CAMP STEVENS REBUILDS FROM SEPTEMBER 15, 2007 WILDFIRE

Rebuilding Camp Stevens

It has been one year since the Angel Fire burned through Camp Stevens. There has been a lot happening here at Camp Stevens since then. Construction has begun in earnest, with several projects now completed and others underway. Here is a summary of our current projects.

Temporary Yurt Cabins

Our new temporary yurt cabins were completed in June. The three 24' diameter yurts can sleep up to 10 persons each, and include a bathroom with shower. The yurts have a fabric exterior with a layer of insulation and another interior fabric layer. There are windows, a heater, two doors, lights and a sink in the main room. The cabins were used by both campers and staff this past summer and are now available for retreat group use. These cabins will be replaced by an adult conference building once the new Lax-Sadler Lodge is completed below the volleyball court.

Girls' Hill Bath House and Cabin

The girl's hill bath house was completely redesigned and rebuilt this past summer and was operational for the last two session. It features a much more outdoor feeling, with the sinks located on the outside. The bath house has five separate showers and five separate toilets, plus one combination handicapped accessible shower, sink and toilet. They are built with concrete blocks, which will be tiled and plastered in the new few weeks. The concrete floor has a beautilful multicolored stain, which will go really well with the wall tiles that include some rescued art tiles from the old bathroom. Other features include on-demand hot water heaters, a metal roof and plumbing that is designed to be easily winterized.

Our new summer cabin was built on the site of cabin 18. It is 10% larger than the previous cabin and features a metal roof that matches the bath house. Our plans are to build walls along the front and sides that will provide privacy but allow for increased air flow. We are also pleased to announce that our local bank in Julian, Rabobank, has donated $23,000 to help us buiild the new cabin. Both the bath house and cabin were well recieved this summer by the boys who used the hill (yes, it was very confusing using girls' hill as boys' hill this summer.... it just made sense) and some boys even commented that they hoped they could have the new facilities in the future.While the cost of rebuilding with concrete block and metal roofs has been more expensive, the durability and fire resistant construction are worth the effort. Once we complete plastering of the blocks, it will create even more aesthetic appeal.

Bishop's Lodge Construction Begins

Reconstruction of Bishops' Lodge was postponed during the summer to avoid the noise and increased traffiic that would have possibly intruded on the summer campers' experience. But on Monday following the last session, construction began full force. The building is being rebuilt almost the same as it was with a few modifications either required by building code or improvements that came from years of feedback.