Camp Medley set to celebrate 80 years

When you turn 80 years old, there ought to be a big celebration. That’s what’s planned for Camp Medley, the diocesan camp which opened in 1945 as a place for kids to get out of the cities and back to fresh air and nature.

The 80th anniversary celebration is slated for Saturday, May 24 at the camp in Upper Gagetown. Everyone is invited, especially those with a link to the camp.

“We’re hoping to see people who have had a connection to Camp Medley in the past or even now,” said director John Galbraith. “Campers, parents, staff, volunteers — anyone who shares a love of Camp Medley.”

According to the tentative plan, the day will include a worship service, live music, memorabilia, food, tours and more. Accommodations will be available for those needing or wanting to stay the night.

“The intent of the day is to help people reconnect with camp life,” said John. “We’re looking to create a day to help rekindle memories, renew old friendships and help people feel there is a place for them at Camp Medley even in 2025 — by attending camp, praying for campers and staff, by financially supporting campership to ease the pressure on parents, or helping fund infrastructure.

“Often people have happy camp memories. They’ve grown through Camp Medley, through the people they met, and their encounters with God.”

While visitors will find upgraded buildings and lots of new toys for campers to have fun with, the aim of camp has not changed in 80 years, and that is to share the love and promises of God to kids who might not hear about God anywhere else.

If readers have any memorabilia from camp — crafts, photos, t-shirts — they’d like to show off, they’re asked to contact John (director@campmedley.ca) . As well, if readers have stories from camp they’d like to share, please send them to this address:  friends@campmedley.ca .

POOL FUNDRAISER
The May 24th event is more than a walk down memory lane. It’s also a fundraiser for a maintenance storage facility and new pool that is sorely needed. 

The pool, predicted to last 30 years, is now 60 years old, and needs near-constant repair. There is no onsite storage or maintenance facility to speak of, and with more gear and boats, a secure storage facility is vital. Having a place to repair what breaks is also needed.

The total project has a price tag of $2.8 million.

The plans call for a state-of-the-art pool that will accommodate and be accessible to the whole community: campers, seniors, families, and water sport teams. It will have a climbing wall, water toys, beach entrance, shallow pool, 25-metre lap pool and full bathroom facilities.

The aim is to open the pool to the community at certain hours, as the local area does not have a public pool. It would be built close to the camp entrance to limit visitors’ access to the rest of the camp.

John has met with many groups and individuals throughout the fall to find funding sources. Requests are out, and more will go out. They’ve received a letter of support from the regional municipality of Arcadia, within which Camp Medley is situated.

“We encourage people to go to the website, www.campmedley.ca  to donate,” said John. “They can donate one time, or sign up for monthly donations. Every little bit helps. 

“If a bunch of people give a little, it goes a long way. We cannot build without the finances. It can’t happen without you.”

Camp Medley is located on the banks of the St. John River at 168 Gunter Hill Road, Upper Gagetown, just two minutes from exit 330 on Route 2, the Trans-Canada Highway.

PHOTO CAPTIONS
1. Computer generated view of the proposed pool.
2. Cabin leaders race in their cabins' DIY pirate boats. The current pool is 60 years old and long past its expected lifespan.
3. An entry in the Camp Medley Canada Day parade.
4. The slip and slide is a fun way to keep cool on a hot day.
All photos courtesy of Emma Burke