The Chain Gang

Recently someone I know offhandedly mentioned that I should get in contact with the county office that is in charge of community service because they could send some people out to camp to work off their debt to society.

The coordinator came out 2 weeks ago to meet with me and see our site. He added us to the list but wasn't sure they would be able to make it out to camp before the beginning of our season. I said that was fine, I would be happy with having some help in the fall too. I was just excited by the prospect of having a group out to work.

The very next day, he arrived with a group and said, "we only have a few hours but we thought we could do some work." Awesome! They were at camp for three hours but cleared an immense amount of brush and wood off of the paths and around the cabins. A few days later, they were back again, this time with an industrial wood chipper and more guys. They worked hard and by the end of the day, I couldn't believe my eyes!

Today the chain gang was back! They had brush saws and worked all day clearing, spreading wood chips and making camp look beautiful. At the end of the day, my dad and I walked around camp and I nearly burst into tears.

Three years ago, I walked around this camp, also in tears, taking in piles and piles of garbage, broken appliances, years of neglect, not to mention the overgrown jungle of trees. I believed that with enough hard work, the camp could be beautiful and since that time, I have remained optimistic and dedicated, committed to the vision of a well cared for camp. But there have been moments of doubt and feelings of discouragement because sometimes it seems that no amount of hard work is enough to make noticeable progress.

In the last few weeks, every time I walk around camp, I am in awe of how different it looks. We have made tremendous progress and I am eager for returning campers, staff, volunteers and parents to see the changes. There is still more to do, there will always be more to do, but I feel so proud and so happy when I look around. The desire for this feeling is what kept me motivated through so many struggles. I knew it would be a wonderful experience and I am eager to continue our momentum and see just how far we can take this camp.

It wasn't just the chain gang who made this possible (although my dad and I agree that beers are on us and, hey, feel free to drive home, we'll see you next season...). Many people have contributed to the success we are seeing. Generous financial support, volunteers and friends of camp- many who have been around much longer than me make this place possible. For me personally, nearly every person in my life has been part of this camp in some way or another- some people who have come to camp and physically cleaned, organized, helped build. Some who have mentored me, offering advice, suggestions, and giving me guidance that I desperately needed. Some who have donated- money, wish list items, and many many who have supported me from a distance, offering words of encouragement, care packages, fun mail, treats and more than anything, strength to persevere.

Camp has brought me to my knees in frustration, exhaustion and utter madness more than once (and I know those moments will come again). But as I look at where we are right now, it all feels worth it.