Bandmaster Bill Medland in red ensured that everyone who wanted to play in the Haliburton Highlands Silver Flutes was given the opportunity. There were no costs to be part of the marching band – only a commitment to practising was required. Medland founded the Silver Flutes in 1994. He died in January 2017 at the age of 85. File photo by Jenn Watt By Chad Ingram
Published July 18 2017
A vision some five years in the making came to fruition this past weekend as Medeba celebrated the opening of its Mountain Lodge.
The 10000-square-foot building in West Guilford houses a large meeting area a lounge and a gym with a rock-climbing wall and cost nearly $1 million which was raised through donations.
“All of the capital development here at Medeba is fundraised because we are a charity” said Steve Archibald director of the Christian camp. “It’s no longer on paper it’s not just a picture it’s actually here.”
Summit Hall can hold 200 people and includes a modular stage LED lighting and a digital sound system.
Canyon Lounge provides space for youth to hang out indoors and contains comfy couches along with ping pong and foosball tables.
The Craig Gym boasts a rock-climbing wall that can accommodate 40 climbers and a viewing area overlooking the gym called The Ledge Loft allows spectators to take in the action.
Archibald said it is the camp’s hope to open the rock-climbing wall for public use in coming years.
During the opening ceremony Archibald was joined on stage by Stu Wilson who founded Medeba in 1965 and his predecessor longtime director Bruce Dunning.
“Every decade here . . . is represented” Dunning said of the large crowd who enjoyed a barbecue and cake-cutting ceremony.
For more information about Medeba visit www.medeba.com.
