A video of trash that a group of B.C. campers left behind at the Jones Lake campsite has gone viral.
The footage was shared on TikTok earlier this week from the perspective of Jones Lake Park Warden Blaine Watson. In the video, Watson tours the beach near the park, showing what was left behind. During the video, Watson said there were multiple grad classes at the park, along with other commentary about the area’s trash-ridden condition.
“The new generation, I guess,” the warden says during the video.
@blaine640 grad class 2025 Jones Lake #camping #mountains #hiking ♬ original sound – Blaine Watson
The warden also approached some other visitors, who said that some people stayed behind to try to clean up.
It appears that the campers involved responded to the video, trying to rationalize their actions. One person who claimed to be involved said, “We’re sorry but we had no room in our cars and it was pouring it’s not like we can just take all the garbage back to Seaquam Secondary.”
In response, someone commented that they should’ve made a trip back to clean up. The student replied, “Why would I do extra work?”
Someone else said, “I am from Seaquam Secondary and it was NOT our fault the rain made it too hard to pick up our garbage and we assumed you have people to clean it up.”
Needless to say, other viewers did not take kindly to those comments.
One TikTok user responded, “The kids in the comments trying to defend themselves… STOP. Rain is not an excuse to not pick up your garbage?? Why was it all over the place??”
Someone else said the scene was, “So sad and disrespectful!!”
The Delta School District isn’t pleased about the incident.
Delta School District responds
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After learning that the students who left trash behind at the campsite were from Delta schools, we contacted the Delta School District, which had a few words to share about the incident.
The district shared that students were from Delta Secondary and Seaquam Secondary schools. None of the events were school-sanctioned, and no members of the school staff were involved or present.
“Although this was not a school-authorized event, school administrators are actively investigating to determine who may be responsible for the damage. This process will take time as we work to gather accurate information,” the district said.
“The aftermath of this incident is harmful not only to the campground but to the reputations of secondary schools and their grads of 2025. As a district, we are disappointed by this selfish and irresponsible behaviour, which does not reflect the values we strive to instill in students – respect for others, for the environment, and for our community.”
The district also commended a small group of students who tried to stay behind and clean up the mess.
“We also recognize that the vast majority of students at both schools are just as upset by this incident as the broader community. It’s unfortunate that it reflects very badly on both school communities, regardless of direct involvement.”
The district urges parents and caregivers to speak to their kids about the importance of responsible behaviour.
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