Meet Ian, he is originally from Scotland but has lived in Kelowna for more than a decade. Ian is the camp director at Camp Owaissi and wants you to know all about the fun times to be had this summer!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. I moved to Canada just before my 12th birthday. Sadly, I lost the accent right away.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
If I can’t pick my dog, I am going to have to say Dominque Frost. She is an awesome person and an even better best friend. My dad would be a close second, he’s always travelling the world for work yet he still finds time to volunteer in the community and be an active member of Rotary.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
The farmers market! I love getting a crepe on a Saturday morning.
Describe yourself in one word.
Ambitious
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Maldives. They look so amazing and would force me to actually take a vacation!!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love biking at Spinco, every class is always a challenge. Going for a ride on my snowboard or a paddle on the lake would have to be a close second.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I have four older sisters….there’s a lot of them. When I lived in Scotland, my sisters were playing Barbies in one of their rooms. I really wanted to play but they wouldn’t let me, so I did what anyone would do and found a hammer and started trying to force my way through the door… It wasn’t my smartest decision.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Seeing the positive progression of kids that come to Camp Owaissi or the ones that I coach at the Kelowna AquaJets. The future looks bright.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Every summer me and my family would come to Canada from Scotland and go camping for 6 weeks. It was really nice to spend quality time together and be able to escape and explore this beautiful country.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
My dad’s the president of Inn from the Cold which keeps me connected to the amazing organization. I’m also a big supporter of Innspire, an amazing social enterprise that sells soap to support the shelter. Go buy some!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I’d love to end homelessness, I hate that people in our community have nowhere to call home. When I look at European countries and concepts such as social housing initiatives it gives me hope for the future.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Camp Owaissi, it's such a beautiful place sitting on the dock staring at the lake. Such a safe place that's close to home.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Better support for homeless people and a better focus on the long-term development in Kelowna.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The lake, the food and Camp Owaissi!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Explore the world more!
- Fly a plane
- Save a life
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Until I was like 16 my dream was to own a Tim Hortons…..one day!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook, Instagram, Website
What is the name of your business/organization?
Camp Owaissi
Why did you get into/start this business?
A few years ago my sister was the director of the camp and they desperately needed more male cabin leaders so I got dragged in. I never thought I would fall in love with the place so quickly. I’ve been back every summer since and now I’m here year round.
What is the goal of your business?
We run overnight camps for kids ages 7 through 17 throughout July and August. Our primary goal is to ensure that every child can experience the wonder of camp!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I love what I do a lot, but that means I spend a lot of my time working, I care so much that every person who visits Camp Owaissi has the most amazing time ever. I definitely need to find a better work/life balance!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would do it all over again because everything I’ve done led me to where I am today.
What do you always find yourself saying?
You just gotta be here. It’s my goal to make it the new slogan at camp.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Tea makes everything better!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
John Woods, he created an amazing organization called Room to Read that supports education for girls worldwide. Check it out!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
I think being able to support someone’s passion is important. Running a local summer camp keeps us really dependent on the support of those in the community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Completing my business degree. I’m happiest when I’m working so school was a challenge because I’d rather be getting practical experience. It was a grind to get through it but I knew I’d need it for my future goals.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
The staff at Camp Owaissi. They work long days and make many sacrifices to ensure the campers enjoy themselves.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jan Schultz, she does amazing things for the community through her work at Inn from the Cold.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Come to camp this summer! We love getting new campers out to see what it's all about. We also love getting volunteer parents and nurses. There’s a place for everyone at Camp Owaissi!
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
