All Things New: Community Roots Day Camp 2026

All Things New, the theme of this year’s Community Roots Day Camp, invited campers to explore the many ways transformation happens in our lives and in the world around us. We discovered that when things fall apart, new life often emerges. Broken pieces can come together in new ways, and flourish.

We learned by creating, exploring, and asking questions. Did you know that you can change a jar half full of whipping cream into butter just by shaking it? It worked, and it was delicious! Using the ancient art of origami, simple sheets of paper became beautiful butterflies. We transformed old cardboard boxes into a welcoming shelter, reminding us that there is always room for everyone in God's house.

Our exploration extended beyond the church walls with a visit to Randall House Museum. We learned about the remarkable transformation of Wolfville's waterfront, from the time when the Mi'kmaq people summered and fished along its shores, through the Age of Sail when today's Willow Park was a bustling harbour, and later how the arrival of the railway changed the flow of the water and reshaped the landscape. Campers created their own changing waterfront dioramas using rocks, sand, water, and origami boats.

Each day at camp began and closed with a simple worship service of prayer, scripture, and song. We talked about God’s work of transformation in creation and as the days unfolded, relationships flourished and we signs of God’s presence in every one of us.

A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who made this year's Community Roots Day Camp possible: our incredible volunteers and leaders, those who generously provided snacks, and the campers whose curiosity, enthusiasm, and imagination made the week so special. We are especially grateful for Allie, Frances, and Sam for their leadership and the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island who has supported St. John’s through the three years of Community Roots.