Family Camp a perennial favourite at Medley

Ashley Perry of Moncton remembers exactly when she began attending Family Camp at Camp Medley. It was four years ago.

“That was the year I got sober,” she said. “Mom brought the kids before that.”

Now she attends each year. She’d been a Medley camper since childhood, what she calls “a lifer.”

But it’s not just nostalgia that keeps her coming back each August with her children.

“It’s the village that’s here, the people. It’s away from the city, quiet. I see a bit of my childhood when we come here.”

But that tradition of coming to Camp Medley year after year isn’t just for adults.

“My parents brought me here when I was born,” said Sophie Morell, 13. “My parents met here and started dating. They were counsellors.”

Family Camp used to be held in late June, but has since moved to the New Brunswick Day long weekend — the first weekend in August — and it set an attendance record this year of 80 campers. 

Families use cabins or bring their own tents or trailers, set up and have a relaxing weekend with activities for themselves and the kids, but with a much slower pace than regular camps.

“Family camp is a lot more chill,” said Sophie. “I do Adventure Camp and it’s always very scheduled and very organized. This is looser.”

Val Phinney and her husband, the Rev. Eric Phinney, have been coming since 1994.

“David was one year old,” she said of their son. “Our family has been chaplains, cooks, counsellors, maintenance.
“My grandchildren are working here now. It truly is family camp.

“Camp Medley has always allowed people to discover Jesus in whatever way they could. It’s never pushy — and we can bring our dogs.”

Mariia Kovalenko discovered Family Camp using Google. She wanted a place where she and her family could spend some time outdoors.

Originally from Ukraine, the Dieppe family has been in Canada nine years.

“We came last year the first time. I enjoyed it. I like the activities. We brought two more families this year, both from Ukraine.”

When the NB Anglican visited, carnival activities were on the schedule, with an assortment of activities: face painting, pillow fights, tug of war, golf putting, and pin the tail on the donkey. Kids earned shekels for participating, and once they had enough, they could trade them for a gold shekel. 

The gold shekel was highly prized, because it allowed you to throw a water balloon at anyone you wanted.

The Rev. Mike Caines was the chaplain at Family Camp, his third time. He and camp director John Galbraith have a barter system in place: Mike helps out at Family Camp, and John lets his parish use the facilities for retreats in the off season.

“But it’s great too, because all the kids watch your kids. It’s a good way to spend vacation time,” he said.

Assistant camp director Emma Burke was pleased with the attendance.

“We love that we have new families this year, as well as returning families,” she said. “The sailings have been really good, and the water toys are popular.”

But nothing can compare to having your own go kart with which to speed around camp. The pedal cars were new last year and have proven to be wildly popular.

“They park them at meals, at chapel. They’re everywhere!” said Emma.

Two retired priests, Eric Phinney and David Peer, again brought their sailboats to give daily sailings during Family Camp. 

On Sunday afternoon, Aug. 2, Eric’s boat, Tevah, plied the waters of the St. John River with several children and adults aboard.

This is his third year offering sailings, with everyone enjoying them. Both he and David offer two family cruises a day, but in the evenings, they do an adult cruise with wine and cheese, which is very popular.

“This is the life of retired clergy!” he said. 

Photo captions:
1. The Rev. Eric Phinney at the helm of Tevah, with Jeannie Donald and Ashley Perry at left enjoying a cruise up the St. John River near Camp Medley.
2. Matthew Griffin was on face painting duty during Family Camp. Here he is with camper Georgia Eldridge, 2. 
3. The Tuck Shop is always a popular place for campers. Here Stephanie Paull, Chantale Brooks, Julian Brooks and Marie-Hélène Morell enjoy a snack on a lazy afternoon at Family Camp.
4. Sophie Morell and Isabel Phinney in a pillow fight, watched by Fiona Morell. 
McKnight photos