River Valley Podcast

Niki Falconer-Dallas Valley Ranch Camp

• River Valley Podcast • Season 3 • Episode 25

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The River Valley Podcast is back with another engaging edition of Talk of the Town with Bonnie Bernier, bringing you the stories, voices, and conversations that keep our community connected.

In this episode, Bonnie sits down with Niki Falconer, one of the directors of Dallas Valley Ranch, for an inspiring conversation about the history, leadership, youth development, and the lasting impact the ranch continues to have on families throughout the region.

We also step into local history with Past, Present, and Proud, featuring the remarkable legacy of Edith Fowke, whose contributions continue to shape cultural storytelling across Canada.

Curious about backyard chickens? Our Bylaws & Order segment breaks down what residents need to know in a clear and entertaining way, proving that even municipal rules can make for surprisingly good listening.

Plus, Monthly Bookmark with Karen returns with great reads, community updates, and another reminder of why our local library remains such a treasured hub.

Informative, local, and filled with the spirit of the valley, this episode delivers exactly what listeners have come to expect from the River Valley Podcast — meaningful conversations and stories that matter close to home.

Tune in and stay connected to the heartbeat of your community.


Support the show

www.rivervalleypodcast.com

SPEAKER_05:

Hello, my name is Nikki Falconer, and I'm one of the directors here at Dallas Valley Ranch Camp. And I am listening to the River Valley Podcast.

SPEAKER_08:

You're listening to the River Valley Podcast, your source for all things loved and news, events, and everything in between right here in the heart of the valley. So grab your coffee and let's dive in.

SPEAKER_04:

Wow, why'd you kick me for?

SPEAKER_07:

I was thinking about the history behind it.

SPEAKER_04:

Oh, right. Valentine's Day. The ancient celebration of chocolate. No. Pretty sure it started when someone discovered cocoa and said, we need a holiday for this.

SPEAKER_07:

That is absolutely not what happened.

SPEAKER_04:

Well, I don't know. Every Valentine's Day seems to confirm my theory. Chocolate everywhere. That feels historical, Bonnie.

SPEAKER_07:

Valentine's Day is actually named after Saint Valentine.

SPEAKER_04:

Oh, Saint Valentine. Patron saint of awkward cards and last-minute plans.

SPEAKER_07:

Not exactly, but close enough for this conversation.

SPEAKER_04:

So it's not about chocolate. Nope. Cards? Nope. Uh let me guess. It's about love.

SPEAKER_07:

There it is.

SPEAKER_04:

See, that's where the confusion starts. Love doesn't come with three seipts, but Valentine's Day definitely does.

SPEAKER_07:

That's modern-day Valentine's Day. The original idea was romance, connection, and all the good stuff.

SPEAKER_04:

So chocolate just showed up later and took over?

SPEAKER_07:

Yep. Chocolate is now the unofficial spokesperson.

SPEAKER_04:

Well, I feel vindicated that you shouldn't. Well, hey, I'm going to choose to anyways.

SPEAKER_07:

Well, whether you're celebrating the history, the chocolate, or just try not to forget the date, or welcome everyone, to another edition of the River Valley Podcast.

SPEAKER_04:

We got a great show lined up today.

SPEAKER_07:

We sure do, and we're excited to bring you our interview with Ricky Faulkner, one of the directors of the Dallas Valley Ranch War.

SPEAKER_04:

It's a really good conversation about the work they do and the impact they have right here in our community.

SPEAKER_07:

We also have another edition of By Laws and Order. Sure do. Where we somehow manage to make local bylaws entertaining to listen to.

SPEAKER_04:

And this time we're talking about backyard chickens. Yes, we promise it's more fun than it sounds.

SPEAKER_07:

We also have a special edition of Past, Present, and Proud featuring Either Folk.

SPEAKER_04:

And of course, lots of events happening around Lumsden, so we'll get you caught up on what's coming up.

SPEAKER_07:

And we'll start things off like we always do from the files of Did You Know.

