Camp Teckla

Teckla Dawn Anderson was born September 27th, 1980 in the Stettler hospital. She attended the Halkirk school from grade one to nine, actively participating in all sports. She was proud to be chosen as a member of the Zone 4 basketball team which competed in the 1995 Summer Games in Stony Plain. When it came to grade ten, her love of basketball and drama led her to the Wm. E. Hay High School in Stettler where she became a Lady Wildcat. Reuniting with former teammate Leighann Doan, also from Halkirk, they reached the 1996 Provincial playoffs in Red Deer.

The family received an outpouring of support, sympathy and donations from the community. It was suggested that the money be used for something connected to her favorite sport, basketball. Instead of a scholarship which would only benefit one child per year, it was decided to launch the Teckla Anderson memorial basketball camp. With the help of teachers Rod McElroy, Neil Pinder and her coach, Kim Poapst the camp has completed its 11th year. The name "Camp Teckla" was suggested by Rod McElroy because it sounded fun and Teckla loved to have fun. Over 1700 students from grades one to twelve have been a part of this camp to date.

Among the students attending through the years have been Teckla's sister , Desirae and brother, Carter, as well as several of her cousins from across Alberta. Much of the coaching of younger students, the snacks and the gathering of donations for prizes are done by Teckla's family.

We lost Teckla eight years ago, and when I bring her image into my mind, I always hear her laugh first. She laughed freely, crazily, loudly and frequently. You would always know if she was present, even if you hadn't actually seen her. Teckla's laughter and free-spirited personality touched the lives of everyone she met.

"I had the privilege of being Best Friends with Teckla. We always seemed to be on an adventure or planning for the next one. Teckla was the type of friend that would do anything for you and was always there to listen, and give her honest advice. We had so many good times together. None of which will ever be forgotten. I am the person I am today because of our friendship."

For those who didn't get the opportunity to meet Teckla, she was so full of life and energy. For those who had met her once, or known her all her life, they will remember her forever. Teckla was an amazing friend, team-mate and outstanding athlete. Not only did she love basketball but she also loved kids. Her family was very important to her and she also treated her friend's family as her own. I am very privileged to have known "Teck" and had a friend so true and loving. She has changed my life and has given me many great memories that I will cherish forever.

"My favorite picture of Teckla. Teckla was a wonderful player to coach. She brought life to the floor and definitely to early morning practices! She not only was a strength to her team but also to our school. Teckla was the mascot for the 1997 Volleyball Provincials held in Stettler. I don't remember the volleyball but I do remember Teckla mooning our principal Mr. McDavid. The look on his face was priceless. Teckla left a big void in our lives. Coaching the following year without Teckla was a challenge. I was pregnant with our third child and my due date was March 11th, 1998. This was the same date that Teckla was taken from us the year previous. Kyle Bev Poapst entered our world March 11th, 1998 and continually says today "I was special to Teckla!" Your spirit lives on Teckla and you would be so proud of your "Camp Teckla"

Teckla shooting in three point land against Rocky Mountain House in a league game. Mike Hanson, a classmate of Teckla's developed the computerize silhouette of Teckla from the photo shown. This is the picture proudly displayed on the back of our t-shirts.