Oak Acres Children's Camp
The Oak Acres Children’s Camp was started in 1970 by Sister Mary Henry of the PEI Catholic Family Services Bureau. She purchased 180 acres of land along the banks of the Murray River, Prince Edward Island, from the Bonnell family. It was agreed by both parties that the land would be set up as a camp for deserving Island children to have a chance to experience the fun and develop the friendships that a summer camping experience offers.
The Catholic Family Services Bureau constructed the necessary buildings and opened the camp in the summer of 1971. For the next 20 years, the camp operated sporadically; running for 2 or 3 years and then closing down for 2-3 years. The Catholic Family Services Bureau did not have the financial or human resources to keep an operation such as this open. Due to these constraints, the camp closed in 1989.
In 1993, Danny Murphy saw the opportunity to help so he leased the camp from the Catholic Family Services Bureau. Through hard work and dedication, the camp - now called The Oak Acres Children's Camp is entering its 14th year!
Each year, The Oak Acres Children's Camp has six - eight day camp sessions. With approximately 80 kids at each session, a total of 480 kids enjoy summer camping each year. The kids who attend the camps are chosen by the Guidance Counselors of the schools across Prince Edward Island. A Camp Director supervises the hiring of 12 camp counselors, as well as the 3 to 4 kitchen staff charged with feeding 80 to 90 people everyday. Much of the operating cost and supplies for the camp are subsidized by corporations and individual donors.
Time spent at a summer camp is an opportunity for children to have new experiences like making new friends and learning new skills in a nature filled environment. The days and nights at Oak Acres Children's Camp are jam packed with numerous activities to keep the children busy and inspired including day trips, nature hikes, water sports in a supervised area and arts & crafts!
Through the inspired leadership of Martie and Danny Murphy, D.P.Murphy Inc. has committed to ensuring that the camp continues to grow supported by fundraising efforts throughout the year, The Gingerwood Charity Classic Horseshow and The Oak Acres Golf Tournament are just two of the headline events that they have developed to ensure that Oak Acres Camp continues to make a significant contribution to family life in Prince Edward Island.
Visit the new Oak Acres Children's Camp web site for more information!