Year-round director appointed for Camp Medley

Diocese of Fredericton Bishop Claude Miller is pleased to announce the appointment of Liz Harding as year-round, part time director of Camp Medley, an Anglican youth camp in upper Gagetown.

“The camp is in the midst of a spectacular upgrade and we are anxious to make sure this wonderful new resource is well run and well used,” says Bishop Miller. “A brand new main hall with state-of-the-art kitchen facilities and a dining area will be up and running for the 2007 summer camping season. Like the new cabins we built two years ago, the open and airy Australian design of the new building makes it incredibly efficient and functional.”

With more than a million dollars in upgrades in the past few years and another $300,000 renovation planned for the near future, the 60-year-old summer camp is now a three-season facility.

“Where once a seasonal director on a three-month contract was sufficient to oversee the camp programming, now the camp needs the year-round attention of a professional,” says Bishop Miller. “Mrs. Harding, with her vast experience in Christian camping and intimate knowledge of the diocese through her position as Christian education director, was the obvious choice.”

“I am thrilled that Bishop Miller asked me to build on the faithful work that has been a part of Medley for the past 60 years,” says Mrs. Harding, who has devoted more than two decades to Christian education including a 12-year stint as both director of Christian education and director of a Christian youth camp in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.

“I have been involved in the Medley programs for the past three summers and blessed to watch young people deepen in their Christian faith as well as enjoy the immense fun that is such an important part of life at camp.

“With the new facilities come opportunities to expand our programs and continue to meet the needs of all the children who come to Camp Medley, regardless of their circumstances and background. It will also be a privilege to work with the young adults on staff. I want to help them see and develop their unique leadership styles, to build a leadership team by using their unique talents. We will meet in small groups to study the Bible, pray, solve problems, disciple and encourage one another. As we develop a community of the faithful we will lead a camp that honors all who attend.”

In light of the camp’s new facilities and expanded focus, the diocese recently instituted a new governance model. Not only does it replace the seasonal director with a year-round, part-time director, it replaces one volunteer board of directors with two administration committees, one for programming and the other for facilities.

“With two knowledgeable and dedicated committees we can develop a comprehensive plan that will see our magnificent facilities used for retreats, training events, team development workshops and other events on the shoulders of the summer camping season,” says Mrs. Harding.

Mrs. Harding assumed her new position on March 1.