Kamsack was represented by seven members at the 87th annual convention of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) which was held at Yorkton February 18 to 20.
The theme for the convention was addressing NDD (Nature Deficit Disorder), said Clint Chernoff, past president of the Kamsack branch of the SWF.
Speaking to the theme, Dr. Brian Keating, the keynote speaker, said, in a nutshell that children are becoming less and less familiar with the natural environment around them, Chernoff said. “On average Canadian children spend more than 50 hours a week in front of a screen whether that be a TV monitor, iPad, or various other electronic devices. “
Keating’s suggestion to get children out into nature was received very well by the delegates at the convention, he said.
Five of the seven Kamsack SWF members at the convention were new delegates, he said. Among the highlights of the convention were: the bear pit sessions with representatives of the ministries of environment and agriculture, and included a variety of wildlife, fisheries and environmental presentations.
Heath Dreger of Yorkton, a director from Region 3, was elected the new president of the SWF, he said. As always, there was a mountain of information that was brought forth over the three days of the convention.
This year was special in the regard that Kamsack had a much larger presence at the convention and took care of hosting the hospitality room for two nights, he said. The Kamsack delegates also raised funds through raffle items and after all was said and done it appears they will have paid for the costs of the convention and put a zero financial burden on the Kamsack branch.
“Hats off to all the work and help that they contributed in Yorkton.”
The Kamsack SWF branch’s banquet and annual fundraiser will be held Saturday night, he said. Ticket sales have been brisk and a sellout is imminent. Members of the new executive have been working hard to make it a very special evening, which will consist of the presentation of awards, updates on branch activities, fundraising through raffles, a silent auction and the live ping pong auction.
\Chernoff, who is the SWF Region 3 director, will be providing a provincial update and those attending will enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the Ukrainian Catholic Women.
