On July 12-13, over 180 people gathered at camp for the annual Builders Weekend. It was a celebratory weekend, energy was high, and the stories of the summer – and from across the past 75 years – 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, Builders Weekend was yet another full and lively program.
This year’s celebration was made extra-special in the honoring and celebration of 75-years of Camp Friedenswald. On Saturday afternoon, Builders had the opportunity to participate in classic camp activities like tie-dye, sing songs from throughout the decades, and hear stories and reflections from former campers and staff. Skip Dyes (pictured), life-long Cass County resident and camper in the 1960s, and Peter Graber, former “camp kid,” summer staff, volunteer, and long-time Builder, shared reflections on “The African-American Community and Friedenswald (1960-75).” Jerry Nussbaum, former camper, staff, and board member, along with current staff Jonathan Fridley and Amy Huser, shared reflections on ways that Camp’s relationship with the land has shifted and changed across the decades. Of course, the water of Shavehead Lake and boat rides were enjoyed by many.
In the evening, Builders gathered together to receive an update on the latest happenings of Camp Friedenswald. Deanna Risser, current board chair, provided an encouraging report on summer program attendance, Builders projects, and Camp’s solid financial position. Jenna Liechty Martin, executive director, gave an update on the Campaign to Sustain Friedenswald – sharing that nearly $2.4 million has been pledged or given to the efforts to-date. The next phase of the campaign includes renovation to the Triplex (to be called Hugel Haus), with construction to begin late summer. You can read more about our efforts to Sustain Friedenswald here.
Throughout the weekend Builders had the opportunity to tour the new Fenwood duplex (staff home) and the renovated Sycamore Lodge. These beautiful and sustainably built spaces were dedicated as part of our gathering. Together, and led by Rev. Dr. Sibonokuhle Ncube, board member, we prayed:
Today and for each day of the years to come we dedicate the beautiful and sustainable Fenwood Duplex…May its rooms hold camp staff and their families together, giving space for all the ordinary – and sometimes most extraordinary moments of life. May its walls provide shelter, sanctuary, and welcome to those who are weary at the end of a long day. May the love of Christ be made known in the love shared in its walls. Today and for each day of the years to come we dedicate the beautifully restored Sycamore Lodge…May its rooms offer respite for volunteers, sanctuary for depleted souls, reconnection for families and dear friends. May the worship and conversation spoken within its walls be filled with the wisdom of the Creator of the sycamore tree.
The gathering concluded with the sharing of a new video produced by Jackson Steinmetz, former summer staff and volunteer, that helps to honor this special milestone year. You can watch Camp Friedenswald: 75 years of service online by clicking here.
As always, the food and fellowship was a highlight of the weekend. Eric Emerson, food service director, and the kitchen staff served “camp classics” including chicken barbecue, biscuits, mac and cheese (with deluxe toppings), salads featuring local produce, and grasshopper pie. Many of the recipes are featured in the 50th anniversary history book by Marge Graber. (Vision, Faith, Service: Camp Friedenswald 1950-2000).
The weekend concluded on Sunday with an early morning birding hike, a meditative walk to the dying oak, and worship in Cottonwood. During worship we listened to the stories of summer staff, sang the summer theme song, received a prayer from Doug Luginbill, conference minister of Central District Conference (and former camp executive director), and received a special blessing in the form of a seed: an acorn with “Camp Friedenswald” engraved in it.
We are grateful for all who participated in the special weekend and who helped make it a reality. From the special buffet table (made of the “CF1” canoe) to the camp history trivia, to the popcorn campfire, to the display of historical and memorable camp items – it was, as Camp Friedenswald always is, the pouring out of time, energy, and love in faith and service to something bigger than ourselves. Thank you, Builders! We are Friedenswalders.*
*Watch the video for this reference!
Who is a Builder?
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 in mid-July. If you are interested in becoming a Builder, contact Jenna Liechty Martin.
