People will walk down memory lane this weekend as Borland Lodge celebrates its 50th year.
In the late 1960s, the campsite was known as Pig Creek Hostel and was a temporary home for Manapouri power scheme workers in 1969.
Workers constructed pylons to carry power from Fiordland to the Tiwai Point aluminum smelter, which was under construction.
Campsites were placed in West Arm, South Arm, Pig Creek, Winton and Tiwai Point for the workers to stay in while they worked on the project.
Borland Lodge Adventure and Education Trust life member John McHugh was one of the power scheme labourers.
"I predominantly worked in Winton, but I spent some time on machines transporting and operating out of [Pig] Creek in the late 1960s," he said.
Once the project was complete, the huts at most sites were removed but Pig Creek Hostel remained.
"It was handed over to the Southland Youth Adventure Trust in 1972, which focused on outdoor education for secondary pupils.
"As the years have gone by, the trust changed its name to the Borland Lodge Adventure and Education Trust.
"It caters to youth and young people."
Throughout the years, the camp became known for the outdoor opportunities it offered groups — climbing, kayaking, fishing, walks and tramping.
The campsite was upgraded in 2007 and the traditional huts were replaced with facilities more suitable for schools, including new chalets, an eco-centre, a kitchen and a social room.
It gave Mr McHugh pleasure to see young people benefiting from their experiences at the camp 50 years later.
"It is a huge asset to Southland and the people around.
"Being a part of the workers’ group all those years back and then seeing it utilised by the youth of the area ... gives you a bit of a buzz when you hear the positive feedback."
Trust patron David O’Brien was involved from 1993-2014.
As a neighbouring farmer in the 1960s, he recalled the progression of Borland Lodge.
"I lived in the area not too far from the camp and have been there all my life.
"I watched it go from ... empty tussocks and flax bush area to the construction camp for the men, and now the Borland we know today."
The facilities of the camp were given to the people of Southland and he looked forward to celebrating the 50 years.
"The trust’s vision at the time of redevelopment of the facilities was to provide [a] comfortable, well-managed ... [and] financially sustainable lodge that maximises outdoor education, eco-tourism and general recreation for the Southland community and visitors of the region.
"[Fifty years is] an achievement worth marking because it is a part of Southland and there are now the third generation of students going through."
Trust chairman Grant Hubber said the celebration would begin after the trust’s annual general meeting this Sunday.
"It will be a nice afternoon tea and there will be a couple of speakers who have been long associates with the camp.
"There will be the cutting of the cake and then people can wander around the facility."
He acknowledged camp volunteers, managers, community trusts, organisations and clubs for their support over the years — especially in the recent times with the struggles of Covid-19.
"A lot of people have put a lot of work into keeping the place open, so there’s a lot of people’s heart in it.
"It’s quite an achievement to know Borland Lodge has been running for 50 years, and we are looking forward to celebrating it."
