The Banded Peak Challenge Story from 2002 to 2005 and beyond
If you want to reach the summit of Banded Peak, you may find these documents helpful:
Trail Guide 1Trail Guide 2Trail Guide MapThe Banded Peak Challenge was a fund-raising event for Easter Seals Camp Horizon. It was held annually from 2002 until 2016. After the 2013 flood made the Big Elbow Trail impassable, then hazardous, the event was held on Moose Mountain. The event was co-founded by John Lajeunesse and Doug Sephton. It was John’s idea. He handled operations on the trail and on the mountain. Doug did the marketing, communications and logistical development. They both solicited sponsors and raised funds. John enlisted the support of a team of guides to set up nine “outposts” to provide support, encouragement and help when needed. There was a large registration “Staging Area” near Forgetmenot Pond in the Little Elbow Recreation Area of Kananaskis. Refreshments were provided and prizes were awarded.
Money to allow special needs children an opportunity to do things they couldn’t imagine doing
In 2003 the event raised $49,000 in cash and gifts in kind. That was a significant contribution to the camp enabling them to welcome 1,200 special needs campers that year. The camp provides these children with a chance to do things they could never imagine possible. That year, there were about 40 volunteers, about a dozen major sponsors and about 110 participants. CTV was the media sponsor.
The Recreational Area is located at the confluence of the Little Elbow and the Elbow Rivers at the end of Hwy. 66, in Kananaskis, 30 km west of Bragg Creek, Alberta. The Challenge followed the Big Elbow Trail from the Staging Area, 8 km, to the “Nature Quest” Interpretive Centre and on to the “Mountain Base Camp” 13.5 km south. From there, hikers followed fair to good animal trails, 5 km, to the top of Banded Peak. Total distance (return) 37 km. Height Gain 1,416 m.
In 2002 Lajeunesse and Sephton received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for their work on the Banded Peak Challenge
Thirty guides, bike mechanics and emergency medical personnel were on the route, providing assistance. Each of the sponsored stations had a prize draw where participants could deposit the tickets they earned through their fundraising. Prizes include airplane tickets, guided outdoor adventure tours, outdoor gear and more. The Staging Area, Nature Quest Centre, three “Outposts” and a “Mountain Base Camp” were located on the bike trail. There were three “Camps” and the “Summit” on the mountain. Typically, people spent about 10 hours to complete the event, although a team of bike racers did it in under 5 hours.
Goal 1 – Nature Quest (scavenger hunt), 16 km, elev. gain 158 m, novice to intermediate bikers
Goal 2 – Mountain Base Camp, 27 km, elev. gain 408 m, intermediate to advanced
Goal 3 – Summit, 37 km, elev. gain 1,416 m, fit & experienced hike/bikers
It was a great opportunity to share a backcountry adventure in the Rocky Mountains with your friends or family.
It was the support and encouragement of Camp Horizon Directors, Diana Gallivan and Mick Howden who made it possible and made it worth doing.
The story of the 2003 Banded Peak Challenge a great readEvent Planning DocumentFAQRisk Management Plan
Risk Management Plan for an outdoor adventure event where security and safety of participants can be an issue due to difficult conditions
Nature Quest – Scavenger Hunt
The day they raised the winter gate at Elbow Falls I rushed down to get a photo of Banded Peak to use for promotional purposes. As I rounded the corner at Rainy Creek, I saw this herd of sheep. I slammed the brakes and snapped the photo just as they were about to disappear. That was when I knew this was going to work out fine.
Participants and supporters mingle in the staging area. Everyone wanted to get going at 5 AM, but by the afternoon, it was time to share stories and enjoy the comradery. We even had a few celebrities come and spice it up.
What a great way to share your love of nature and outdoor adventure. That little girl is probably 25-years-old now. I wonder how this event shaped her life?
This is the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Less than an hour from the city of Calgary. The magnificent mountain backdrop for the Challenge included Cornwall, Glasgow, Outlaw and Banded Peaks
Originally the event was held at the end of June, a time when anything can happen on the mountain. Sometimes the snow was just part of the landscape. It could also be a daunting foe. One year we had to shut down and turn people back as the conditions became dangerous.
At the time this nine-year-old was the youngest to summit. But later his younger brother summited as he was turning eight. A remarkable family. I wonder what mountains Logan is climbing now?
I think Bill was doing double duty here. As a Kananaskis Conservation Officer, he was monitoring our safety and security. As a man he wanted to be part of an important social experience.
I can’t remember the details, but Louise had a medical condition that made her resolve to get to the summit special. She is featured in the video that Pat Morrow, an internationally renowned mountaineer and videographer shot for us.
Another one of my favourite photos. Louise used a small chip of stone to write messages on rocks along the way – to encourage others to persevere. Her perseverance and the support of her dad were emblematic of the grit and determination that all participants exhibited in their own way.
Our flag on the summit. It’s emblematic of success. It follows a long tradition of mountaineers who get to the top and lay claim. John Lajeunesse, an accomplished mountaineer, planted that flag for many years. He made it seem like it was no big deal. The big deal was ensuring the safety and support for participants and providing special needs children with an opportunity to experience Camp Horizon.
But, wait a minute. They’re standing on top of the mountain in the background. Nah, don’t bother with that. Let’s join them in their celebration – of youth, of triumph and their comradery. It’s not for nothing that I assembled this image. It says it all.
One of the many things we had to do to make this work was negotiate a permit to operate. This area is a protected wild land. You can’t load up the truck, or any motorized vehicle to transport equipment down the trail. So we asked Moose Mountain Adventures to haul the stuff in on pack horses. Just another challenge – part of the Banded Peak Challenge.
Launch Event at the Royal Canadian Pacific Pavillion
You have to make a bit of a splash if you want people to notice you. So, we held our media launch event at the Royal Canadian Pacific Pavilion, next to the Palliser Hotel downtown. There were dignitaries and the whole nine yards. It was a great location and a great event.
Previous Image
Next Image
info heading
info content
Roll your mouse off and over the image to see captions. Click to enlarge.
The Banded Peak Challenge was a fund-raising event for Easter Seals Camp Horizon. It was held annually from 2002 until 2016. After the 2013 flood made the Big Elbow Trail impassable, then hazardous, the event was held on Moose Mountain. The event was co-founded by John Lajeunesse and Doug Sephton. It was John’s idea. He handled operations on the trail and on the mountain. Doug did the marketing, communications and logistical development. They both solicited sponsors and raised funds. John enlisted the support of a team of guides to set up nine “outposts” to provide support, encouragement and help when needed. There was a large registration “Staging Area” near Forgetmenot Pond in the Little Elbow Recreation Area of Kananaskis. Refreshments were provided and prizes were awarded.