SPEAKER_11:

And now, from the files of Did You Know. Let's go back to 1942, where Canadians weren't just dealing with wartime news overseas. They were living under wartime rationing right here at home. And some of the first everyday items to be restricted were things most people couldn't imagine being limited today. In a Lumsden area newspaper from May 1942, readers were being reminded that tea and coffee were rationed, and the reason was blunt. To bring tea from places like India and Ceylon, and coffee from South America, ships had to cross oceans threatened by wartime attacks. So these weren't treated like casual groceries. They were treated like supplies that had to be protected. The paper even says clearly, Tea and coffee are rationed. Not recommended or not suggested. Rationed by law. And that same issue warns about sugar, too. It states that the sugar ration had now been reduced to half a pound per person or per week or half a pound. So if you had a family of four, your whole house would be limited to two pounds of sugar per week. Total. No exceptions unless you qualified under special rules. Now here's where it gets really interesting. The paper explains that because preserving food was still essential, extra sugar could be purchased for home canning and preserving, but it came with strict record keeping. People were expected to track how much they used, and any leftover sugar still counted as part of their household supply. So basically, in 1942, you didn't just make jam. You made jam and apparently became a part-time accountant. And this wasn't just a random local suggestion either. This rationing was being enforced through the Wartime Prices and Trade Board, the federal agency that managed rationing and price controls across Canada during World War II. Historically, Canada's rationing system expanded quickly in 1942. According to the Canadian War Museum, coupon rationing began with gasoline in April 1942. And over the next year, sugar, coffee, tea, butter, and meat also became rationed items. And historians who study Canada's home front confirm the pattern. Canadians typically had to live with reduced access to staples like sugar and tea, and later expanded rationing included other major food categories too. So when you hear someone say, Oh, I could never live through wartime rationing, just remember this. In 1942, in communities like Lumsden, tea and coffee were limited. Sugar was cut down to half a pound per week per person. And even getting extra sugar for preserving came with rules. Not because people were trying to be trendy, because the country was at war, supply chains were dangerous, and everything mattered. So next time you toss an extra scoop of sugar into your coffee without thinking twice, just remember, in 1942, that little scoop was part of a national war effort. And now, you know.

SPEAKER_00:

Bathing can be one of the most uncomfortable parts of the day for residents in long-term care. At the Lumsden and District Heritage Home, something as simple as a warm towel can make a real difference. It can reduce stress, ease discomfort, and help create a calmer, more dignified experience during bathtime. Right now, the Heritage Home is raising funds to purchase an additional towel warmer so both tub rooms can be properly equipped. Their goal is$3,500. And so far they've raised$810. Every towel warmer brings warmth, comfort, and peace of mind to the residents who call the Heritage Home home. If you're able to help support the residents of the Lumsden and District Heritage Home, donations are greatly appreciated. Contributions can be made by e-transfer to Heritage Home at rqhealth.ca or in person at 10aspen Bay in Lumsden. The Lumsden and District Heritage Home is a registered charity, and tax receipts are available for all donations. Sometimes it's the small things that make the biggest difference: a warm towel, a little comfort, a lot of care. Once again, contributions can be made by e-transfer to heritagehome at rqhealth.ca or in person at 10 Aspen Bay in Lumsden.

SPEAKER_12:

Karen's here, come and look.

SPEAKER_06:

It's a monthly bookbook. Hey everyone, it's Karen from the Lovemston Library, and here is our February calendar. Tuesdays we have Teen Art at 3 30. Wednesdays, we have Minecraft at 3 30 and knit night at 7. On Thursdays we have Mother Goose at 10 AM and after school craft is at 3 30. Fridays is story time at 10. Just a reminder that because the February break runs from February the 16th to the 21st, there'll be no kids programming within that week because the kids are not in school. We also have another after school cooking class that we're going to do on February the 10th. And we're having a baking class on February the 28th at 1.30. So these are both classes that you'll have to call the library and register for because we have limited space, of course, in our kitchen. The kids are reading Inkling by Kenneth Opal, and they're gonna meet on February the 27th at 3:30. And the adults are reading Bad Cree by Jessica Johns, and we're gonna meet February the 24th at 7 p.m. The other really exciting thing that we've got going on at the library is the Lumsden Arts Council is going to have an art talk with Brody Garbitz from 1 till 3 on February the 21st. That's what we got going on at the library in February. We're really excited for some of the stuff that we're doing in March. Of course, the book sale is going to be in the 7th, and we're gonna have a puzzle competition on March the 21st. So keep looking out for information and keep checking out the Facebook, and uh we'll see you at the library.

SPEAKER_12:

That's our journey through the events with fun activities and books to unpack. Guaranteed a guide the way till we need again another day. Don't mark your page and don't forget the monthly book marks your birthday.

SPEAKER_08:

This is By Laws and Order, the part of the River Valley podcast where we explain the rules people didn't know existed, because nobody ever thought they'd need a law about chickens. Today's case, the urban hens by law in Lumsden. Yes, Lumsden has rules for chickens. Uh because of course it doesn't.

