Atlantic Friends Gathering 2025
Camp Geddie: a Presbyterian Church camp near Merigomish, NS about 18 kms from exit 27 of Hwy 104.
Victoria Day Weekend, May 16 to 19, 2025. Friday Evening – Monday at Noon
Click here to register Click here for directions to Camp Geddie
See photos from 2016, 2018, 2019 2024 AFG’s
Atlantic Friends Gathering is an annual event linking members and attenders of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) from across Atlantic Canada.
2025 Theme: Nurturing Our Connections: Walking Together
– A Shared Journey through Storytelling
A weekend of creative sharing to refresh and rejuvenate
All are welcome!
We are hoping that this will be a truly intergenerational weekend! The joy of children adds SPICE to this time in our lives and invites us to share our playful ways with the children in our community. Camp Geddie’s location brings us close to sea, woods, open sky, nature’s sounds, sunrise and sunset.
The inspiration for this theme comes from two books:
The first book is The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, by Charlie Mackesy
“Why did Charlie Mackesy write The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse?
Mackesy, who has been a cartoonist for the Spectator and a book illustrator for Oxford University Press, says the straightforward, heartfelt conversations between the characters in The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse were drawn from “conversations I’ve had with my friends about what life really means.”
The second book is Walking Together, by Mi’kmaw Elder Albert Marshall, and Louise Zimanyi.
“To our past, present and future knowledge holders” Elder Albert Marshall.
“To all who carry, create,tell and inspire stories through their words and art. ..the world needs more storytellers and listeners.”
The committee has worked hard to create opportunities to bring the love we have for Quaker process to include children learning from adults and adults from children.
As well as the structured time when we do our regular activities, for the adults there is a CFSC presentation on Basic Income, AND an afternoon session on creative imagery with artist and counsellor Susan Marie Walsh, who specializes in clinical meditation and the gifts of imagery.
Children’s activities will be centered around shared children’s books, and how we can bring them to life in the Camp Geddie natural outdoor world, and with the story times we have with adults. Bring Favorite Children’s Books. Adults AND children. Reading stories with children and listening to them share their favorite books will be a highlight of this gathering.
We wish to bring our loving memories of Sylvia, Maida, and John together in remembrances of their time in our lives.
We will need volunteers to help with the children’s program. If you would like to volunteer, see the information regarding this in the Children’s Program section below, as it is necessary to have the proper safety protocols in place.
GENERAL INFORMATION
We gather at Camp Geddie near Merigomish on Nova Scotia’s north shore. Camp Geddie is owned and operated by the Presbyterian Church in Canada and is accredited by the Camping Association of Nova Scotia. See the Camp’s website at https://campgeddie.ca.
NOTE! Camp Geddie is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and recreational drug-free zone, and does not allow pets on any part of the premises.
The spacious grounds include nature trails and a spectacular beach on the Northumberland Strait (adjacent to a piping plover protected area). The healing atmosphere of being in a welcoming nature retreat offers an opportunity to open ourselves up to whatever we feel leads us, and to make this a weekend of renewal of our individual and our group spirit. This is a weekend for fun and enjoyment for Friends and friends of all ages. There are no compulsory activities.
We welcome members and attenders from our Atlantic region, as well as guests. Those who are interested in learning more about Quakers are also welcome. Please feel free to enjoy the weekend in your own way.
AFG 2025 is once again offering a “hybrid” experience. The option of joining the Gathering on Zoom will enable Friends who are unable to attend in person to still be a part of AFG. See further information below. In the schedule, ** indicates these program elements will be available on Zoom.
AFG 2025 Planning Committee
For general enquiries, email Nancy Turniawan: .
COVID
The Planning Committee will operate AFG following Nova Scotia government and Camp Geddie guidelines. We ask all Friends to be mindful about both their own and others’ feelings regarding COVID. You are welcome to wear a mask, although this is not compulsory. If you have concerns about COVID, please insert your query in the Comments box of the registration form.
