On the second weekend of July, over 165 people gathered together for the annual Builders Weekend. It was a celebratory weekend, energy was high, and the stories of the summer helped to inspire and connect people with the joys and the impact of Camp Friedenswald. In a summer that has been marked by high attendance and participation in programs, Builders Weekend was yet another full and lively event!
Many Builders participated in activities throughout Saturday afternoon. From paper quilling, to insect exploration, to pontoon rides around the lake, there were a variety of ways to reconnect with Camp. We were fortunate to have Luke Gascho, urban farmer and local historian, join us to present on the Indigenous history and settler impacts of the local area. Of special interest during the presentation were today’s camp trail map overlaid with maps circa the 1880s with Indigenous trails marked. It was yet another tangible reminder that the trails we hike today exist on the traditional land of the Potawatomi people.
During a meeting of the Builders, Heather Reichenbach, outgoing Builders Chair, was honored for her six-years of service, and spoke to the many projects that Builders have helped support in recent years. (You can read the 2024 Builders Report here.) Heather also proposed a new structure for the position of Builder Chair, inviting the Camp Board to enfold the duties of Builders Chair into the Board committee structure. Deanna Risser, current Camp Board Chair, spoke to the transition and updated Builders on the work of the Board.
The meeting concluded with the launch of the Sustain Friedenswald Campaign and the sharing of plans to renovate facilities across the camp’s grounds – from staff housing, to lodges, to additional solar energy. Jenna Liechty Martin, Executive Director, shared that construction has begun on a new staff duplex with the help of volunteers and with the generous financial support from Camp’s Builders. A campaign goal of $2.5 million has been set – with over $1.75 million already pledged or given.
Highlights of the weekend included the fellowship shared around the dining room tables and the delicious meals prepared by Camp chef Eric Emerson and his team of staff and volunteers, as well as the sharing of stories and musical talents of the summer staff. Many summer staff shared a reflection or poem during the popcorn campfire or morning worship service. Four-year returning summer staff, Lara Classen, shared the following as part of the Sunday morning worship, reflecting a sentiment that is shared by many of the Builders present:
I honestly don’t know where I would be without Camp Friedenswald. It gave me a place where I could explore the outdoors and foster a connection with the natural world. It provided me with a space to hear about different faith perspectives and develop my own beliefs. It has allowed me to grow as a person and discover more of who I am. It has been there for me when I’ve felt lonely, depressed, anxious, or lost. It has inspired my career choice. It has introduced me to some of my closest friends. So thank you, Camp Friedenswald, for 8 weeks of youth camp, 14 cabins of campers, and 21 years of experiences and memories I will treasure for the rest of my life.
-Lara Claassen, summer staff
And thank you, Builders! For a great weekend together and for the support that is shown throughout the year. Camp Friedenswald would not exist without your faithful service and financial support.
Curious to know more about the Builders? Read on!
A Builder is someone who believes in and supports Camp’s mission by volunteering (five or more days annually) and/or contributes $500+ annually. Together, Camp’s Builders make up the Builders Association, a group of people who collectively support Friedenswald and make it the special place that it is today. The Builders are invited to an annual celebration the second weekend in July. You can find out more by clicking here.
