Renovations: complete

Our camper bathhouse has been completely renovated and is now open for business.  This picture was taken yesterday as the guys finished putting the last board on the privacy fence outside the girl’s side of the bathhouse.  

The project started a few months ago with a crew of guys from First Baptist Church in Johnson City.  A small army of guys came out week nights and weekends to gut the inside, frame new walls and ceiling, run new plumbing and electrical, hang board, install showers, sinks, toilets, mirrors and much more (including a lot of painting). 

We are very grateful to the crew from First Baptist and a number of other skilled volunteers who gave their time and energy to bring this very big project to completion.  What an impact it will have this summer as our counselors and staff care for over 250 adults with developmentally disabilities spanning eight weeks of camp.

Staff Training 2012

Staff Training is complete… and tomorrow is the first day of camp!  This past week we focused on REDEMPTION through a flower pot project.  The staff divided into small groups and spent time painting/decorating their pots.  With great care and attention to detail they created some very handsome flower pots.  Then, I had each group break their pot into pieces.  Throughout week of Staff Training the groups spent time together fixing their flower pots with super glue in an effort to redeem their flowery purpose.

We used this shared experience to unite them as a team and discuss the parallels of God’s redemption story (The Bible).  The staff dispensed the same diligence and attention to detail as the renewed their flower pots.

The flower pots are being proudly displayed over the fireplace.  Even with their cracks, missing pieces, obvious flaws and general messiness… the flower pots have new life in the life, literally!

As we embark on summer 2012 with all of our defects, glue marks and messiness we are excited to see how God gives us purpose and makes new life in and through us!

STAFF TRAINING 2012:Flower Pots are a lot like people…

The CBC Work Crew did a fantastic job on the maintenance building roof!  It looks great AND it’s waterproof.  Two sunny days with no setbacks and some extra time to go boating and eat some ice cream.  What a blessing… that will last for a very long time.  Thanks!

Celebrating 50 Years at our Shepherds Spring Retreat

Step Five: Install banners to say, “Thank you!”

Cheesy Tag Line: Turn our Home Run into your “Grand Slam”.

Serious Impact: Enhancing the recreational equipment, aesthetics and excitement of Shepherds Camp!

Stay tuned for Step Five.