Our History

Camp Abegweit 1946-2017 (a brief historical summary)

Camp Abegweit was established and operated by the Maritime Religious Education Council (MREC) in response to the growing interest in youth work following World War II by the United Church of Canada and the United Baptist Churches.

The property, 13 acres, for the Camp was purchased from Mrs. Edward MacFadgen for $100.00. Work on building the first Lodge, which included the dining room (45X22), kitchen, and two cabins, began on June 15, 1946. The 1st Lodge faced the Northumberland Straight 100 feet away. Sadly, the land on which the Lodge was built has been surrendered to the sea. Tables, benches, and cots were purchased from the army surplus in Debert, NS, and for several years, campers were housed in rented Bell Tents. Money to purchase the land, build the lodge and purchase supplies came from: $2500.00 from the MREC; and $3,500.00 from local congregations and individuals- half of this amount being raised by the Island Young People's Union (youth aged 18-25). When the dedication of the property and Lodge took place on July 2, 1946, the Camp had $29.22 left in its account.

During these early years, the leadership provided by Rev. Jud Levy, minister at First Baptist Church in Charlottetown, and Rev. Austin Jardine, minister at the Tryon United Church, and Anna (Mrs. T.J.) Humphrey proved to be very important. Mrs. Humphrey served as Secretary to the Camp Board for the first 25 years of its existence. She assumed the task of equipping the kitchen and dining hall with dishes and cooking equipment, and for years was responsible for ordering groceries.

In 1961, the MREC was disbanded, and ownership and responsibility for the Camp shifted to a local Board composed of members from the United Baptist congregations and the United Church of Canada. In 1966, the United Baptist sold its interest in the Camp to the United Church of Canada, PEI Presbytery, for $2,000.00 so they could consolidate their efforts at Camp Seggie.

The new Camp Abegweit Board, formed in 1966, consisted of 6 people appointed by the Presbytery, 2 by the United Church Men, 2 by the United Church Women, 1 youth member, and 1 member from the Church Extension Board.

In 1966, $3,725.00 was allocated to the Pastoral Charges in the Presbytery to carry out much-needed repairs and build new cabins. During the 1950s and 60s, volunteers staffed the Camp, and the program was segregated into different weeks for boys and girls. In the late 70's, Camp Abegweit became co-ed. In 1966, there were 305 campers and 59 volunteer leaders.

In 1976-77, a new Camp Lodge with a combined kitchen, dining room, and recreation in one building was established farther from the shoreline and on the East side of the property, next to the woods. This building served until the present Lodge was built and opened in 2009.

The Rev. Che's Boutilier spearheaded this project. This $80,000.00 project was completed with help from government winter works grants, a $6,000.00 grant from the Presbytery, and a loan from the Church Extension Board.  

The new lodge offered the Camp the opportunity to develop a year-round camping program, which continued until 1987, when it ended as a cost-saving measure.

Over the years, new cabins have been built to replace older cabins built in the 40's and 50's by the congregation from O'Leary to Montague. A new shower house, bathrooms, septic system, and basketball court were built by friends of the Camp who have raised money to whittle down loans and help purchase much-needed equipment.

There have been periods of success and positive gains. For example, the most recent Capital Campaign, headed by Senator Callbeck, which raised ...., allowed us to build a new lodge----, a recreational building...., cabins... duck ponds ..... And carry out work to protect the beach...

And there have been years of struggle when it was not known if the Camp would survive. Numbers have ranged from 545 (1999) to 135 (2009). Over the past few years, our numbers have settled around 220.

At times, our buildings have served us well. Currently, we are in great shape. At times, they have been health hazards waiting to happen. We must maintain our facilities. Hence, the health and safety of our campers and staff are a priority for the Board.

Since the mid-90's, the Camp has been staffed by young people hired for the Summer. We expect so much of our staff, and the job is extremely demanding. The Camp Board, volunteers and staff greatly appreciate the service and leadership the staff have provided and the leadership they have given to campers.

Camp Abegweit is what it is today because, over the years, "Friends" have given countless hours of their time and expertise to the Camp by serving on the Board and volunteering on behalf of the Camp. The Camp is also indebted to the ongoing support it receives from the United Church congregations, the PEI Presbytery, the Church Extension Board, the Maritime Conference, and, most of all, generous individual benefactors.