Jenness Park Begins Construction of White Oak Lodge
By Jennifer Lloyd
Jenness Park Christian Camp jumps with activity
during the summer season. This summer alone, 5,988 campers
are expected to attend one of the Bible-based, fun-filled
camping sessions. Along with the traditional camping, there
is also a great deal of activity surrounding various projects
at Jenness Park.
On May 19 th, the Jenness Park staff broke ground for
the new White Oak Lodge. This new 2,400 sq. foot, three-story,
resort-style lodge will house four separate rooms complete
with private bathrooms, two meeting areas, and a full kitchen
facility.
The lodge will be constructed using Alternative Energy
Design (AED). This unique system uses styrofoam panels
as a form for concrete walls. Such durable walls extend
the life of the building, are excellent insulation for
the cold Jenness Park winters, and provide a comfortable
environment for the sunny summer climate.
Using AED construction also permits Jenness Park to utilize
volunteers during many parts of the process. The 4-foot
by 12-inch by 2-inch panels are easily lifted by volunteers.
According to Evan Royce, Field Superintendent for AED Construction, “If
you can lift a pillow, you can lift these panels. The only
issue with these panels is that the material is slightly
reflective. So volunteers just need to bring a hat, some
sunscreen, and some sunglasses. Once they get here they
can put together a real building with something that looks
like giant Legos.”
Bill Baker is the contractor in charge of building White
Oak Lodge. When asked about why he volunteers his retirement
to coordinate a project of this magnitude he commented, “I
really enjoy the new acquaintances and hearing the workers
talk about their trades and the projects they have been
involved in. Also, for me, building is like constructing
a piece of art.” Baker’s goal for the timeline
of the project is to have the walls and roof completed
by the onset of winter. He stated, “God will have
to bring us the volunteers we need to get the job finished.”
The volunteer coordinator for the White Oak Lodge is Bob
Lloyd. Bob has been busy lining up individuals, families,
and groups to contribute their time and energy to the project. “We
value all types of willing volunteers. We appreciate those
with experience in concrete, construction, or carpentry.
However, we will also train those who are available and
willing to learn. We are able to provide housing. If people
have an RV we can provide them with a full hook-up RV site.” Those
interested in volunteering with the White Oak Lodge project
can contact Bob through the Jenness Park office at 209-965-3735
ex 131.
- Several types of construction-grade tools are needed for the project.
- 12-inch compound cut-off saw with table
- Industrial wood planer
- 10 cubit-foot air compressor.
- Heavy-duty Roto hammer
- 2 Industrial-grade hand planers
- Drill press on a stand
- 4 Model 77 skill saws
- Heavy-duty, twist-lock power cords
- Heavy-duty 4-inch portable sanders
- 2 Industrial-grade routers
Bill Baker remarked, “Sometimes people who are in
construction retire and don’t know what to do with
their good-quality tools. We have a great solution for
them and for their tools! Other people want to give their
finances to a project but want to give to a specific item.
We want those items to be identified.”
Rod Goodmon, the director of Jenness Park Christian Camp,
remarked about the project, “God is using Jenness
Park to reach people. This year we have had 218 first time
commitments to Christ. This building will allow us to reach
guests seeking a lodge-style accommodation. I am excited
about the campers who will ultimately use this building,
but I’m also excited about the volunteers that God
will bring to help us with this project. One thing that
I have learned from many volunteers is that if you get
involved in volunteering, God changes your life while He
uses you to make an eternal difference.”
Anyone who wants to view the action at White Oak Lodge can
watch the live web camera at www.jennesspark.com. Photos
of the construction process can be viewed at www.jennessparkmedia.com.
|
