Camp Inspiration Hills Update

In the last four months much has changed at Camp Inspiration Hills. 

Shannon Kahler accepted the position as Camp Director and started her ministry with us in early November.   Her extensive camp background and discerning eyes have provided new insight into the administration of the camp.  The Camp Administrative Committee is proud to have Shannon in this position.

We would like to update you on a few of the more noticeable improvements:

The maintenance and development committee has been energized by the generous donations of funds for capital improvements.  Thanks to the donation of these capital improvement funds, and the matching dollars provided by many throughout the district, we entered into the 4th quarter of 2009 with $130k set aside for capital improvements.  To date, we have re-roofed Dogwood and repaired/updated to code the Director’s home.  Next on our list is the modernization of Walnut Lodge.  Our goal will be to have this ready for rental by September 1, 2010.

The new waste water treatment plant is soon to be completed.  Construction will begin in early May with a scheduled completion well before the start of summer camp.  This facility is sized to enable significantly larger groups to attend the camp.  Engineering plans for an even larger plant have been developed to assure we can grow for years to come!   The generous contribution from the now closed Eagle Creek Church has made this facility improvement possible.

On a smaller but no less important scale, many of our walking trails are being marked by volunteers and comfort stations will be added with time.  Our ropes course has been evaluated and scheduled for relocation and improvements, and the new Program Director’s summer housing, Hickory Hideaway, has been moved to the cabin circle close to the bath house.

Additional capital improvements currently under consideration include exterior hot water wood furnaces for the facilities on the front side of our property, renovation of the bathrooms in both Dogwood and Cherry, replacement of mattresses, and much more. 

Our staffing will be modified as of early April.   We plan to hire a full time Facilities Manager, and a part time Kitchen Supervisor/Cook and a part time Housekeeping and Maintenance (with consideration to combine the part time positions into one full time role).

Summer camp will be a few week shorter to match the attendance as noted over the last few years.  This year’s theme “Be A Hero, Be Like Jesus” will give our campers many opportunities to experience what it means to be a servant to others.  The summer camp staff is forming and the Summer Program Director, Rachel King, has been selected.  We have received many applications for summer staff positions and we are blessed so many young adults continue to desire to share their faith and Godly walk with our others.  Our new summer brochure been distributed with the all of the details.

Financially we ended 2009 with operational cost concerns.   We had sufficient reserves to offset the $45k operational deficit accumulated throughout the year; however, going into 2010 we have no reserves remaining to underwrite our operational costs.  Significant changes in fixed and variable expenses will be in place by the second quarter of 2010 to help assure financial stability throughout the year with a balanced budget. 

An increased emphasis on retreat rentals is in the works through some updates to our marketing materials.  Our restructured website, inspirationhillscamp.org, is up and running.  We are working to add online camp registration along with acceptance of credit cards for payment, and our updated retreat brochure is soon to be published. 

With change, challenges abound…and change is not easy.  Paid staffing hours will be reduced, food prepared more economically, and we are praying that some of our maintenance and upkeep can be shifted to the many generous volunteer workers who are a part of this district.  With these changes, we hope to assure that the camp is a viable resource for our churches and community for years to come.  

Many new volunteer opportunities in the kitchen, maintenance, office, host or hostess are plentiful and available year round.  We are currently seeking volunteers to help during the four weeks of summer camp with everything from mowing the grass to baking cookies in the kitchen.  Should you desire to share your talents please contact Shannon Kahler at shannon@inspirationhillcamp.org or check out the volunteer opportunities at inspirationhillscamp.org.  We need your time and talents!

Above all, the spirit of our Lord and Savior remains in every square inch of this blessed place we call camp.  The administrative committee is honored and humbled to serve the camp, and you, as we work to preserve Inspiration Hills Camp for years to come.  We thank you for your patronage and financial gifts to the camp as these make up almost 1/3 of our annual budget.  Through your continued stewardship of time, talents, and monies, Inspiration Hills will always be an INSPIRATION to us all.

Peace to you Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Camp Administrative Committee