Pioneer Ranch Trip

Originally Posted 12:57 PM, January 22, 2023
Last Updated 3:12 PM, April 3, 2023

This Trip is for Grade 8 and Grade 9 Concert Band Students

We're going back to Pioneer Lodge, a location that has always treated Notre Dame Collegiate well, and is a perfect escape and opportunity to dive deeply into our music! This trip has become a favourite over the years, and this year's looks to make no exception.

Dates - April 5 and 6, 2023

Final Update for the Band Camp

The plans for this camp have undergone some significant changes in the past 72 hours, however these changes should impact the students very little. St. Joseph's Collegiate will not be participating in this camp. That means the camp will be specifically for Notre Dame Collegiate students only. The trip includes bussing, equipment transportation, accommodations, many meals, clinicians, guest conductor, and camp activities.

Please pay particular attention to the equipment your student needs at the bottom of this post. A student without the appropriate winter gear will not be able to participate in many of our activities.

April 5, 2023 (minor adjustments may be made)

Begin loading bus at 8:15 AM
Depart at 9:00 AM, arrive at Pioneer Lodge southwest of Sundre at 11:30 AM
Unload bus into Games Room (even our luggage)
Orientation and Bag lunch once unloaded
12:30 PM Distribution to Room Assignments
1:00 PM First Camp Activity
2:45 PM Second Camp Activity
4:30 PM Third Camp Activity
6:00 PM Supper
7:30 PM Campfire
9:00 PM Predator and Prey in the Dark
10:00 PM Snack and Prayer
10:30 PM Lights Out

April 6, 2023 (minor adjustments may be made)

8:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM Set Up Band Room and Clinic Rooms
9:30 AM Grade 8s in Clinics, Grade 9s with Mr. Thorlacius (Guest Conductor)
12:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Grade 9s in Clinics, Grade 8s with Mr. Thorlacius (Guest Conductor)
3:30 PM Camp-wide Cleanup and Bus Loading
4:30 PM Departure
5:00 PM Supper in Olds (bring cash)
6:00 PM Depart Olds
7:30 PM Arrive at Notre Dame Collegiate

What students will need:

Working instruments, pencil, sheet music
Bag Lunch for the First Day, there will be no food until 6:00 PM
Sleeping bag, pillow, pajamas, toiletries
1 extra day of clothes, but pack extras in case it gets wet
Outdoor clothing (It's Alberta, and even in April it can drop to -20 degrees, pack mittens, toques, snowpants, everything, Mr. Windsor does not have extras)
Cash for Supper for April 6
No Internet, plan for that
Any other overnight requirements

We will also be packing

All our music stands
All our percussion

Our chaperones include Mr. Kowch, Mrs. Killick-Smit, Ms. Burton, Mrs. McKenzie, Mrs. Dahlman and Mrs. Armour.