The Oak Acres Children’s Camp was started in 1970 by Sister Mary Henry of the 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 Island children who would not ever get the 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 under very sporadic conditions of 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 this, the camp had been closed since 1989.

In 1993, D.P. Murphy Inc. saw the opportunity to help and leased the camp from the Catholic Family Services Bureau. Through hardword and dedication, the camp-- now called The Oak Acres Chrildren's Camp-- is entering its 14th year of operation!

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 Counsellors of the schools across Prince Edward Island.

The 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 Oak Acres Children's Camp is fun and jam packed with numerous activities to keep the children busy for the entire eight days. Some of the activities include day trips, nature hikes, water sports (supervised area), arts & crafts, plus others.

Much of the cost and supplies used by the camp are subsidized by many Island corporations and individual donors.

The Oak Acres Children's Camp also has a payroll donation program for all D.P. Murphy Inc. employees to contribute to this great camp. With no amount being too small, D.P. Murphy Inc. employees can contact their manager if they would like to learn more about how they can help send a child to camp. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Visit the new Oak Acres Children's Camp web site for more information!