In 1970, the dream of owning a Provincial Girl Guide Camp became a reality, when Dr. Dorothy Bentley of Montreal deeded 74 acres of land in King’s County to be used for this exact purpose.

A committee was set up to draft a preliminary plan for preserving the area in its natural state, the development of “Fairhaven Campsite” began in 1971. Thanks to the co-operation of the P.E.I. Government, a fifty-foot road was thrust through the dense forest from the highway to the campsite. The Building Committee, under the chairmanship of Lillian M. Duchemin, helped raise the majority of the funds for the building of the Lodge. Canada Manpower & Immigration approved a project and provided a grant to finance labour costs incurred at the camp.

Trees were limbed to provide tenting areas and a mess shelter was built. The storage building, formerly located on Upper Prince Street, was moved to the camp. As this building was sheathed and wired, it was used as the office and sick bay. A fireplace was installed at the Lodge, campfire sites were constructed, pine trees were planted, and lawns were graded and seeded. Thanks to a generous donation from the estate of late Dr. & Mrs. David MacKenzie, Belfast, the “MacKenize House” was built.

On Sept. 18th, 1971 the official opening of Fairhaven took place. Mrs. J. George McKay, Hon. President, P.E.I. Council unveiled a plaque to honour the donors of the land. Deputy Chief Commissioner, Mrs. H. A. Creighton brought greetings from National.

In 1972, the first full summer of camping at Fairhaven, over 500 Island girls enjoyed a wonderful experience. Also that year, the first Fairhaven Administration Board was formed.

In January, 1973, the P.E.I. Council received a further grant to improve the facilities. This grant helped insulate, wire and add plumbing to MacKenzie House, and also gave running water to the Sick Bay. An office and sleeping quarters were provided for a Camp Director, as well as a sales and storage room. Improvements were made to the main lodge, and benches were added on each side of the fireplace.

Many other additions were completed this year, including a rustic chapel area and the activity trail was blazed on the portion of the property north of Pt. Pleasant Road.

On July 20, 1973 a plaque in memory of the later Dr. & Mrs. David MacKenize Sr., was unveiled and MacKenzie House was officially opened.

July 17, 1974 was National Camping Day, and Prince Edward Island Council; Girl Guides of Canada celebrated it in a very special way. To honour our past Provincial Commissioner Gladys Cullen, a gateway was designed and constructed by Frank Gaudet, Chief Forester, Guides and Rangers on P.E.I. as a thank you to Mrs. Cullen on her retirement as Provincial Commissioner.

Mrs. Alberta Scales, Provincial Commissioner welcomed everyone present and asked Father Steele and Rev. David Hamilton to dedicate the gates. Mrs. Scales then called on Mrs. Cullen to cut the ribbon. A torchlight procession through the gates followed. First through the gates were Mr. & Mrs. Cullen and family followed by visiting Guides from Scotland. The procession gathered at the Brownie Campfire ring and a campfire programme took place with everyone taking part.

Since the opening of Camp Fairhaven in 1972 it has been a destination of choice for Island and Maritime troops for their traditional summer camping adventure. Many additions and enhancements have been made over the years to ensure a quality camping experience for all who attend.

With the launch of the Girl Guides of Prince Edward Island web site in 2003, booking a site a Camp Fairhaven has never been easier with the only Online Reservation Inquiry system of it's kind in Eastern Canada.

Book your camp reservation at Camp Fairhaven by clicking here.