Dream comes true

Brigadoon Camp at Aylesford Lake is now open to kids and families living with chronic illness.

Published on September 28, 2011

Jennifer Hoegg

Brigadoon offers families respite, support and fun

BY JENNIFER HOEGG

Kings County Advertiser/Register

Sunshine, laughter and a water fight – what a perfect afternoon at Camp Brigadoon.

After years of planning and months of construction, the camp is finally fulfilling the dream founder Dave McKeage had of a place where children living with chronic illness could enjoy a recreational camp.

“It’s an absolute gem,” Ann Chapman said of the brand new Aylesford Lake site.

She is the nurse liaison for Camp b.r.a.i.n.Child Maritimes, which held a camp at Brigadoon for 18 families of children who have or had brain or spinal cord tumours.

“These are all children and families who I work with through the IWK brain tumour clinic,” Chapman said as happy, wet people played on Brigadoon’s lawn Sept. 10. “The camp brings together children and families who share a common experience.”

After a decade of camps, this is the first time a property, designed for children with medical needs, has been available.

“We’re not always able to find a (site) that has space and facilities,” Chapman explained.

“The beauty of having Brigadoon is we no longer have to worry and search all year. And I no longer have to buy all the groceries.”

Camp staff takes care of food and dishes in the dining hall, which has offices, a classroom and space for medical providers in the lower floor. The arts hall across the path will be finished soon and most of the cabins are complete.

Chapman praised the amount of play space for children and diverse program activities. Wheelchair-accessible buildings and paths are also ideal for children with balance issues. Bathrooms in the spacious cabins also help children and families with special needs enjoy camp life.

“The design is awesome for us,” Chapman said. “We have families who come from New Brunswick, Cape Breton, Truro, HRM and beyond.”