Conquering the heat at Camp Medley

Summer camp was well underway by mid-July when the NB Anglican visited Camp Medley.

There were plenty of new toys and activities at the camp this summer — pedal bikes, a cotton candy machine, carnival games — but with the searing heat, probably the most popular upgrade was the heat pumps in the dining hall.

Before this, the St. John River and the pool were the only places campers and staff could cool down. 

During the heat wave in mid-July, staff had to be extra vigilant in limiting the amount of running campers did in their activities, hold lots of water games and provide plenty of water to drink.

“We also have lots of fans in the cabins,” said assistant camp director Emma Burke. “And having air conditioning in the dining hall is so helpful.”

There were about 70 campers onsite during our visit. The numbers were good, but there were still vacancies and campers signing up through July.

“We had five new registrations last weekend for teen camp,” said Emma. “Many kids come for one week and then sign up for a second one.”

The plan for adventure camp this year was a canoe journey starting at the Burton Bridge to Casey’s Campground across the river from the camp, then to an island in the river and back to camp — a three-day, two-night adventure.

This year’s staff is split almost equally between newcomers and returnees. Many staff had their first introduction as campers years before and kept coming back.

This is Emma’s fifth summer at camp. Now a math and science teacher with two years experience and a B-contract, she keeps returning during her summers off — for one reason.

“If it was just because I love the place, that wouldn’t be enough,” she said. “It’s because of God that I come back. This fills my cup.

“Last week, I had a kid tell me he encountered God,” she said. “He was so happy and wanted to tell everyone. 
“We know we’re making a difference. It’s a safe place to be, to learn about God.”

She feels privileged to see kids, as well as staff, returning each summer, seeing them grow physically and spiritually. 

She points to the example of a young man named Matt. He was a conferee at St. Michael’s Youth Conference last year, held at the camp. The camp staff had such an impact on him that he applied this year and was hired. 

Emma hopes that when campers leave, they take not only a new sense of God with them, but a sense of belonging.

“It’s a feeling of community,” she said. “Here they are special, safe and loved. Obviously they are having fun, but that comes naturally when you feel safe and loved.”

When Friday afternoon comes each week, it’s bittersweet for both staff and campers.

“You get attached to these kids!” she said.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:
1. Campers cheer their cabin leaders on in the boat race in the pool.
2. Chapel for Boys & Girls camp 3 & Adventure camp 2, with Ella Corey on violin.
3. Camper Tayo is all ready to get in a kayak at hit the river.
4. Assistant director Emma Burke in a photo taken by camper.

Emma Burke photos