Two week-long diocesan camps set for a busy time
Choir School back in full force this summer
Diocesan Choir School is back, with a full eight-day program, which has not been the case since 2019.
“It’s a full week,” said co-director Mary Louise Belyea. “It’s the first time in six years.”
The group is hoping for a good turnout for their rebuilding year, following a few years with no choir school, and an abbreviated version since the pandemic.
The camp will be held July 6-13 at Rothesay Netherwood School. Kids from eight years to 17 are invited.
Adults 18 and older will join the group on the Thursday of the busy week, with the entire ensemble presenting an Evensong at Trinity Church in Saint John on Sunday, July 13 at 3:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
This year’s leaders will be Spencer Belyea leading the children, and Joel Tranquilla returning to lead the adults. Gibson MacMillan will be the accompanist.
This is year 18 for Mary Louise, 26. In fact, she has a few more years she can brag about.
“I actually started going when my mom was pregnant with me,” she said.
For kids who’ve never been to choir school before, a love of music is the prerequisite.
“We’re looking for kids who love to sing, are creative, who love to play games and make friends,” said Mary Louise. “Any kid with a spirit for music. I’ve made lifelong friends there that I talk to every single day.”
As for adults, she’s looking for people with a passion for singing and being part of a community.
In case you think you are too old for choir school, last year saw a 94-year-old attend for the first time, said Mary Louise.
Music is not the only activity of the week.
“It’s not the traditional camp experience because we live in the dorms, but we have lots of games, yummy snacks, making friends and having a good time,” said Mary Louise.
“We love to include what normal camps have, like tuck, movies, dance, and circle time, but I feel there’s something extra. To make music with your friends is such a wonderful experience.”
Circle time is an evening event, something akin to a campfire experience, where everyone gathers outside for songs, games and fun.
“Then we all sing Kumbaya and go to bed,” said Mary Louise.
Choir school needs some 17-year-olds (and older) to act as counsellors for the week.
“They’re there to have fun and make sure no one gets hurt,” she said.
Those interested should visit the website to register. Bursaries are available for those who need help to get there.
Visit them on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/121354914558579/
Visit the website to register. https://www.anglicanchoirschool.org/
SMYC set for a week of learning and fun
This is another rebuilding year for St. Michael’s Youth Conference, which will be held Aug. 18-23 at Camp Wildwood, near Bouctouche, N.B.
“Last year, we had 11 [conferees], up from the COVID years,” said Sarah Stevenson, administrator and project manager of SMYC. “We hope to continue to build on that.”
The camp is for teens ages 13 to 19 who enjoy learning about such topics as spirituality, church history and the bible.
In case you think it’s all study and no play, each day has fun built into the schedule.
“Afternoons are spent doing more traditional camp activities,” said Sarah.
There’s a beach day, canoeing, kayaking, archery, a climbing wall, nature walks, a movie night and more. And there are the near-legendary water basketball games to look forward to.
STAFF
“I’m excited about the staff this year,” said Sarah.
The Rev. Colin Nicolle, who serves in PEI, will return for a second year as the director.
“He has one year under his belt, which was his first camp experience. He liked it. It was a leap of faith for him last year.”
Other staff include Archbishop David Edwards, Sue Careless, the Rev. Canon Gerry Laskey, the Rev. Chris Ketch, Alan Hall, the Rev. Dr. Gary Thorne, Elizabeth King, Brenda O’Connor, Sarah herself, and the Rev. Canon Ross Hebb, who will be team teaching with the Rev. Benjamin Lee of Nova Scotia.
“I’m team teaching with Brenda O’Connor,” she said. “The topic is music and worship. We’re both alumni of Diocesan Choir School.
“I’m excited about Gary Thorne coming. He was a member of the original St. Michael’s staff in 1987, but he hasn’t been back until now.”
St. Michael’s has received financial support from the Anglican Foundation of Canada, the Diocese of Fredericton, the Crake Foundation and the Segelberg Trust, all of which help to attract the staff and keep costs down for kids wanting to attend.
For those interested, visit the website, St. Michael's Youth Conference, for a brochure and registration.
Photo captions:
1. Bishop David Edwards always finds himself surrounded by kids at St. Michael's Youth Conference. With them is the Rev. Terence Chandra. McKnight file photo
2. Rehearsal at Diocesan Choir School (2024) under the direction of Joel Tranquilla. McKnight file photo
3. Last year's members of Diocesan Choir School. Submitted photo
4. Water basketball is always a popular recreational pastime at St. Michael's Youth Conference. Sue Careless photo