AFG ZOOM OPTION
Those Friends unable to attend in person have the opportunity of joining some parts of the program on Zoom, and will receive advance eBulletins containing technical and other information. Tech Support Friends will be available to smooth away any technical bumps. The registration fee for “Zoomers” is lower, since their fee does not include costs for food and accommodations.
“Zoomers” will have access to those sessions marked with a double asterisk (**) in the Program schedule below.
A Weekend of Enjoyment and Spiritual Renewal for All Ages!
Enquirers are Welcome to Attend!
To be confirmed; Sandra Wiens, CFSC’s Government Relations Representative; we are hoping Sandra will travel from home in Ottawa to join us in person for a presentation on General Living Basic Income, which is her program’s focus.
Sue Walsh. Susan is a counsellor, artist, and singer songwriter. This two hour experiential workshop for adults will lead you to experience your creative imagination. Experience a sensation of flow; of being totally engaged and at peace with self during this creative activity. **She can include people through Zoom. Following the adult session, Susan will teach one of her songs to the children.
We will offer the following other programs:
- Intergenerational Children’s Program (babes to teens) Lots of fun!
- Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
- Meeting for Readings
- Meeting for Healing
- Family Night here we share Songs, Poems, Jokes, Passions!
Atlantic Half-Yearly Meeting for business is scheduled on Sunday, followed by evaluation of the weekend.
Please bring musical instruments that you can play (any level of competence), and Songs of the Spirit and Rise Up Singing, if you have copies.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
A time slot is available on Sunday for SIGs. Friends wishing to present a SIG should include details in the Comments box of the registration form. Note that the SIGs will run concurrently. We will be unable to accommodate last-minute requests. Spaces for SIGs will be negotiated at AFG.
Display tables
Some tables will be available for Friends to set up displays. Please indicate your interest in the Comments box of the registration form. Note that room space is limited, so please be prepared to squish into half a table if necessary. Tables will be assigned on site. Separate tables will be available for the exchange of free books and clothing.
Ministry & Counsel
Members of Atlantic Half-Yearly Meeting Ministry & Counsel will be available over the weekend as listeners for any Friends wishing to use this service. Names of Friends acting in this capacity will be posted.
Zoom Events
** indicates these program elements will be available on Zoom
Schedule
A Note on Children’s Programing at AFG 2025
This year, in keeping with the theme “Nurturing Our Connections” we are calling on the connections and resources within our community to care for children at Atlantic Friends Gathering. This years’ gathering integrates children’s and adult’s programming and honours the privilege that we have in being an intergenerational community.
We are calling on Friends to volunteer as a “Responsible Friend” who will be part of a team of at least two with the children during parts of programmed time. Friends can indicate that they would be interested in being a Responsible Friend. In order to be a Responsible Friend, we require that you provide a recent criminal record check and vulnerable person check that will be kept with the Ministry and Counsel of AFG. Please indicate your willingness to volunteer in the Comment section of your registration form.
Caregivers of children, please note that this year we will not have child minders for our youngest friends, however, we will be asking for Responsible Friends to specifically spend time with our youngest friends.
Children of all ages are welcome to attend any other parts of the weekend program.
IMPORTANT! Children and youth under 19 years who are attending without a parent or guardian must be accompanied by an adult sponsor and bring the signed consent form.
NOTE! The Registrar’s email is for general registration enquiries only. Please see below for instructions for sending fees by e-transfer.
Please register online at this link. If you prefer not to go this route, please contact the Registrar by phone or email (see above).
Every person attending AFG, whether in person or by Zoom, must pre-register. Friends planning to attend for the day(s) only, with no overnight requirements, should still register. The Registrar, Kitchen Coordinator, and others need to know.
REGISTRATION DEADLINES
- Regular: MAY 1
- Registrations received after May 15 will be charged a late fee of $10 per person (including children).
eBulletins
After the May 1 deadline, eBulletins will be emailed to all registrants. If you need guidance on how to use Zoom, let us know in the Comments box of the registration form.
