With Nova Scotia under a provincewide burn ban, summer camps are finding creative ways to keep traditions alive without lighting a match.
At Sherbrooke Lake Camp, that means swapping the nightly campfire for a plush toy version set in the fire pit. The evening gathering at “campfire point” still goes ahead, complete with songs, skits, and plenty of noise to end the day.
“Campfire is a real staple of our programming at camp,” said summer camp director Maddie Stewart. “It’s the very last thing we do before bedtime… a great way for us all to come together and just be excited and be loud.”
Even without the flames, campers still open each night singing about the “fire burning,” which Stewart says has become a lighthearted part of the experience. She calls it a fun workaround that also models environmental responsibility.
Camp Director Maddie Stewart says the campfire is part of the daily routine at Sherbrooke Lake Camp. Photo: Facebook/Sherbrooke Lake Camp.
“Environmental stewardship is a part of pretty much every week we do,” she said. “It’s really important to us that we’re not contributing to the risk of wildfires.”
Sherbrooke Lake Camp runs on a well and hasn’t had water supply issues, but Stewart says the lake is noticeably lower this summer.
While the camp has dealt with burn bans before, this is the first time in her memory that one will remain in place for the rest of the season. “This summer we just don’t have to bother calling [to check the restrictions] because we know we’re not going to be allowed to burn,” she said.
By adapting, the camp is keeping its most cherished tradition alive while showing campers that protecting the environment doesn’t have to mean giving up on fun.
