The wooden entranceway that leads into Bow RiversEdge Campground (Jack Sicolo, CMRU.ca)
Located in the charming town of Cochrane, Alberta, Bow RiversEdge Campground stands as a testament to community-driven initiatives. Established in 2005 through the collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club of Cochrane and the Lions Club of Cochrane, this non-profit campground operates year-round with a mission deeply rooted in philanthropy. The primary objective is to support leaders dedicated to enhancing the local community.
The campground overs many amenities such as
- Full Hook-up
- Laundry
- Biking Trails
- Showers
- Near Swimming
- Walking Paths
- Wifi
For the past 14 years, the campground has been under the capable management of Jay Stephenson, a dedicated Calgary firefighter. Motivated by his passion for service, Jay embraced the opportunity to lead Bow RiversEdge Campground, seeing it as a means to contribute meaningfully to the community.
Over the years, the campground has disbursed more than 3 million dollars in grant money to various local non-profit organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane. Grant recipients are selected annually through a ceremony hosted by the Rotary Club and Lions Club, where deserving organizations are acknowledged for their contributions to community betterment.
Despite the dual responsibilities of being a full-time firefighter and campground manager, Jay remains positive. Living on-site allows him to stay close to his family while actively participating in a venture that enables him to give back to the community. Bow RiversEdge Campground stands as a beacon of community engagement and service, embodying the spirit of altruism in the heart of Cochrane.
Personal Reflection
When I reflect on my time working on this, my honest hope is that the audience will be motivated to embrace the charm of the campground and embark on a weekend trip during the summer months. I also think back to Jay, the devoted Campground Manager. Balancing the demanding role of a full-time firefighter with the duties of overseeing the campground presents an undeniably formidable challenge. Jay’s dedication is palpable; nights spent in perilous situations seamlessly transition into days devoted to the maintenance of the campground.
Jay’s saying that his greatest strength lies in service resonates deeply. His altruistic vision is more than just being a manager; he wants to see his community thrive and willingly makes personal sacrifices to ensure its realization. Reflecting on my involvement with this undertaking underscores the indispensable role the campground plays in the community’s tapestry.
Having been raised in Cochrane, institutions such as the Boys and Girls Club, beneficiaries of the campground’s support, have been pivotal to individuals in my life. Observing firsthand the impact of the campground on these crucial organizations magnifies the significance of being able to report on a space that contributes to the enhancement of the community.
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