SPEAKER_09:

Ain't nobody here at all. So quiet yourself. Stop that fuss. Ain't nobody here but us. We chicken spine to sleep.

SPEAKER_08:

Believe it or not, you're you're actually allowed to keep backyard hens in town. That part surprises people. What doesn't surprise people is that the rules kick in immediately, firmly, and without a sense of humor. First things first. Roosters aren't allowed, not one, not just for a bit. Not he's mostly quiet. Zero roosters. Apparently the town decided that 5 a.m. barnyard wake-up calls were not part of the community vision. Hens only. Now those hens need a proper coop, not a DIY experiment, not a box you found behind the shed. A real coop. Secure, clean, and built so the chickens stay where they belong. If your hens are touring the neighborhood like they're running for council, that's a that's a problem. The coop also has to be set back from property lines and neighboring homes. Translation, your neighbors didn't sign up to live next to a poultry operation, no matter how cute you think the chickens are. The bylaw also says you gotta take care of them properly. Food, water, shelter, and sanitation. If the coop smells bad, that's on you. If it attracts rodents, also on you. Chickens are allowed. A medieval plague vibe isn't. Eggs are fine, fresh eggs, personal use, no problem. Turning your backyard into an underground egg distribution network is where the town stops smiling. And yes, if your hens become a nuisance, the town can step in. Noise, smell, mess, escape attempts. If your chickens start causing drama, bylaw enforcement gets involved. And nobody wants to explain to friends why a town official had to come talk to them about poultry behavior. So, why does this bylaw exist? Because people wanted chickens. And the town said, sure, but let's write this down before things get weird. Bottom line, you can have hens in Lumsden, you can't have roosters, you gotta keep things clean, contained, and under control. And if your chickens start acting like rebels, the town has forms. Lots of forms. And that's today's bylaws and order. Because in Lumsden, even the chickens answer to the rules.

SPEAKER_10:

Oh words called the town.

SPEAKER_07:

Well, today we're talking summer, sunshine, and one of the best-known camp experiences right here in the area. If you've ever driven through the valley near Lumsden, you've probably heard of Dallas Valley Ranch Camp. It's a place where kids unplug, they try new things, they build confidence, and they make friendships that can last a lifetime. Summer camp registration is opening soon, so this is the perfect time for families to learn what it's all about. Joining me today is the executive director of Dallas Valley Ranch Camp, Nikki Faulkner, to tell us what makes the camp so special and what kids can expect this summer, what parents need to know before registration opens February 3rd. Nikki, welcome. Thanks so much for having me, Bonnie. It's good to be here. Happy to have you. Now, listen, before we get into anything, I have to tell you, we've had both of our boys out here in the past a bunch of times when they're younger. They absolutely loved it. For anyone listening who's never been out here, how would you describe that Dallas Valley in your own words?

SPEAKER_05:

Yeah, that's a great question, Bonnie. It's it's hard to nail it down to just a couple because this place is so so special. And uh it really is the heart of the valley here in Lumsden. For so many kids that have come the 15 minutes from Regina to enjoy camp. For many, many uh years, we have had people that this place has become a home away from home. And it really is just the most beautiful part of this part of Saskatchewan. The sunsets and the sunrises and and just the beauty of an untouched valley is really quite beautiful. Uh so I would say here it's a location where we have been able to put a really neat camp for youth and children and a chance for them to just come and experience, like you said, nature, get unplugged, try things they've never done before, make great friends. Some of those friendships have lasted a lifetime. And so it's just amazing how one week of camp is life-changing for kids. Wow, a connection that they can truly make in such a wonderful natural place, too. Yeah, it really is truly beautiful. Sometimes Saskatchewan gets a bit of a bad rap for being flat, but here Lumsden, you have these beautiful rolling hills, and it's a bit of an oasis that people are surprised in the flatness, and then it turns into these beautiful rolling hills, and it surprises most parents when they come to drop their kids off to go, wow, what a beautiful spot.

SPEAKER_07:

Indeed, indeed. I I can agree with you on that. So I have to ask because I've heard this more than once, uh, the story of the naming of Dallas Valley Ranch Camp. It's true, named after a young boy. Correct. And what can you tell us about that uh and that story that became part of the ranch?

