Work and Play Week

June 20 - June 27

Ever since Ferry Beach’s founder, Quillen Shinn, borrowed on his life insurance policy to buy Ferry Beach, hardy crews of Ferry Beachers (and their families) have come to the beach on the first week of the summer to get our buildings and grounds in shape for the summer season.

Don’t let the word “work” scare you away from this fun-filled conference.  Not only is Work and Play Week Ferry Beach’s most affordable conference, it is also a source of delight and satisfaction for veterans of this conference as well as newcomers.

In exchange for working on Ferry Beach projects each morning, Work and PlayWeek participants pay for meals and a minimal conference fee only.  Although the monetary saving is terrific, the great bonus Work and Play Week participants talk about is the camaraderie they feel working side by side.  As one project after another is completed, lasting friendships are formed.  Old friendships are renewed and new workers are welcomed into the fold.  At the end of the week the entire group tours Ferry Beach marveling at what everyone has accomplished.  A wonderful sense of achievement, satisfaction and celebration is in the air.  That great feeling of camaraderie is the real Work and Play Week bonus.

This year’s projects will include landscaping, carpentry, painting, sewing and power washing.  A list of projects will be mailed to participants several weeks before the conference begins so they can select what they want to focus on.  Then, as our project leaders gather several days before the conference to organize the work crews and materials list, we will be able to plan accordingly.

The work day begins at 7:30 a.m. after a hardy breakfast and continues until 12:30 p.m. Afternoons and evenings are free time to do whatever you choose – bask on the beach, take an environmental trip, nap, visit L.L. Bean, explore the Maine coast, or make music on the Quillen porch.  You even have the option to join the GA Away from GA Conference and experience some of the exciting programs offered.  It’s up to you!

All of the Ferry Beach traditions – chapel services (which are held in the evening), friendship circles, Gardiner gatherings, vesper service, camp fires, and cookout night - are a part of Work and Play Week.   So pack up your tools for a week of satisfying projects, a great vacation, and especially the camaraderie that is unique among people who work together.

Coordinators:  Craig Lentz, Executive Director, and Claude Nadeau, Maintenance Director