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Even with lots of snow still on the ground, Jacques and Lynn Aube are getting ready for camping season.

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Lynn and Jacques Aube of Malybel Camping in Beresford.

The couple own Malybel Camping in Beresford, a business which has become so popular there’s a waiting list just to get in.

“We are still anxious to start a new season,” said Lynn. “Every year it’s the same. Winter seems to be a little bit too long.”

Malybel, which is open for business from May 15 to Sept. 30, was built in 1995 and opened in 1996. The name is derived from the Aubes’ three children, Mathieu, Jolyan and Isabelle.

“We took letters from each of their names to come up with Malybel,” said Lynn.

Malybel Camping was built with the couple’s own money – and their own hands.

“We built the campground,” said Jacques with understandable pride. “We cut the trees, cut the branches, had the tractor to level the land.”

The couple used to operate a meat shop in Bathurst and Lynn said camping was a regular topic among customers, one that sparked a new entrepreneurial idea for the Aubes.

“I needed a new challenge and it looked like a good business,” said

Jacques. “The demand was there at the time. Plus, the kids were a good age to work with us and it was a summer job for them.”

Today, Malybel employs 10 full-time and part-time employees during the peak season. The campground offers 240 sites with 115 occupied by seasonal recreational vehicles. There are spots for water, electric and sewer; water and electric and unserviced.

The Aubes say there’s a waiting list of 20 to 30 RV owners looking for the seasonal spaces. (Spaces are generally available for short-term RV visitors.) “In the summer, we are very busy. We don’t have time to do anything else,” said Jacques, noting the rush “always comes at the same time. You wait for a long time at the beginning of summer but when the tourists arrive, they’re all at the same time. For a good six weeks, you have to be ready and in good shape.”

Lynn said the campground tries to add different amenities every year, and now visitors can enjoy a waterslide, volleyball court, playground equipment, arcade centre, mini golf and even a giant chess game.

“I’m happy we opened this business,” said Jacques. “It was a good decision.”

En francais : Malgré la neige abondante, Jacques et Lynn Aubé se préparent pour la prochaine saison de camping.