A lively group of campers and their leaders arrived on Sunday July 5 ready for an active week of worship, study, swimming, canoeing and crafts at Camp Wegesegum’s Junior Coed Camp.

The words “Aloha”, “Agape”. “Unbuto” “Shalom” “Be Still”, and “Heiwa” are the themes of the individual camping days that make up this Peace Talks Camp. They reflect the attitudes of hospitality, love, reconciliation, peace, empowerment, and harmony that engender individual peace, peace within community and the world. As the campers focus on biblical stories from both the Old and New Testament they are learning how faith in God brings peace in their own lives and practicing how to live out that learning in their relationships with one another in the camping community.

Co-directors Janet Wells of Halifax and Jennifer Niles of Moncton, both professional teachers, offered guidance to a crew of talented counsellors. Sarah Arsenault, from Sydney, Cape Breton, is a former camper and CIT now counsellor who appreciates their leadership. “Both Janet and Jennifer are really great with the kids and are always having fun along with the campers”, she offers.

Anne Scott of Hampton is the resident “Camp Grandmother”. She is there for the campers – to ease a homesick one’s fears, help the shy camper find courage to make new friends or give individual attention to the one that needs it. Assisting with the program, planning Vespers or pitching in the kitchen might all be part of her busy day before she begins her night rounds helping to tuck her “grandkids for the week” in.

Camper Noah Smith of New Maryland, a returning camper, counts canoeing as one of his favourite activities. Always curious, he and canoe companions discovered an orange stripped turtle on their paddle. They brought the turtle up to the lodge to show him off before releasing him back near the river. Noah’s creativity is put to work in the craft lodge where he made a dog resembling his own dog, Chucky who, unfortunately, he had to leave at home.

Meelahn Scott- Weabury of Darling’s Island is enjoying her first time camping at Wegie. She has enjoyed the nature crafts and will be taking home a melt bead heart to hang in her bedroom to remind her of her camping days. Lifeguard Todd Arseneult overseas the swimming activities also a favourite of Meelahn’s. Meelahn’s mother, grandparents and great grandparents are all Wegesegum alumni.

The Junior Coed Camp is one of three camps being offered by the Board this year. Day Camp for age 6 and up will run from Monday to Friday the last week of August. The registration is $75.00. The popular Adult Camp for those 50 and over will be offered from September 6-11 at a cost of $110.00. Rental Camps this summer include four Water Ski Camps, and a CGI T Camp.