SPEAKER_05:

Yeah, actually, camp um came out of a tragedy. In 1979, uh a young man, age 16, was on the way to a quiz meet with a convoy of cars, and uh their vehicle was hit. Three of the four occupants were killed. And so Dallas, uh, at the age of 16 had always dreamed of this land becoming maybe farmland one day. And so his parents, in honor of his love for the beauty of this valley and uh his heart to to grow things, they asked an organization now called One Hope Canada, could they use this place to start a camp? And so uh they did and they walked these hills and dreamed how they could possibly use these hills to make an impact on children's lives. And so the camp was named uh Dallas Valley Ranch Camp because the young man was Dallas Lutzer. And in honor of his passing, uh his family very generously gave this land in hopes that many kids' lives would be uh benefiting from this space. Wow, what a beautiful way to honor their son. It's true, and and and the legacy, it's I wish I could do the math to really figure out how many lives have been impacted. Uh, but we had our 40th anniversary just a couple of years ago, and just to see uh people coming, and and we're at the point now where some kids are grandkids of campers, and and it's been neat to see how this space has impacted thousands and thousands and thousands of children. Wow, that's truly remarkable.

SPEAKER_07:

I I understand that in 1983, the first camp opened up for the campers, and there is about 48 campers.

SPEAKER_05:

That's correct. Yes.

SPEAKER_07:

And as of recently, there's over 2,000 campers a year that enjoy the summer camps.

SPEAKER_05:

Yeah, we we have one of the biggest capacities of camp uh for bunks uh anywhere in Saskatchewan, and and we are easily the largest ranch camp in in all of Canada. Is that right? Yeah, we have about 85 horses, and we are able to offer horse riding programs year-round, but specifically in the summer. If kids would like the opportunity to learn how to ride a horse uh or to uh grow in their horsemanship, we have those kinds of programs here for them. That's the way to do it.

SPEAKER_07:

So, as far as the camp, I mean, obviously it's changed and evolved over the years from when it first started. It did. Um what's been the most significant change over the last 40 years?

SPEAKER_05:

Well, you know, I would say I had the privilege of being a camper when I was a little girl here at Dallas Valley, and I remember coming and feeling so lucky that I got to stay in a cabin because there was still tents. Um every summer that I would come, uh the community would rally around and build another cabin so that more kids could come. And then the next summer, another cabin for more kids to come. And so they they kept the camp growing to accommodate uh the desire for kids to come. And so it got to the point where the capacity still was limited, and people were sad that they couldn't register uh their kids here at Dallas Valley. So uh one of our predecessors has made three camps within our property so we can offer camp for multiple kids and multiple age groups every week. So it has grown substantially. You know, when we were limited to one space, we could only offer a program for maybe nine and ten-year-olds that week. Right. But now we can offer nine and ten-year-olds, but then we can also offer a specialty camp for teens, and then we could also offer a day camp, or we could offer, you know, uh an extreme paid ball camp or something like that. So we were able to take the about 400 acres that we have and and create three camps within one property so that more kids could come and enjoy camp. So it's really incredible that uh that our leadership had the vision to see how we can maximize so that more kids uh would be able to join us each summer. Wow. So on any given day then, what are kids in like what are they in for on a day at camp? Yeah, you know what? We uh love the idea of kids being unplugged and part of nature. So we maximize um our our space here to include as much outdoor fun that we can possibly fit in. Uh kids can experience different things from horseback writing, which we already mentioned. We've got a climbing wall and a high ropes course that kids love. There's archery and riflery, and there's uh a dugout with inflatables you can climb up and jump off. And the pool always is a hit. Yes. Yes, when we're in the middle of summer, we work very hard to make sure we can cool down and the pool is a big hit. Um, so yeah, there's just meaningful interactions at all these different skills throughout camps. So in a given day after they have breakfast, they'll probably at least go down and spend some time with skills. Uh, if they're the younger group of kids, they get to move around with the same adult through the same day. So that, you know, with camp's continuity. Exactly. And and they don't know what they like quite yet. So they get to try everything at day camp and junior camp. And then as they get older, they might really think, oh, I love crafts, or I love drama, or I love archery, or I want to spend an hour with the horses, or whatever their favorite thing to do. Right. Uh they get some choice and then they get to spend the day doing that. Uh, and then of course, uh, when we have the evening, things like wide games are always a hit we get to play together as a whole camp. Uh capture the flag and sticks and stones and all these classic camp games uh and campfires and chapels and just times together with people where they can just build relationships and have a lot of fun. Wow, amazing.