IMPORTANT!
- Children and youth under 19 years who are attending without a parent or guardian must come with an adult sponsor and bring the signed consent form. (Click link to download.)
NOTE! Please see below for instructions for sending fees by e-transfer. The Registrar’s email is not for this purpose, but for general enquiries. Advance payment is strongly preferred.
Registration for In-person attendance (click here)
Registration fees for attending Camp Geddie in person include Camp rental fee, accommodations, food staples, honoraria, and technical equipment.
Adults $190 (by May 1) per adult for the weekend
Children and youth (10 – 18) $95 for the weekend
Children 9 years and under No charge
One overnight (two days of programming and meals) $95
Day rate (no overnights) $50/day
Late fee (after May 1) Add $10 per person
Registration for Zoom attendance
One fee of $25 per household for any or all of the weekend. The link provided will permit unrestricted access throughout the weekend. (click here)
Payment options
E-transfers: Transmit to the Atlantic Half-Yearly Meeting account (set up for auto-deposit) using the email address .
Cheques: Mail in advance, payable to Atlantic Half-Yearly Meeting, to Dick Cotterill, Atlantic HYM Treasurer, 17 Eastmoor Drive, Bible Hill, NS, B2N 2X2.
Cash: Payable at Camp Geddie. Exact change will be appreciated.
Financial assistance
We strongly encourage Friends feeling the financial pinch to plan to come to AFG! Those who cannot afford the registration fee may pay less. Those who can pay more are invited to donate towards costs. If you need financial assistance for registration fees or travel expenses, please approach your local Meeting first, before contacting Atlantic Half-Yearly Meeting at or CYM Education & Outreach Committee at .
If you are still stuck, please do let us know! Email the AFG Planning Committee at or talk with any of the F/friends on the organizing committee for a confidential consultation. We will reply to your request promptly. Please know that we desire there to be no barriers to your participation, and will work hard to make sure everyone who wishes to attend may be able to do so with the full support and blessing of Friends.
If you need assistance, please give details on your registration form, or as soon as possible after registration:
* Halifax airport pickup: date/flight number/arrival time
* Car pooling: pickup location
Driving time from Moncton to Camp Geddie is approx. three and a half hours, including a comfort break (260 km).
Driving time from Halifax to Camp Geddie is approx. three hours, including a comfort break (190 km).
Friends are encouraged to bring two dishes with ten servings each, which require minimum preparation on-site.
Also needed:
- – pre-cooked casseroles which only need heating
- – cooked side dishes
- – breads, rolls
- – sandwich makings
- – cereals
- – butter, nut butters
- – yoghurt
- – salads
- – desserts
We will need hot meals from Saturday morning breakfast through Sunday evening supper. Staples of food and drink will be provided by the organizers.
Please note: We will endeavour as much as possible – and ask you also – to provide local, sustainably sourced, fair trade organic produce and products.
All prepared dishes must arrive with two copies of the ingredients (especially meat or meatless, or gluten-free), one for food storage and one to be displayed on the food serving tables in the dining room. If you have serious dietary concerns, please arrange to bring your own needed materials.
The Kitchen Coordinator will coordinate menus for breakfasts, lunches, and suppers. Friends are expected to sign up for food preparation, dining room set-up and/or clean-up.
MAIN BUILDING (Irwin Lodge) is a heated two-storey building with stairs (no elevator). This heated building has an upstairs sleeping capacity for 30-35 in double and single beds, and communal bathrooms. Rooms with more than one bed will not be assigned to one person only, unless there is plenty of room for all. The main floor of the building includes a kitchen, dining area, comfy central lounge/meeting area with fireplace, library, laundry room.
All washrooms will be designated gender neutral. If you require more information, please contact the AFG Planning Committee.
