06/07/2026
BC/Yukon Regionals 2026 was held at Blue Lake Camp just north of Cranbrook and Hosted by JCI Kootenay with the theme of ‘Existence’.
Myself and Chris Wallace attended on behalf of JCI Penticton. Stuart Knott and Kriss Campbell were also in attendance, but in their Regional and National Board positions.
Friday evening was mostly taken up with arrivals, unpacking and a tasty dinner.By random lottery we were separated into our ‘Tribes’ for the weekend.Yellow, Blue, Green and Red hence the variously tied, coloured neck scarves.
After dinner was the Rhythm by Nature drumming circle and opening ceremony campfire.
Saturday, after breakfast (and a successful heist of Kelowna’s traveling JC), was yoga and team building. This included creating our Tribe flags along with a rock-paper-scissors tournament with Shane of Kootenay as the champion and myself as runner up.
Before lunch was ‘Character Based Leadership: Courage in Action.’ It was extremely thought provoking and personally broadened my perception of several concepts relating to good judgement.
After lunch were indoor and outdoor training options. JCI Effective held by Stuart Knott and JCI of the Jungle team building ropes course.
Before dinner was the Regional Effective Speaking competition. There was also a successful heist of Vernon’s traveling JC by Chris Wallace.
The Dinner and Closing Ceremony theme was Cult Classics. For Effective Speaking Shane of JCI Kootenay won the prepared category and Stuart Knott of JCI Penticton won the Impromptu category.
Cosmo of JCI Hawai’i led a campfire circle involving a 50 year old local tradition. Much merryment and drinking was had.
Sunday Morning was a tasty French toast breakfast and camp clean up.
Thank you Camp Blue Lake Staff and JCI Kootenay for an altogether fun and enriching weekend.
- Marlee Jackson, Secretary JCI Penticton
