Facility upgrade leads to rebranding and grand re-opening at Blue Lake Centre

Best known as an outdoor education centre, Blue Lake Centre revealed its redesigned logo and website March 24. The new branding reflects recent upgrades at the facility allowing for more varied and year round use.

Located 40 minutes southwest of Fairmont Hot Springs and 90 minutes north of Cranbrook, Blue Lake Centre has been a top destination for environmental education programming for over 35 years.

In 2011, the facility received funding through the Western Diversification Community Adjustment Fund allowing Blue Lake to complete a $1.2 million facility upgrade. The transformation included replacement of the sleeping cabins and wash house, upgrades to the dining hall and commercial kitchen, and the construction of a new luxury back country lodge with 1,000-square-foot training centre.

The new facilities inspired the new look. “Our goal was branding that would reflect all three aspects of Blue Lake business: camp programs, accommodation, and special events. The society’s old logo was dated and did not reflect all that Blue Lake offers. In the new logo, the cabin is the focal point where the background colours represent the land and the lake which are surrounded by forest,” says Executive Director Kelly Diamond. The rebranding process, completed by Genex Marketing, included focus groups and community consultation.

Outdoor education remains the focus of the society; the expansion and upgrades have provided new revenue channels to generate funds in support of the programming offered at the centre.

“The facility upgrades have allowed for increased capacity for outdoor education programs and private rentals including weekend getaways, corporate retreats, weddings and family reunions. The upgrades provide guests with year round opportunities to visit Blue Lake Centre and to reconnect with nature and each other,” Diamond said.

A grand reopening celebration is planned for Saturday, May 3 at Blue Lake Centre. This free event will include site tours, sample environmental programming, food, musical entertainment, and an opportunity to use recreational trails and canoes. Accommodation packages are available if pre booked.

“This is the perfect opportunity to come out and see what everyone has been talking about,” Diamond said, “It is a celebration of the past, present, and future of Blue Lake Centre.”

Blue Lake Centre was established by the BC Forestry Association (BCFA) in 1977 as one of six Junior Forest Warden training facilities in B.C., offering forest education programs for youth. The BCFA sold the camp in 1995 to the Blue Lake steering committee, which then became a registered non-profit charity know today as the Blue Lake Forest Education Society. Since taking ownership, the Blue Lake Forest Education Society has continued to develop and provide environmental education programming for children and youth from all over B.C., southwestern Alberta and abroad.

Blue Lake’s programming focuses on local environmental issues and sustainability practices related to forests, water, biodiversity and alternative energy. Social development is also at the forefront of the programming mission. Youth participation offers young people the chance to develop important decision-making and problem solving skills, develop meaningful relationships, and a chance to bolster self-esteem.

Outdoor education programs include Spring School Programs, Summer Camp for ages seven to 13, and Outdoor Youth Leadership programs for ages 14-17.

For more information visit the Blue Lake Centre website at www.bluelakecentre.com or call 250-426-3676. RSVP for the Grand Reopening Celebration through Blue Lake Centre’s Facebook page.

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