only to be met with a disheartening scene of destruction. The incident unfolded on Friday night when the troop discovered that vandals had forcibly entered the camp’s kitchen and dining shelter, leaving behind a trail of devastation.
Scouter Travis Trussler, Scouts Group Commissioner, and Camp Chair expressed his dismay: “It was rather upsetting for the youth to see that someone would force their way into a secure building to cause so much willful damage, and disrespect property that so many volunteer hours have been dedicated to.”
Many of the affected youth actively participate in volunteer activities throughout the year, contributing to camp clean-up and maintenance weekends alongside their parents and other volunteers.
The damage included smashed windows, a woodstove insert blown up with aerosol cans, destruction of kitchen appliances, extensive graffiti, and the discharge of fire extinguishers throughout the building. Preliminary estimates for repairs exceed $25,000, a figure that may increase as further assessments are conducted.
Camp Hughes, a cherished location donated to Scouts Canada in 1960 by Ted Williams, has been the backdrop for numerous events over the years, including Scout and Guide jamborees, BC Summer Games, outdoor education programs for local schools, and the YMCA’s Camp Kannanaq summer day camp.
Thousands of Prince George youth visit Camp Hughes annually to enjoy a taste of waterfront wilderness, and to learn to be better people within our community. Exactly the opposite of this senseless act.
Scouter Travis Trussler emphasized that Camp Hughes is solely maintained and operated by volunteers, relying on camp fees, community donations, and contributions from volunteers themselves.
“We are not sure how we will overcome this financial setback, but we will overcome this challenge for the sake of our youth, with the hope of managing it with the support of our amazing community,” said Trussler.
Anyone knowing details about possible suspects are encouraged to report anonymously via Crimestoppers or contact the Prince George RCMP.
For those willing to assist in rectifying this unfortunate situation, please contact Scouter Travis Trussler at travis.trussler@gmail.com. Additional information about Camp Hughes can be found on their website at www.camphughes.ca. To volunteer for Scouting or enroll your youth, visit www.myscouts.ca.