Why is camp planning to replace the cabins?
Why not refurbish the existing cabins and continue to use them for summer sessions?
How will the project be funded?
Why not eliminate debt before building new cabins?
What will happen to the old cabins? Can I purchase a cabin for my property?
What will the new cabins look like?
Where will the new cabins be built?
Why not repair existing cabins and use the savings to help pay off debt and/or lower camper fees?
Will a cabin with a larger number of campers detract from the Camp experience?
Is there a precedent for such a change at Camp?
Why is camp planning to replace the cabins?
Health: Our summer session weeks are packed with exciting and fun activities. In the summer, specifically in mid July and August, extremely hot conditions coupled with daily physical activity and mental learning/stimulation requires siginifcant rest for campers and staff. Frequently, night time temperatures and humidity are so high campers/staff don’t sleep well. Climate controlled cabins will allow staff to turn on air conditioners, if condtions warrant so campers/staff can rest well and remain healthy and strong for the weeks activities.
Camp has received increasing feedback from parents and potential campers that the existing cabins are lacking. In some cases, feedback is that the exsisting cabins preclude campers from attending summer sessions. The camp board believes that replacing the exsisting cabins will allow more campers to attend summer sessions and experience the life changing impact Camp provides!
Why not refurbish the existing cabins and continue to use them for summer sessions?
There would be a siginifcant cost to fully refurbish the foundations, floors, siding, roofs, doors/windows, electric, ventilation, etc. for our exsiting cabins. Even if we enhanced the exsisting cabins, there would still be health and safety concerns. The camp board decided it was in the best interest of our future campers and other camp programs to replace the exsisting cabins.
Who do it now?
The existing cabins are approximately 80 years old and have exceeded their original useful life. Additionally, the Camp board identified adding climate controlled sleeping quarters as one of our four primary goals to complete by 2020.
How will the project be funded?
A capital campaign (Honor our Heritage, Secure our Future) has begun which will fund facility upgrades and expansion as well as to free funding for ministry by eliminating debt.
Why not eliminate debt before building new cabins?
As metioned above, the capital campaign will be focused on eliminating debt and fund expansion. Our goal and plan is to eliminate all debt prior to any cabins being built. Additionally, the Camp board is dedicated to remaining debt free! We won’t go into debt to build new cabins and we don’t plan on going into debt for any reason in the future.
When will the project occur?
Cabins will be built after funding is secured. The current plan (subject to change) is to build one cabin in “boys town” and one cabin in “girls town” in early 2018 or 2019. We would use these cabins for one year, which would then allow us to incorporate feedback from (staff, campers, others) before building the additional cabins.
What will happen to the old cabins? Can I purchase a cabin for my property?
Camp is considering what to do with the cabins. It’s likely that some of the cabins will be moved to other parts of camp for continued use. It’s also possible that cabins could be auctioned or purchased as part of a fund raising effort.
What will the new cabins look like?
The new cabins will conform to current building codes whose rules specify the construction standards and are designed to protect public health, safety and general welfare of those using the cabins. We are currently in the process of consulting with the local building codes official.
The cabins will be built on roughly the same location as the exsisiting boys and girls town cabins. Boys town cabins will be set back further and from the exsisting gravel road.
Why not repair existing cabins and use the savings to help pay off debt and/or lower camper fees?
Camp is funded by a combination of donors, camper and rental fees, and is currently in a strong financial position. This allows campers to enjoy a week of camp for a maximum of $325. The capital campaign is expected to close remaining debt and fund the capital improvements.
Will a cabin with a larger number of campers detract from the Camp experience?
Every camp week is a different experience due to the exciting and unique activities provided, the various staff who make each week special, and the varying age ranges of the campers. The dynamic for campers in a large cabin will likely be different, and we’ll work the the summer session directors and counselors to ensure the experience remains excellent for all campers, regardles of cabin size.
Is there a precedent for such a change at Camp?
Yes, Camp has moved and/or built buildings in the past. The closest comparison is the building of Garrett Hall in 1997 after the recreation hall (aka. rec hall) roof was heavily damaged after a snow storm. There was significant debate regarding the location of the new structure, the cost and the amenities in the new structure. 20 years later, campers and staff relish the climate controlled building, bathrooms, and finished meeting space.
How can I help?
During the exciting time of change, the Camp board asks our staff, campers, and the broader Camp community for a few things: