The End of the Year Update

It has been an exciting year as we have been able to watch the construction of the first two dormitories on the Camp Willow Springs (CWS) property!  These duplex dormitories have two sleeping areas and a joint activity/meeting room.  Each dorm will be able to accommodate twenty-two campers and staff.  Our next steps in Phase One of CWS will be to install the community water system and various septic systems.  As construction continues, we intend to begin work on the camp office and health care center.

While the strides we have made are exciting, our greatest area of need at this time is the construction of the dining hall.  The dining hall, one of our largest and most expensive buildings to construct, has 9,467 heated square feet and includes a full commercial kitchen.  It is designed to seat up to 300 campers/staff, will cost approximately $1.2 million, and will take about nine months to construct.  In Phase One of CWS, this building will be used to serve meals to 120 campers in grades 3-6 and will have the capability to be used as a meeting facility.  Therefore, the construction of the dining hall is vital.

Even with the challenging economic times, we continue to see the great need for CWS.  We have maintained a waiting list for the majority of our summer camp weeks and continue to turn campers away each summer.  The development of CWS will allow us to double the number of campers; thereby, impacting the lives of 2,000 additional young people with the message of Jesus Christ every summer.

It is our goal to serve campers at CWS as soon as possible.  To achieve this goal, we need your help.  We would love to serve campers in 2012 but will not be able to do this unless construction of the dining hall has begun by August 2011.  The cost of Phase One is approximately $6 million.  To date, we have received $3.7 million through cash, gifts of securities, and in-kind service gifts.  Nearly all of this $3.7 million has been designated for projects other than the dining hall.

We ask that you faithfully pray for us and the provision of the funds needed to complete CWS.  Please pray that the Lord will put us in contact with those who would be willing to financially invest in a project that will make a difference in the lives of thousands of young people who will benefit from this ministry.  Also, we ask that you prayerfully consider an end-of-year gift to the campaign for Camp Willow Springs.  Whether it is a financial gift to be used toward construction of the dining hall or other buildings, a gift of building materials or a naming opportunity for a building, your support will be greatly appreciated.  Enclosed is a response card and return envelope.

May the coming season be filled with joy for you and your family.  On behalf of all of our campers and staff, thank you for your caring love and support.