In Honour of William Donald (Don) Smith
PURPOSE
To recognize service and/or dedication to Camping Alberta – be it professional, lay or philosophic. It may be awarded to recognize long service, professional improvement, or significant involvement in support of camping endeavours.
THE AWARD
The Award shall consist of a handcrafted sculpture which will be displayed at the ACA office and inscribed with a plaque regarding the recipient’s name and contribution. A citation honouring the achievements of the award winner shall be published in the ACA Awards Program and the ACA’s newsletter. The Don Smith Award recipient will also become an honorary life member of the Alberta Camping Association and this membership will carry all rights and privileges of regular membership.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The nominee must have made a significant or outstanding contribution through long service, professional improvements or personal involvement in support of camping endeavours.
BACKGROUND
Known for his philosophy of “living and giving”, Don served as a model for us all. He came to teach at the University of Alberta in 1947 and was active in the community until his death in 1976. Known as the finest practitioner of Physical Education, he had a deep- rooted concern for people. Don was instrumental in the development of Outdoor Education at the University of Alberta. The course first started in the mid 60’s as a series of non-credit lectures on basic outdoor education and camping skills.
Don believed in the promotion of opportunities for all children. Thus he became involved in the Red Cross, and was instrumental in the development of national standards for swimming, and the development of the National Small Craft Safety Program.
It was well known that Don would work on any committee in any capacity. Although he never sought Presidency, his work was so sound, and he was so well liked, that he inevitably became president of the Alberta Camping Association. In camping alone, Don served as President of the Alberta Camping Association, Chairman of the Edmonton YMCA Camp, and the President of the Canadian Camping Association. Don’s concern for the outdoors was not just professionally based but also played a big part in his and his family’s recreation. In fact, if individuals did not share Don’s zeal for the outdoors, he would simply go about converting them.
In the late 1970’s, in honour of his love for the outdoors, his great concern for people and his dedication to the field of camping, the Alberta Camping Association initiated the Don Smith Address, an inspirational address given at the Annual Conference. In 1990, the Don Smith Award was introduced.