Clergy-The Chaplain Quarter’s at Brookwood is waiting for “YOU”

By Rev. Douglas Painter

The chaplains quarters, “Lazarus,” is equipped with a toilet and shower.  Just looking at the pictures of this cabin shows the love and Faithfulness.

It is a luxury cabin, and from someone who absolutely hates camping, that is a very real compliment. With two beds, a full washroom, a massive desk, TV/VCR/DVD and a working Fridge this is not camping like you think.  It is also so far away from the Cabins that you have complete privacy and quiet.  This is also not an exaggeration.

Brookwood caters to children who come from a variety of backgrounds.  The board takes pride that no child will be turned away due to economic issues.  Many children receive full sponsorship and there are no questions asked.  My parishioners give so very generously just to send children they do not know to camp… but not just any camp, but to a Christian Camp.  That content comes mainly from the “Sessions” in the morning (3 sessions 9am-12pm) and the evening Chapel Time (6:15pm or 8pm depending on the day).  The presence of chaplains is essential, not only to support the team and leadership but mainly these children many of who never go to church!  This is a mission and I fully support Brookwood.  Camp Medley and the local Camp Shiktehawk cater to much larger crowds and children who work well in larger groups.  Brookwood caters to children who work well with closer connections and smaller groups.  This brings me to a comment made by two girl in one of my chapel sessions.

They said, “Camp Brookwood is a real camp.”  I asked why they said that.  They went on to explain that they had gone to Shiktehawk and it seemed to them, and I tell no lies with this, that it was like an amusement park. “They have a water park and human bowling… I didn’t like it,” said one little girl,  “I like Brookwood, because the counsellor cares about me.” AMEN!!! That was such a profound moment for me.  This child articulated exactly what Brookwood has been trying to articulate for so very long, this camp cares about the individual, with little distraction and a focus on children not “stuff.”

Brookwood is a no frills camp, with only a pool, a hall, a craft hut, 2 leaders cabins, showers/toilets, and 4 children’s cabins (8 person each).  The Chaplains quarters is so amazing that I can’t express how comfortable it was this past week.

Any priest interested in serving as a chaplain, please contact the Brookwood Board, the time invested will serve our Lord, His children and even yourself; you will find rest for your soul and learn much from the children, who have such great theology, but just need it brought out. 

If you have any questions or would like to book a week you can contact Mary Lee Phillips at 506-276-4657 or e-mail dphillips at aernet.ca.