Applications open for summer youth group program

Making trails, building a new rope course, repairing cabins and enjoying a week in beautiful New Brunswick—these are the things awaiting youth groups that want to do service with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Canada this summer.

“We are inviting youth groups to come to Atlantic Canada to help us fix up a Bible camp,” said Murray Bunnett of the MDS Atlantic Unit. “It’s a great opportunity to see another part of the country and do something to help others.”

Youth will be serving at Camp Shiktehawk, located northwest of Fredericton near the Maine border. 

The camp, which is owned by the Northwest Association of Baptist Churches, serves about 600 to 700 campers every year.

While at the camp, youth will do siding, flooring and foundation work on cabins, build bunk beds, create new trails and do maintenance on current ones, and build a new rope course.

They will stay in a motel at the camp and have use of a private space for themselves for after-hours activities, said camp director Jon MacDonald.

“We’re looking forward to having them with us,” he said, adding the youth will have access to the rock wall, swimming pool, current rope course and trails during their week-long stays.

“It’s a really nice spot with a stream and rolling hills,” he said. “They’ll enjoy their time—we’re a laid-back, friendly and easy-going group.”

The MDS Canada summer youth program takes place this year from July 3 to 30. It is designed to give youth groups a chance to serve with MDS Canada. Youth must be 15 years of age and older to participate.