Biz Of The Month: Gesstwood Camp And Education Centre Essex — The Area’s Latest Wedding Venue

Gesstwood Camp And Education Centre . . . One Address That Now Has It All RECOGNIZING LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

OF THE MONTH

By Victoria Rose

Located in a natural setting and filled with rustic charm, there is a new wedding venue available in Essex County, but the location is somewhat unexpected.

While some residents may know about the 62 year old Gesstwood Camp and Education Centre and its outdoor education and summer programs, recent renovations mean the 60 acre naturalized space is also an ideal place to celebrate special occasions like weddings.

“Venturing outside the box and becoming a wedding venue during the pandemic is something we are really proud of,” states Executive Director Karen Seguin who participated in The Wedding Show this spring to launch the new, rustic wedding location.

Gesstwood’s summer camps do not run on weekends so the amenities of the camp (like the pool) have been available for family party rentals previously, but now the lodge and gardens are part of those services, bringing in much-needed funds for the organization.

Karen Seguin, Executive Director of Gesstwood Camp and Education Centre sits outside one of the camp’s cabins. The cabins were renovated in 2018, thanks to Mastronardi Produce Ltd. Photo by Sanja Tabor.

The forced 18 month shutdown due to the pandemic was tough for the camp.

“We had no revenue coming in,” Seguin indicates. “We had to get government loans to pay the bills.”

The camp requires maintenance, even when not operating. So they focused their energy on online fundraising, getting support from area businesses, and applying for grants. Those funds helped upgrade the property and launch the wedding venue option.

It is a great new chapter for the nonprofit organization that has a long and beautiful history.

Started in 1960 by the United Church of Canada, the property ran solely as a summer camp for many years. Eventually, outdoor education classes were added and the Challenges for Success Ropes Course was moved to the camp in 2008 by the Teen Health Centre (THC).

Seguin, who was working as a community health worker at THC, eventually became an employee of the camp, moving into the Executive Director role in 2011.

Two full-time staff run the camp, Seguin and Property Manager John Howell. From May to September, college and university students run the field trips and summer programs. During the peak months of July and August, area high school students also work at the camp.

“Campers say this is the best part of their summer and they love being here,” says Seguin, noting that many of the students they hire were once campers themselves. “They want to give back and mentor kids like they were mentored themselves.”

She also highlights why the camp is different — it is simple. There is a pool, outdoor games, and the ropes course (returning in 2023) and that is it. There is no technology allowed at the camp and if the weather is bad, there is one movie per week.

Campers can enjoy archery, orienteering, nature walks (with creek stomping, bug science, and bird watching), crafts, water games, frisbee golf, campfires, and more.

Camps are faith-based, but children do not have to belong to a church to be part of their programs; the goal is life lessons focused on character building.

“We get kids back into nature and nurture their mental health,” Seguin mentions. “Kids don’t always have those opportunities now. Here they can get outside to explore, figure things out on their own, and support each other. They work on responsibility, communication skills, being thankful . . . all the while building lifelong friendships.”

Getting people back into nature and

Gesstwood Camp’s lodge is a bright space with picture windows overlooking the beautiful landscape. The vast green lawn offers options for outdoor tent events as well. The camp is now booking weddings for the 2022/2023 season. Photo courtesy of Jessica Ruxton Photography.

The Chapel in the Woods at Gesstwood Camp is an ideal spot for morning reflection or wedding ceremonies. A second outdoor location, The Garden Knot is also available. Photo by Sanja Tabor.

creating a sense of community is also the focus of a new program Gesstwood is launching this fall, the Save our Seniors recreation program. Seniors from the community and area retirement homes will be invited for day programs like euchre, crafting, ballroom dancing, and coffee chats.

She believes: “Seniors were a forgotten demographic during the pandemic. We need to give them a place to go. It is so beautiful and peaceful here and they can come and enjoy nature.”

It is her hope that all these programs will connect the community in new ways and continue to give back for years to come.

“So many wonderful things happen here,” expresses Seguin. “Gesstwood really is Essex County’s hidden gem.”

Gesstwood Camp is located at 1034 Mole Side Road in Essex. Learn more about their programs, special event rentals, and make a charitable donation on: GesstwoodCamp.ca.