Service Award recipient 2023
Charles Burchill is an avid paddler and field botanist with a keen interest in exploring the Mantario Wilderness. He has been an enthusiastic and tireless volunteer guide and program leader with the Mantario Summer Program since 1994.
With the exception of interruptions to the Mantario Program due to uncontrolled circumstances, Charles has guided groups every summer, and is already planning for summer 2024. In some years, he led up to three weeks of programming! Charles is truly committed to the Mantario Program. He provides exceptionally organized trip planning skills, and offers canoe coaching, botany activities at the cabin, as well as the weekly menu.
Charles is a botanist, and participants soak up his knowledge of boreal flora. As an accomplished certified canoe instructor, Charles has gone over and above to provide weekly opportunities for basic canoe instruction and portage coaching at La Barriere Park for all Mantario Summer Program participants in advance of their trips. His graceful paddling skills, reliable and cheerful leadership, and infectious willingness to share have been invaluable contributions to Nature Manitoba.