The Deanery Project is a co-operative charity which was formed in the summer of 2011 to create a rural learning centre focused on the environment, creative arts and community. Located 60 km east of Halifax on the Eastern Shore, the beautiful 25 acre property includes Wabanaki forest and woodland trails, fields and ocean front.
The Deanery Project has become a significant community resource for the Eastern Shore, HRM and the province. It partners with many organizations for programming and research including Dalhousie University, NS Community College, HOWL Experience, Halifax Recreation, YMCA, Youth Conservation Corps, Canada World Youth, Ecology Action Centre, Clean Nova Scotia as well as elementary, secondary and post secondary schools.
Year-round programming includes day, half and multi-day residential opportunities including: forest outreach seminars, natural building workshops, creative arts, bicycle workshops, research, and experiential learning programs relating to the natural environment. Itinerant rentals by other community groups also make use of the Deanery’s resource team to enrich their own programs.
The Deanery’s mission is to provide learning opportunities related to the environment, bio-diversity, sustainable forest use and food production, natural building and associated traditional knowledge and skills, with a focus on local job creation, youth and the arts.
There are two main buildings on the property dating back to the 1960’s, when the site was a summer youth camp. The Hall has a large meeting/event room, bunk-bed accommodation for 18 and a commercial kitchen. Since the property was acquired by the Deanery Project it has undergone major improvements through the efforts of thousands of hours of volunteer help and the investment of all levels of government and local businesses. A second building was renovated to create a Bike Hub, a Maker Space and Woodshop/Studio.
An off grid artist in residence studio and several unique outdoor classrooms have been designed and built in partnership with students from the School of Architecture. All spaces are available for rent to aligned organizations.
As the Deanery Project continues to expand in scale, scope and facilities, its learning-centred mission endeavors to respond to opportunities and needs that fit with its goals and values. More information is found on our web site www.thedeaneryproject.com