SPEAKER_07:

Is there any kind of an activity that would stick out as a fan favorite or the ones that kids always talk about?

SPEAKER_05:

Well, I would say because we are Dallas Valley Ranch Camp, uh the horses are definitely a hit. Uh we are grateful that we are able to have quite a herd, and uh they're picked because they are our tolerant of everybody from the experienced rider to the hesitant rider, you know, kind of thing. So horses is a big draw for sure. Yeah. But we have lots of not horse options because we know not everybody loves horses as much uh as the others. So things like riflerry, um you know, uh becoming a sharpshooter. And so we have a specialty camp where you can just come and improve all kinds of uh shooting activities and things like that for those hunters or those people who just really enjoy the the challenge of getting better. We have the specialty ideas of like sometimes our our our our male campers would like a little bit of a different experience than riding horses all day. And so uh we've had a lot of popularity with our extreme. Camps where they paint all afternoon. That sounds a really good thing. Yes, absolutely. So they do a lot of fun, extreme things and and uh just have a ton of fun together. And so we've got a co-ed and a regular uh extreme camp where where it's boys just enjoy it very much. So yeah, it's fun to be able to offer different things. As far as a favorite, the the high ropes course and the the climbing wall is a favorite. You know, there's there's something pretty fun about watching someone say, Oh, I don't know if I can do it. And at the end of the week, they can climb up that wall and they hit the the the bell at the top and celebrate that they overcame their fears, try their hand at repelling or or something kind of fun and exciting that they would never have done had they stayed home and just stayed on their TV or their their phone. Exactly.

SPEAKER_07:

So now with all these activities, approximately how many uh campers would you have in a week that like I know the camps are a week long, but how many campers would be here over the over the course of a week?

SPEAKER_05:

Yeah, like we we have the capacity to be between 300 and 350. Yeah. But the way that they designed it is they want every kid to feel seen and heard and valued in their space. So each age group has their own part of camp where where they just it just feels like it's not overwhelming. It feels like somebody knows me, I'm they know me by name, uh, we're gonna go do fun things together. And within that cabin group or the the those individuals in their skill, they can make those meaningful connections and it doesn't feel big and overwhelming. So the way they designed camp was meant to be, you know, you can't even really see parts of camp. They know it didn't they cleared it away, built a cabin, and let the trees kind of grow up and around. It's enchanting. It is enchanting. Yeah. So they really didn't want it to ever feel like a big camp. They just wanted it to feel like there's still that level of meaningful connection. Um, and and every camp would would offer that just a little bit different. Here at main camp, we usually have the younger kids, yeah, uh, nine and ten-year-olds, uh 11 to 13 year olds, and and they're our biggest camp with about 150 capacities. We have the that extreme camp, uh, we also have day camp. It's it's a little bit smaller, like 24 campers. Great. And then our uh we call it Conestoga. It is really fun. If you've never been here, it's really cool to see it's a theme of Western wagons. Yeah, I love those. It's so great. And so yeah, they're our biggest campers, but they get to have this cozy space that's in this uh what looks like an old wagon, yeah, which is really fun. And so we specialize in junior teen and teen camps over there. And so it it allows them to have their age group and to find their people, which is pretty great.

SPEAKER_07:

With the size of this facility, you must have an amazing staff that comes out in the summer and and makes it all work behind the scenes. So can you talk a little bit about that? Yeah, for sure.

SPEAKER_05:

You know, we are very blessed when I when I think about the manpower that we need. The kitchen alone needs about 90 people. Is that right? Yeah, so really it it's it's a lot of uh staff and volunteers who come to make count happen uh in in our cabins and skills and things like that. We last summer had a 253 summer staff. And so that that takes a lot of manpower. Usually we have uh junior leaders that are learning how to be leaders. We call them LITs or a group crew, and they come and they serve in a capacity where they're learning how to be a leader. And then we've got the 18 to 25 year olds and they come and they are our core leadership team where they will be cabin leaders and skill instructors, uh, they will uh do the training how to really care for kids and uh really invest in them. And it's incredible in six short days to watch the connection that these young leaders have with um our campers because they are really engaging and they really care deeply. And I think that's what makes camp so enjoyable for them is because it feels like a safe place, it feels like a fun place. There's somebody that they look up to who is is investing in them to have a really great week at camp. You know what? That I I was a school teacher for lots of years, and it's hard sometimes for kids to feel connected and to feel seen. Here at camp, we make that a priority because it's such an important part of the foundation of why we why we exist.

SPEAKER_07:

I would agree with you. Now, listen, sometimes there's parents out there, and I'm I'm I'm one of these nervous Nelly parents myself. So it's like, okay, my kid wants to go to camp, but are they gonna be safe? So, I mean, what would you tell some families about safety and priorities about safety here at the camp?

SPEAKER_05:

Yeah, you know, we are part of a couple of organizations that really have the standard for us to have uh that those safety measures in place. Uh One Hope Canada oversees 43 camps across the country. And so they make sure we are on top of things for legal issues and safety issues and insurance and all the things that are important foundational things. Um we, of course, are part of all kinds of health inspectors and and they come and test our pool and the water at the dugout and they they make sure that everything is working like it should in the kitchen. And so all of those standards we we will adhere to very consistently. And then in regards to our summer team, they really, really do pour into them to make sure that the they know how to um work in a vulnerable sector because children are super important and we want them to be safe, and so you know, we get to do training with them in all those levels so they just know how to support kids and give parents peace of mind that their kids are gonna be well cared for. Yes, yes. And we would also have a bit of a personal philosophy of maximum supervision. We we really want to make sure that kids are safe and and having an adult in eye shot or earshot uh is is important. We think it's important that our staff is present with our kids. We know there's transitions and things like that that make it impossible for every single second, but we work really hard at making sure that there's maximum supervision for for the safety and well-being of all the kids at camp.

SPEAKER_07:

So that's good to hear. Yeah. Now, if someone's listening right now thinking, oh, okay, so I maybe want to get my child signed up. What's the best way to register and how early should they be doing that before all those spots fill up?

SPEAKER_05:

Yeah, you know, it's hard to think when you have a camp that has 2,000 monks that it could fill up. But we have um been blessed again with with just such a uh a love for camp here. And so we want everyone to be able to come. And so on February 3rd at 10 a.m., we officially open registration, which you can find all the details at dallasvalley.com. And uh if you follow the link, it's a really easy uh online registration process. And so yeah, I would just say don't don't delay. Um sometimes we we have a few camps that that's that are a little slower to fill up, but if you have a specialty one uh or you want to go with your friends, it's such a great idea to to phone your friends and find out which week they're going and plan to stay in the cabin together. So you have a have a friend. You can come if you don't know anyone, you'll meet lots of friends too. But uh but it's good to not be too tardy, even though it's freezing cold and you're having a hard time thinking about summer in February. It's very good to write it on the calendar and join us uh in those first days of registration. We have sold out in the past, uh, and uh so yeah, we want to welcome as many kids as possible to come join us this next summer. Nikki, anything else that you want to say to any of the listeners out there about Dallas Valley? Well, you know what? We are a year-round facility, and we also are happy to welcome people. If you've never been to Dallas Valley and you're curious for a tour or you want to find out more, we'd we'd welcome you to come and and check it out. We have uh a lodge that allows us to host different kinds of groups here. So we have everything from businesses that come and use our space, or uh we have girl guides and Boy Scouts and and a whole bunch of groups in between that'll just come and use the facility if they need a retreat or they need a meeting space. Uh, we have great home cooked meals here that is often a favorite for kids, is great food in the summer, but we offer it year-round too. So if if there's a way that we could help you host something, that real like down-to-earth experience in Saskatchewan where you can just have a little bit of a home away from home. You know, we would love to offer that to businesses or organizations, uh, school groups, uh, even things like team bonding for sports teams and things like that. You know, there's so much that we can do here in a bit of a farm environment, like riding horses, but we have an indoor climbing mall, we have indoor archery as well as outdoor activities that we can offer year-round for group teams.

SPEAKER_07:

That is fantastic. I was not aware of that. That is good information to know. So, Nikki, if if people just want to get an idea or a taste of what camp would be like, um, is there an opportunity for them to do that?

