Camps gear up for summer programs

While we sit and wait for spring weather, there are devoted people with much more on their minds — summer, or more precisely, summer camp.

CAMP MEDLEY
It’s Camp Medley’s 80th anniversary, and director John Galbraith is busy with the May 24 festivities to which everyone is invited.

While that’s a big undertaking, there is also a summer of fun to prepare for. 

This summer, a new camp will debut.

“Drama camp replaces Medley Makers. It sort of morphed into drama along the way,” said John, adding this change makes it official.

Campers have been enjoying the addition of three large inflatable water toys during the past few years. This year they will have a water trampoline to play on in the St. John River. 

“It’s 17 feet in diameter,” said John. 

Emma Burke will return as assistant director, as will about 18 of 25 staff. Having returning staff helps with the camp continuity, plus the training and mentoring of new hires, said John.

All interviews are conducted over Zoom. John interviewed one young woman from Ontario this year who told him she had begun going to church two years ago. He got a surprise when he learned it was Compass Church, pastored by Andrew Gordon.

“Andrew and I were roommates at Ontario Bible College a long time ago!” said John.

John is hoping to have eight or 10 LITs (leaders in training) this year, which helps with staffing in the coming years. 

Registration for camps is open on the camp website (www.campmedley.ca) so kids can see what’s offered and secure their place. 

CAMP BROOKWOOD
“The committee that cares for Camp Brookwood is reviewing applications for summer staff, prioritizing the repair work, and racking their brains to plan the best year ever,” said the Rev. Harold Boomer, part of that committee. 

“We rely on the Rev. Chris Ketch to strong-arm our clergy into giving their time as chaplains throughout the season.”

Six camps, for kids from ages five to 13, will run from July 6 to Aug. 15. 

Harold sums up the preparations for camp this way:

“Society continues to change and so we must change with it, acknowledging the demands on our children, their security and safety, while encouraging them to embrace nature, get dirty, get wet, swat bugs, have fun and find God, not looking down at them from Heaven, but walking with them, each day of their lives.”

And while Camp Brookwood is not the fanciest, most modern summer camp one could choose, it does have authenticity, said Harold.  

“Brookwood has had a long history in the Upper Valley, and it will continue to fill the needs of those who come to camp with us, wading in the brook, hiking on the trails, praying in the chapel and making friends that will last a lifetime,” he said.

Visit www.campbrookwood.ca to register.

John wants to encourage readers, ACWs, other church groups and anyone with a heart for kids to consider a donation to help send a kid to camp. 

Brookwood’s camper fee is $250, with the shorter Welcome to Camp for the youngest at $150. Camp Medley’s camp fee is just under $400. 

Photo captions:
1. Camp Brookwood's firepit is a popular place to spend time with friends.
2. Campers prepare for canoeing and kayaking on the St. John River at Camp Medley. 
3. Brooking — exploring and enjoying the nearby creek — is a popular pastime at Camp Brookwood.
4. Chapel time at Camp Medley. 
Submitted photos