Vancouver couple moves to East Coast to open sober campground

A Vancouver couple has opened the first sober campground in the Maritimes.

After suffering, pain and loss due to addiction, a couple from Vancouver turned their lives around, moved to the East Coast and opened what is believed to be the first sober campground in the Maritimes.

“Son of the Sea was named after my son. His name was Dylan and Dylan means son of the sea and he passed away in 2017,” says Racheal Doucette, co-owner of Son of the Sea.

“It’s hard to lose him,” says Todd Mitchell, the other co-owner.

Dylan lost his life to a fentanyl overdose on Dec. 17. To pay tribute to him after losing her father to addiction as well, Racheal and her husband Todd packed up their lives in Salts Spring Island on the West Coast to start fresh in Nova Scotia.

“It was like driving around in circles because it was really small and just being in Nova Scotia was a dream to come here and we wanted a change,” says Mitchell.

“We decided that we would open up an alcohol and drug free campground because there isn’t any that I’m aware of,” says Doucette.

They both know the importance of spaces like this, having been in recovery themselves for the past 16 years. This campground is a labour of love and something that’s helped their own journey.

“Its hard to be around partying because they make it look good. I wouldn’t have what I have if I was the way I was. This wouldn’t be here, she wouldn’t be here,” says Mitchell.

“It’s like mental wellness all the way around. And we have tranquility on our signs and that’s what we want to give here and a place where you can let your hair down and not have to worry about other elements in the background,” says Doucette.

They opened last fall but didn’t get a full season because of the wildfires so they left their site open to those who had to evacuate and then closed for the season. This is their first full season open.

They have eight acres, 10 RV hookups, tent spots, fire pits, kids playground and walking trails. It’s all substance free with no alcohol or drugs.

“I keep waiting for negative comments and to my surprise there just hasn’t been any. It’s a very supportive thing. I feel like people’s attitudes are changing towards stuff like this and it’s becoming more accepted,” says Doucette.

She feels the younger generation are partaking in substances like people were in her generation.

“I don’t know if they are smarter or more educated but it’s not a big deal to be substance free,” says Doucette.

“I think addiction has touched so many people. The surprising part is how many people are touched by addiction in their family and the loved ones that have passed away and the common story that I have been hearing lately is there is little help out there for families right now.”

Their goal is to host a sober festival at the campground. All proceeds would go towards addiction services.

“We are constantly doing stuff and as I said we do want to do a sober fest. They do one in Lansford, BC, which is hugely attended and I would like to do one and fill it with thousands of sober people enjoying all kinds of music for a weekend,” says Doucette.

They hope whoever visits them enjoys the place as much as they do. This space will always be in honour of Dylan.

“Having an alcohol and drug free space, that I think he would enjoy and want to come to,” says Doucette.

You don’t have to be in recovery to visit the campground. Everyone is welcome and it is a family friendly destination.

“It’s a space for anyone from all walks of life to come. It’s a safe space free of alcohol and drug-free environment and not have to worry about anything,” says Doucette.

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