SPEAKER_05:

Yeah, there sure is. The very last Sunday of May, we have an open house that we make free and available to the community. Uh, we bring in some of our summer team. They run the climbing wall and the high ropes course. We have someone running archery, we have wagon rides so that people don't have to walk all the hills. We saddle a whole bunch of horses so people can come for horseback riding and canoeing. So we open it up for the community to just come. Uh, we would love to give you a hot dog and some drinks and just to enjoy the beauty of this space and get a little taste of camp. And it's a really good chance if you're sending your kids for the first time and they've never been to camp before, we've had so many people feel at ease that they could come and open the door of a cabin and go, oh, this is where you'll be sleeping. Right. Even if this isn't isn't the exact cabin, but it gives them an idea. Oh, this is what it looks like, or this is where you'll be going for different skills, or this is where the barn is. Uh, it's it's so great to watch kids that might be a little anxious uh about coming for the first time, or maybe parents, uh, that they feel like, oh, this is where uh you're gonna be for the week, and I feel better knowing exactly uh where you're gonna be. I've seen the place, right? Exactly. It looks better than the brochure. It really does look better than the brochure. Yeah, it's for sure. And you can get some good steps in too. Yes, I can attest to that.

SPEAKER_07:

Yes. Okay, so that weekend happens a little bit later on in the springtime, and that information will be up on the website as well.

SPEAKER_05:

Yes, we will post that for sure. And I would say this don't wait till the last week of May to register. If you're if you're pretty sure that you want to send your kids, register while there's registration available, and then come in May to ask the questions and check the place out. Uh, because it would be sad to not have your spot available if you waited a bit too long.

SPEAKER_07:

That is such great information, Nikki. Thank you so much for sharing all of that. It really sounds like Dallas Valley Ranch Camp is more than just a summer activity. So it's an experience that kids can carry with them a long time after camp ends. So, as a reminder, everyone, families out there listening, registration opens February 3rd at 10 a.m. at the website dallasvalley.com. So head over there and get your little one signed up for the summer programs. Nikki, thanks again for joining us today and giving us a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Dallas Valley Ranch Camp so special.

SPEAKER_05:

You're welcome. It was such a privilege to be with you, Bonnie. Thanks for your time.

SPEAKER_11:

Every town has a story. Join us as we uncover the legends, moments, and people who built our community, making us proud of where we've been and excited for where we're going. This is past, present, and proud. Before anyone carried a microphone in their pocket, before music was something you searched for instead of something you remembered, a girl was born in a small Saskatchewan town where people still told stories out loud. Her name was Edith Folk, and her story begins in Lumsden. Edith Folk was born in 1913, back when music wasn't polished or packaged. It was sung in kitchens. It was hummed while working. It was passed down from one voice to another, and if nobody bothered to remember it, it was gone. That idea stayed with her. As she grew older, Edith noticed something others didn't seem to care about. The songs of everyday people were disappearing. Farmers, laborers, loggers, families. Their music wasn't being written down. It wasn't being recorded, and no one was lining up to save it. So she did. Edith didn't wait for permission or approval. She went looking. She traveled into small towns and rural communities with a tape recorder and a genuine curiosity. She sat with people, listened to them sing, and quietly preserved songs that had never been meant for a stage or a spotlight. Those songs mattered to her because the people singing them mattered. Through CBC Radio, Edith brought those voices to the rest of the country. On her program Folk Song Time, Canadians heard music that sounded like home. Not glamorous, not fancy, just real. Songs that carried history and their lyrics and memory and their melody. She wrote books. She archived recordings. She built a body of work that scholars still use and musicians still rely on today. Many of the songs she captured would not exist if she hadn't bothered to ask someone to sing. And while much of her work took her far from Saskatchewan, the heart of it came from earlier. From growing up in a place where people knew each other, where voices were familiar, where stories were shared face to face. Today, Edith Folk is recognized across Canada and beyond as one of the most important figures in preserving Canadian folk music. Her work didn't just save songs, it saved pieces of people's lives. And that's something Lumsden can be proud of. Because before Edith Folk helped Canada remember who it was, she came from a town that understood the value of listening. And that's something we can be proud of.

SPEAKER_10:

From upcoming events and all that we plant, it's your community wrap-up with Bonnie and then.

SPEAKER_07:

Alright, let's run through what's coming up around town.

SPEAKER_04:

Mm-hmm.

SPEAKER_07:

Because there's a lot packed into the next couple of weeks.

SPEAKER_04:

Yeah, and if we don't say it out loud, it'll somehow still sneak up on people anyway.

SPEAKER_07:

Mm-hmm. At least we can say that we warned them.

SPEAKER_04:

That's all we can do.

SPEAKER_07:

First hour soccer registration is open now.

SPEAKER_04:

Which means forums, deadlines, and someone realizing they waited way too long again. Mm-hmm.

SPEAKER_07:

Guiltiest charge. Registrations for kids age three up to grade six. And they need to be three by May 1st.

SPEAKER_04:

And they're very firm about that part.

