Some memories from Finlay Park stay with you forever – the kind that make you laugh years later, and the kind that change the direction of your life. In this video, Emma Schellingerhout shares both.

Emma tells the story of a memorable staff prank war from her time working at Finlay Park in 2009 – one that began innocently with a pair of gumboots hidden in a bush, and ended with her stranded across the river, kayak anchored in the middle, and an entire camp of kids watching as she swam out in her underwear to retrieve it. It’s a moment she still remembers as one of the funniest highlights of her time here.

But the impact of Finlay Park on Emma’s life goes far deeper than a good story.
She shares how working at camp changed the trajectory of her life. It’s where she met her husband Dan, where they later married at Chapel Point, and where the foundation of their family story began. Today they have four beautiful children – a legacy she credits to the path that started here.

Emma speaks with warmth about why Finlay Park matters for the future. It’s a place where children and youth can have fun, build friendships, learn about God, and meet leaders who live out faith in a real and inspiring way. Even if life takes them on different paths for a time, she believes those camp moments stay in their hearts – returning later like a remembered spark.

• A place of fun and adventure.
• A place where Jesus is known.
• A place that shapes lives.

Watch Emma’s story below to hear in her own words how Finlay Park made a lasting difference – and continues to do so for generations to come.