Girls pose for a photo prior to their trip to Smithers – photos 250News

Prince George, B.C. – Today is an exciting time for hundreds of Girl Guides based in Prince George.

The group is headed to Smithers for the week-long 2017 SOAR camp. They met at the CN Centre parking lot before boarding a bus early this afternoon.

From left, Sophie Mercedes, Kate Menge and Paige Menge

“There’s going to be about 2,500 girls from across Canada,” says harmony district commissioner Melanie Carlson. “There’s even international groups that come and attend this camp.”

She says the camp is held every three years and offers girls aged 11 and up the chance to learn leadership and independence skills.

“They are responsible for themselves at camp and get to do lots of fun and interesting things. They learn about working together and team work skills,” says Carlson.

“They set up their camp and live together for a week. It’s a good experience for girls. We also do outdoor activies and do service projects for the communities where they have camp.”

Eleven-year-old Sophie Mercedes says it’s her first week long camp with Girl Guides.

“I’m so excited to be outdoors for an entire week and tenting.”

Katie Menge agrees, and says being without video games for a week won’t be a hardship for her.

“No, I don’t play them. Our family does not tolerate that.”