SPEAKER_07:

Everything runs behind the schools again this year.

SPEAKER_04:

Same spot as usual, so there's no surprises.

SPEAKER_07:

And if anyone needs details more, just contact them at lumsdensoccer at gmail.com. On Monday, February the second, there's a grandparents' club.

SPEAKER_04:

Yay, that one's always a good afternoon.

SPEAKER_07:

It sure is. It runs from 3 30 to 5 over at the Lumsden Elementary School.

SPEAKER_04:

Valentine theme, crafts and games.

SPEAKER_07:

And a room full of people who can actually follow instructions.

SPEAKER_04:

Oh my god.

SPEAKER_07:

Tuesday, February the third, where the Lumsden Business Association meeting is happening.

SPEAKER_04:

That's the one where people mean to attend and then suddenly remember it from ten to seven.

SPEAKER_07:

It starts at seven o'clock at the River Park Meeting Room in Lumsden with an online option for members.

SPEAKER_04:

Details are at www.lumsdenba.ca.

SPEAKER_07:

Then Thursday, February the 5th, the 8th.

SPEAKER_04:

And that one doesn't need much introduction, does it?

SPEAKER_07:

No, the first draw is at 8 p.m. over at the Lumsden Hotel in the day pit, and it runs every Thursday through to December 3rd.

SPEAKER_04:

That's right. Tickets are five dollars. Jack Pot can reach up to$200,000.

SPEAKER_07:

Tickets are available for purchase at the Lumson Bar, Lumsden Drugs, or by eTransfer.

SPEAKER_04:

And the contact email is lumsdenlions at gmail.com.

SPEAKER_07:

Now Friday, February the 6th has two events going on.

SPEAKER_04:

That's right. You got to pick your plan that night.

SPEAKER_07:

In Lumsden, there's the Valentine's family dance.

SPEAKER_04:

That's seven o'clock to 10 PM at the Lumsden Centennial Hall.

SPEAKER_07:

There's a DJ New Horizons raffle table?

SPEAKER_04:

Which means you can dance if you want to. Oh, you can dance. I regret it. Or you can just hang around and still enjoy it.

SPEAKER_07:

It's put on by the Lumsden Business Association and it's family friendly. Also the topic. Also the same night, there's a comedy night in Pennsylvania.

SPEAKER_04:

Different town? Same Friday.

SPEAKER_07:

Is that the Pennsylvania hall? The doors open at seven and the show starts at 7 30.

SPEAKER_04:

Featuring Joel Jeffrey and Connor Shram.

SPEAKER_07:

Yeah, with names like that, you know it's gotta be good. Tickets are$35 with a cash bar and a concession. Thank you. I'll be here all week.

SPEAKER_04:

And tickets or info go to pens daycare center at gmail.com supporting the Pennsyl Daycare Center.

SPEAKER_07:

There's also a few things through the Lumson and Craven Seniors program to note.

SPEAKER_04:

This part's worth paying attention to.

SPEAKER_07:

That's right. There's senior socials here at the Lumson Centennial Hall at noon on February the 5th. February the 19th. March the fifth. March the 19th.

SPEAKER_04:

Same place, same time, which is a different date.

SPEAKER_07:

And for more info, people can contact their senior support worker. Now there's also afternoons at the movies.

SPEAKER_04:

Which always sounds like a good plan.

SPEAKER_07:

Mm-hmm. The next one is Monday, February the 9th at 2 o'clock over the do drop-in. And it continues every other Monday. One more thing. There's a job posting.

SPEAKER_04:

Right.

SPEAKER_07:

The Lumsden Supermarket's hiring for a part-time baker.

SPEAKER_04:

That's right. Resumes go to lumsden supermarket at gmail.com.

SPEAKER_07:

Well, that covers everything coming up.

SPEAKER_04:

It does. And there's a lot going on.

SPEAKER_07:

And now people can plan ahead instead of saying, I wish I'd known.

SPEAKER_04:

Well, that's the goal.

SPEAKER_07:

And that's it for another edition of the River Valley Podcast.

SPEAKER_04:

Stay safe and stay weird.

SPEAKER_08:

You've been listening to the River Valley Podcast. That's it for this episode. We hope you enjoyed that as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. Feel free to contact us with any ideas or comments or public sponsors, public stories, or show your support by Cherokee Podcast with your phone or friends, or your support or matters both. Thanks for listening, and until next time, take care.

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Bonnie Bernier

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Dan Bernier

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