202 dippers took an ice cold plunge this afternoon (Thursday) for the 25th annual Polar Bear Dip at Ness Lake Bible Camp.
Dippers from all around the world, including places like Brazil, Colombia, and Hawaii came to Ness Lake to brave the frigid waters in temperatures just above the freezing mark.
Ness Lake Bible Camp Director Dave Horton has taken part in all 25 of the dips put on by the camp.
He said the “warmer” temperatures seen today may seem like a bonus for the dippers, but they come with drawbacks.
“When you get out of the water, you can’t dry off, it feels a little bit more like those Vancouver polar bear dips,” Horton said.
“I wish it was like, another five degrees colder, because all that moisture just dries off your body when you get out, but you know what, it’s all the same, either way, it’s so intense. It’s so intense every time that I’ll barely notice the weather when I get out.”
This year, the Polar Bear Dip raised $30,000, which will help send kids to camp who may not be able to afford it otherwise.
“As costs increase on everything, camp increases in its cost as well,” Horton said.
“There’s a lot of families that are telling us they just can’t afford to come to camp, we understand that, and so we offer sponsorships, so people can apply for a sponsorship, and if they’re approved, we’ll pay for a portion, a large portion, a small portion of their camper fees, and the money for that comes from this.”
Over the 25 years, the Polar Bear Dip has raised more than $283,000 to help send kids to camp.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing pgnews@vistaradio.ca.