A-FRAME (Margaret MacDougall Lodge) is a small, heated single-storey wheelchair-accessible building. The A-frame is heated and sleeps five with a kitchenette and bathroom. If more than five Friends need accessible sleeping accommodations, the first five to register will be assigned rooms in the A-frame. Other Friends will need to seek other options on or off site.
CABINS
The cabins are unheated. The nearby washhouse building is unheated, but has hot water and showers.
The washhouse will be designated gender neutral. If you require more information, please contact the AFG Planning Committee.
OFF-SITE ACCOMMODATIONS
AFG is unable to financially support Friends needing off-site accommodations or assist with bookings.
EXTRA NIGHTS
Friends wishing to stay extra nights during the weekend (additional to those they registered for in advance) may do so. However, they will have to move to a cabin if a bed cannot be found for them in the Main Lodge without inconveniencing other Friends.
BEDDING
In all types of accommodation, participants must provide their own bedding and other personal needs. No linen is provided, but spare blankets are available. See What to Bring, below.
Camp Geddie has a wide-open field, spectacular beach, a place for a campfire at night, and many hiking trails, with an amazing view of show-stopping sunsets. No pets are allowed on the site, so the field should be free of at least domestic doggy-doo. This area is an ideal place to let off youthful steam flying kites, playing soccer, etc.
ALERT! LYME DISEASE
Friends, especially parents, should be aware that ticks found at Camp Geddie may be carriers of Lyme Disease. If anyone finds a tick on themselves or another person, they should report to a member of the AFG Planning Committee (listed at top). There is a safe way of removing ticks. Tick-collection kits will be available with the first-aid kit so that affected Friends can choose to send off the tick for identification. An information sheet about Lyme Disease and how to safely remove ticks will be posted in the Main Lodge. Refer also to
* Health Canada at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/lyme-disease.html
* Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme) at www.canlyme.com.
- Favorite Children’s Books. Adults AND children. Reading stories with children and listening to them share their favorite books will be a highlight of this gathering.
- Sleeping stuff: Sleeping bag, blankets, pillow. While the rooms in the two lodges are heated, the cabins can be chilly at night. Mattresses only are provided in the lodges and cabins. Extra blankets are available.
- Let there be light! Bring a flashlight and spare batteries for walking between buildings in the dark, and for the cabins.
- Toiletries: Bring soap, towels, facecloth, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
- Scent-free items: Avoid bringing scented products such as soaps and personal-care products. Use scent-free laundry soap and softeners. We will provide Down East hand soap (contains no dyes, scents or fragrances).
- Clothing: The Camp is located on the shore of the Northumberland Strait. During the daytime it can be quite warm, but the evenings are still brisk. Bring a range of clothing options, from T-shirts to mittens/sweaters, rubber boots and rainwear.
- Readings: Consider bringing a short reading (story, poem, inspired reading) that you enjoy or that reflects a deeply held belief or concern of yours. You will have an opportunity at “Meeting for Readings” for people to get together in worship-sharing about the readings and ideas that Friends bring. Perhaps choose something that relates to our AFG theme
- Musical: Bring a musical instrument that you can play (any competence level), and don’t forget to bring Songs of the Spirit, Rise Up Singing or Rise Again song books.
- Materials: We’re counting on you to bring any accessories to show-and-tell your talent (juggling. clowning, magic tricks, harmonica, conductors stick…)”
- Other items: Fly repellant (natural alternatives such as lemon eucalyptus or citronella are an option), sunscreen, canoes, kayaks, and swimsuits for the extremely brave. Also, books or clothing you’d like to rehome on the free-exchange tables.
- Smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs (not!): The Camp is a Smoke-Free (including vaping) and Alcohol-Free zone.
- Pets (not!): The Camp does not permit pets on any part of the premises. Service dogs excepted.
- Humour and fun: DEFINITELY! Dress up or tickle trunk accessories too.
Info last updated: 2025-04-15 1:39 PM ADT
