History

​John Ed, Mazelle (Wildes), John Mark and
Suzanne Thomas

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​John Ed and Mazelle (Wildes) Thomas of Hopkinton, Massachusetts started the Labor Day Weekend Family Conference in 1946.  They wanted to create a family weekend that would bring families together in activities of Christian fellowship, away from the distractions of the modern world.  The first year the conference was held at the Baptist camp located in Ocean Park, Maine. The following year, it was held at Geneva Point Center, New Hampshire.  In 1968, John Ed and Mazelle purchased a piece of property in Winthrop, Maine that they named Camp Yo-Aunta. From 1968 to 1975, the conference was held there.  In 1976, the conference returned to Geneva Point Center and has remained there to this day.  Mazelle passed away in 1987, John Ed in 1990.  Their son, John Mark, carried on as the director of the conference for many years.