Centre Acadien, Université Sainte-Anne

Colonie jeunesse acadienne (CJA) – The Colonie jeunesse acadienne is a children’s summer camp, and remains active today, thanks to the efforts of the CJA’s Dames patronesses group, a non-profit organization.

In 1960, Father Yvon Lanteigne shared his idea of creating a youth summer camp that would combine outdoor activities and promotion of the Acadian language and culture. Not long afterwards, 112 women gathered together to form the “Dames Patronnesses de la CJA” association. The association’s objectives were to manage and provide financial assistance to the CJA summer camp. The members organised multiple fundraisers, for example, a strawberry festival and bake sales.

The first CJA summer camp was located on the shores of Victor Lake, in the back country of Clare. The facilities included a kitchen and refectory, dormitories, a chapel, a large games field and a pool. Sisters from one of the local congregations acted as directors and camp monitors.

In 1975, the CJA welcomed over 4500 young people. Many former participants look back fondly on their summer vacations at the CJA. Some popular activities included long walks in the woods and canoe trips on the lake, as seen in this photo. According to the accounts of participants, traditional songs were frequently sung and many tricks were played at the CJA. From the very first evening, campers were warned that they could become the target of the Black Hand, an imaginary creature described as a great trickster.

In the late 1990s, the camp at Victor Lake closed. In 2016, thanks to a partnership between the CJA, Université Sainte-Anne and the Municipality of Clare, two yurts were built in the Petit Bois, on the Université Sainte-Anne campus, to accommodate visitors, which also allowed a revival of the CJA camps.

Topic: Sports and Leisure

Date: [ca. 1970]

Reference: Collection Dames patronesses Centre Acadien Photo 330

For more information, visit the Centre Acadien website.