A bunch of folks from Northern Convocation came out pre-work weekend to clean the kitchen and power wash the bathhouses so that those spaces were ready for the arrival of the bulk of the volunteers.  Many of the remaining workers came early on Thursday eve to settle in including the folks who were involved with the camp back in the boys camp era.  We were just thrilled to have former camp staffers Lee & Bette Alden, Mike and Deborah English, Matt and Grant Uren, Steve Maunder, plus Tom and Patrick Mooney in our midst.  They came from the Detroit area and all the way from Arizona, Colorado, California and Minnesota.  We were also so glad to have workers from both Diocese of Eastern Michigan (all four convocations) and Diocese of Michigan.

Some accomplishments of the work week include remodeling of the bathroom in Huron, clearing a road to the beach (so to provide access to folks with limited mobility), new laminate floor in Eve, repair of the altar in St. Andrew’s Chapel, removal of all the broken concrete around the boat docks, (back breaking work!), new benches, newly repaired firewood sheds,  installation of both the boat and swim docks, exterior painting of Grand Lake, new lighting in Grand Lake, interior painting of Martha and Esau, a new handrail for Johnson and new curtains for some cabins.  Of course, there was also considerable work accomplished in deep cleaning cabins and program spaces and much more.  We also assembled new the Camp Chick newsletter (watch for it coming to you!). All thru the weekend, workers were provided delicious, hot meals by our cheerful, hardworking cooks!

We still have one project that we are working on accomplishing over the course of the summer.  We intend to dismantle the old wood and scrap pile and cabin full of scrap wood that sits near the craft cabin and labyrinth.   Those items worth saving will be relocated.  The rest will be carted away for good.  Our goal is to make that area of the camp look more aesthetically pleasing and more natural.

Camp Chick’s new Core staff also started work during the weekend.  They worked on projects too (including the very chilly job of installing the docks) but also provided helpful program support in leading Campfires, Compline and putting together a dramatic presentation for Eucharist.  They also had some time to meet with Youth Camp Director, Tom Smith about their roles and beginning preparation for this summer’s Diocesan Youth Camps.

All in all it was a terrific weekend.  So much was accomplished work-wise but even more important was a spirit of fellowship and “pride of ownership” that the group seemed to have for the camp.  It was so nice to see the camp so lovingly cared for by all.  Thanks be to God for all that was accomplished.  Thanks be to God for all the ways that our experience at Work Weekend nourished our hearts and spirits too.

God’s Peace!

For more work weekend pictures: CLICK HERE!