A great deal of gratitude
As many of you know, this was Vince's last summer as Program Director at Camp Centennial. After experiencing Camp as a Camper, then again as a Counsellor, and finally in his role as a Director, Vince embodies so much of what we strive for at Camp. To honour the choices he made along the way, Camp Centennial decided to name our main building at Centennial Landing "Casey Place." Along with the sign out front, a letter from Vince will remain inside for the many generations of Campers that will come through to be able to read his words. This is what he wrote:
To those reading this:
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In the spring of 2002, the most exciting piece of mail I could receive was the Camp Centennial brochure. This was how you could check the summer schedule, sign up for your favourite Camp weeks, and, most importantly, see if a photo of yourself made it in the brochure.
As a Camper, I never could have imagined that one day I’d be working as a counsellor at my favourite summer getaway. For decades, counsellors and directors before me shaped this magical place and cemented its legacy in Moncton. I was just a kid with no idea that the dream of Centennial Landing would even exist one day.
After six summers as a counsellor, I was offered a one-year position to support Camp’s growth while the new property at the Land took shape. That “one year” somehow turned into 9 years in the office, and it’s been incredible to see what this dream has become. Now, to see my name on this building is surreal- the biggest “photo in the brochure” moment I could possibly imagine. I’m grateful to have been shaped by Camp in ways I can’t express and leave my mark on a place that’s left such a big mark on me.
Casey Place isn’t just about my name, it’s about Camp itself. It’s about the generations of staff who make it magical, and the belief that incredible things can happen here, if you try.
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All the best,
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Vince Casey