An Outdoor Oasis in the Middle of the City
Welcome to the YMCA Glenn Carpenter Centre
Nestled within 220 acres of lush Acadian forest and just minutes from Saint John’s city center, the YMCA Glenn Carpenter Centre is a hidden gem where community, nature, and adventure come together. With a private, sparkling lake, a rustic lodge, a picnic shelter, and scenic trails, the Centre provides a year-round haven for recreation, learning, and unforgettable memories.
A Legacy Rooted in Community and Nature
The Centre’s story is inspired by Glenn Carpenter—a visionary, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for strong, healthy communities. Glenn dreamed of creating a safe and nurturing space where youth could thrive and connect with nature. His vision became a reality in 2000, and since then, the Centre has offered generations of children, families, and individuals a unique place to explore, grow, and build connections.
A Bold New Chapter: Year-Round Programming
The YMCA Glenn Carpenter Centre is embarking on an exciting new phase with the opening of an 8,000-square-foot Outdoor Education Centre. This state-of-the-art facility will expand our ability to offer year-round programs for YMCA members and the broader community. From after-school care and outdoor education to leadership development and recreational activities, the new Centre will serve as a vibrant hub for learning, connection, and adventure.
Reconnecting with Nature for Health and Well-being
In today’s fast-paced, screen-dominated world, many of us have lost our connection to the outdoors. Studies show that time in nature reduces stress, improves physical and mental health, and fosters stronger social bonds. At the YMCA, we are committed to reconnecting our community with the outdoors. The Glenn Carpenter Centre offers endless opportunities for fun, growth, and wellness in nature’s sanctuary.
- Empowering Youth and Newcomers: Outdoor education and skill-building programs for personal development.
- Enhancing Well-Being: Activities that support physical fitness, mental health, and social connection.
- Strengthening Community: Inclusive spaces for recreation, learning, and engagement with nature.
- Year-Round Access: Membership options for outdoor recreational, fitness, and wellness programs.
Exciting Outdoor Adventures
From hiking and trail running to swimming, kayaking, and canoeing on Ashburn Lake, the Glenn Carpenter Centre offers something for everyone. Whether it’s summer camp, family outings, or serene walks in the forest, it’s a space where people of all ages can create cherished memories.
Outdoor Afterschool Program
Our new Education Centre will host a unique after-school program where children spend their afternoons exploring and learning in nature. With bussing available from M. Gerald Teed, Millidgeville North, and Samuel De Champlain Schools, families can easily access this enriching program.
For more information or to register, please contact us at gccasp@yswnb.ca.
The YMCA’s Mission: Reconnecting the Community to Nature
The Glenn Carpenter Outdoor Education Centre will serve as a cornerstone of community enrichment, offering unique opportunities to engage with nature and strengthen our collective well-being. It will empower youth, families, and newcomers to explore, learn, and grow, while addressing the vital need to reconnect with the outdoors in today’s world. Together, let’s rediscover the benefits of outdoor experiences and build a healthier, more connected community.
Summer Day Camp
During the summer months, the Glenn Carpenter Centre is buzzing with activity from our popular day camps. Here, youth escape to connect with nature in the great outdoors and enjoy canoeing, paddleboarding, water trampoline, swimming, hiking, recreational sports, and so much more.
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Rental
Opportunities
Looking for a stunning event venue? The Glenn Carpenter Centre offers rentals year round, just 10 minutes from Uptown. Due to ongoing construction, rentals will not be available in 2024. We’ll review rental availability for 2025 next year.
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Schedule
Want to view our up to date schedule at the Glenn Carpenter Centre? Click the link to learn more!
Learn MoreThe History of the Glenn Carpenter Centre
Glenn Carpenter was a community builder, a businessman and an early adopter of social entrepreneurship.
A proud New Brunswicker and ultimate visionary, Glenn understood the potential of his province that he strived to unlock by advocating for strong, healthy communities.
In addition to founding storage solutions company Tabufile Atlantic Limited, Glenn was a dedicated volunteer. He was a long-time member of the Y Service Club, an avid supporter of Junior Achievement New Brunswick, and he played an integral role in the development of the Crane Mountain recycling and composting facility. A humble and selfless character, Glenn often used his platform to champion the important causes he held dear. Though this was exemplified in many of his actions, he memorably used his entire Outstanding Business Award acceptance speech to promote the importance of blood donation in 1986.
Of his many endeavours in volunteerism, Glenn was most proud of those where he was able to support youth in our community. He was a fierce believer in the promise of young New Brunswickers and aimed to provide opportunities for all, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status. This was highlighted as a founding member of Big Brothers Big Sisters Saint John.
When Glenn was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 1996, he began to reflect on his life and what his legacy would be. He thought about growing up in Marysville and the foundational experiences he had had at summer camp, and the role models he met along the way.
Glenn dreamed of a place where kids could be themselves in a safe, fun, and accessible environment, surrounded by nature. That haven came in the form of a 220-acre property at Ashburn Lake owned by the Wilson family, with a lodge, a lake and lots of room to run wild. Glenn engaged his family and mobilized supporters to acquire the property which would ultimately open its doors in the summer of 2000, only months after Glenn’s passing.
The Centre continues to be a glowing representation of Saint Johners and their charitable spirit. As a truly community-powered initiative, hundreds of talented folks have donated their time, talent, and treasure to maintain and grow the facility over the last two decades.
Glenn’s last entrepreneurial act has benefited thousands of youth in Southern New Brunswick since 2000 and will continue to serve well into the future. Glenn’s vision was to make today’s youth tomorrow’s leaders — and this beautiful piece of property is one of the ways in which we can help fulfill that vision.
A Day in the Life of YMCA Leadership Camp
Devin Manning, Glenn Carpenter Centre Alumni / 2018-2019 Assistant Director, YMCA Camp Glenburn
Biking, Hiking, Canoeing and Kayaking – these are just a few of the many outdoor activities campers at the Glenn Carpenter Centre get to experience. This extraordinary site is located on the pristine Ashburn Lake and it’s home to a unique leadership development camp where participants aged 12+ experience workshops and adventures geared toward honing their skills.
By shadowing various camp staff, leadership campers get a taste of all the possibilities camp offers and a glimpse into the opportunities awaiting them down the road. Shadowing experiences include assisting in camp-wide games, mentoring younger campers through multiple activities and helping to plan large camp programs. The Glenn Carpenter Centre Leadership group is challenged to work together and solve problem-based games while tackling important discussions about real-world scenarios -all the while having fun!
During leadership camp, you’ll make long-lasting friendships while being role models for the younger campers. Leadership campers become a close group who end the summer knowing the Carpenter ropes and improving their own skills.
Location
135 Glenn Carpenter Lane,
Saint John, NB E2K 5J2
Phone number 506-634-4874