Page 3 - Giv'er Miramichi magazine - Summer 2019

Camp Sheldrake - Building Leaders and lasting

Friendships for 20 years By David Lavoie, Chair, Camp Sheldrake, Board of Directors

Camp Sheldrake is an overnight outdoor adventure
summer camp for youth and teens that offers leadership
building, hiking, archery, canoeing, arts and crafts and so
much more. It is situated on 150 acres in Bartibog, boasts
two waterfronts, several kilometers of woodland trails and
overlooks the beautiful Miramichi River. The site has a
climbing and rappelling wall, a zip line and a challenging
ropes course. Although it is a Catholic based camp, kids from
all denominations attend each year and many return each
summer and form lasting friendships. This year it is
celebrating it’s 20th year of existence.
The camp, which takes its name from nearby Sheldrake
Island, got its start in 1998 when Bunny (Bernard) Dempsey,
Patrick Daley, Bernard Williams, and a small handful of
individuals had an idea to transform an area in Bartibog into
a camp for children. in 2012 and again in 2013, later became the health and
Thanks to the dedication of many volunteers, support wellness coordinator, assistant director and this year has been
from community organizations, many individuals and hired as the camp director. She brings with her a high
passionate caring staff, it is estimated that over 1200 children confidence level, enthusiasm, great camp experience and a
have benefited from the confidence building and leadership love for children and the camp. She credits the camp
training that the camp offers. Many return each summer and experience with other successes in her life such as leadership
a number are trained and work as counsellors and camp roles she held in university, travelling and working as a nanny
directors. One such person is Hilary Whitney who is this in the Netherlands. “Without Camp Sheldrake I would not
year’s camp director. Hilary is a perfect example of the have accomplished the things that I have and without these
lasting affect that the camp has on those who attend. experiences I would not be who I am today.”
Hilary attended Camp Sheldrake for the first time in 2008 Hilary (camp nickname Shadow) is only one of many
as a camper, at the age of 15. “Growing up I was always very kids who have been transformed by the power of acceptance,
shy, and didn’t have much self-esteem. When I came to camp leadership and spiritual based training that kids receive at the
that first summer it was no surprise that I had trouble making camp in a fun, safe environment.
new friends. I liked everyone, and they seemed to like me, Twenty years ago, men and women on the Miramichi
but I found it hard to make that friendship bond with my had a vision of creating this opportunity for children and,
peers. The staff made that week at camp so special for me. since that time, many volunteers and supporters have made
They had this incredible way of making you feel as though that vision a reality through many hours of volunteer work
they were your friends, but still also your camp counsellor.” and donations. Hilary, and other young adults, who have
From a shy, timid camper with difficulty making new benefited from the camp experience will ensure that vision
friends back in 2008, Hilary joined the staff as a counsellor continues to be a reality for kids for years to come.

Cover Photo: John Hayward took this photo at East Point looking up-river towards Loggieville at sunset.

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