Right from the outset, as mentioned in Part 1 (EE # 19 16.05.2025 & EE # 20 23.05.2025), the land use directives designated for the property, that of a children’s summer camp, guide and scout camps, summer festivals for organizations, family outings and lastly, rental lots along property borders, clearly contain social and cultural elements. It was in fact the second directive, guide and scout camps, that was realized first.
Before the purchase of the land was even completed in October of 1955, the land owner gave permission to hold a scout camp late that summer. It was organized by the Hamilton and Kitchener Estonian scout troops. After that, Seedrioru has been regularly used by Estonian guide and scout groups. Major camps were the 5 Seedrituka ones held in 1964, 1965, 1968, 1970 and 1971. The scouts’ area was by the river. The Kitchener scout group even built a scout house on an island in the river which was sadly later destroyed by flood waters. Some 15 or more years ago I managed to find the island where a few remnants remained. I am not sure anything remains now. The guides were in the circle of trees planted early on by volunteers at the far end of the sports field, by the shooting range. The trees were as tall as I was when I tented there as a newly minted girl guide. Look at those towering giants now! An outdoor kitchen and eating area was between the two.
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