Everything else we do and everything else we have done is in service of our children and families. All the
attention to the grounds, all the renovations and upgrades to our facilities serve to keep our children and families safe, happy, healthy and holy. As I look do
wn the list of over 40(!) projects that were completed, I thought I'd share with you some highlights:
New Front Entrance & Furnace
Our front entrance: the old stone arch, which had stood as a sentinel for probably over 70 years, began to drop rocks on the driveway side this past spring. After consulting a number of contractors (none of whom would even agree to accept the job and repair it), we made the difficult and sad decision of taking it down. In the last analysis, it came down to this: nothing can ever compromise the safety of our children and families.
|
|
|
New Front Gate & Entrance
|
After the arch was removed, work began on a new entrance. Some people have
commented that it looks like an entrance to a horse ranch. I would like to thank the benefactors who donated this new entrance for us.
Also in the year 2015, a benefactor donated a new furnace for the cabin called the New PC - or new priests' cabin. If my memory is correct, the old furnace broke down about 20 years ago. The presence of this new furnace will transform our "hinge months," as we can now comfortably house volunteer workers during months like May and September. This makes me think of May of 2014 when I woke up to find a thick white blanket of snow on the ground!
Mess Hall Renovations
One of the larger renovation jobs this past spring and summer was the Mess Hall.
The north wall of the exterior was made water-tight. On the inside, new ceiling tiles, lighting, new paint and a polished concrete floor brightened everything up. New round tables fostered a family atmosphere and a superb kitchen staff cooked meals that gave lots of energy to our children and families.
Beach Upgrades
At the bea
ch, a generous benefactor donated a new jumping dock and new swim lanes. These added to the fun! A number of our canoes had their seats repaired.
Some New Wheels
The donation of some used golf carts
helped staff
keep a close eye on our kids and the donation of a 2012 pickup truck greatly aided our junior counselors in their landscaping work.
One of the great joys of the summer was
restoring our outside trips. Thanks
to
benefactors again, as our 2014
twelve passenger van enabled our senior campers and intermediate campers to enjoy destinations like the spectacular Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.
|
|
| Campers and the Newly Donated Van at Sleeping Bear Dunes |
Camper Cabins
Our camper cabins continue to get a make-over and that project, along with a number of others, will occupy 2016. Stay tuned!
Thank You
I want to thank you for your support of CSM! I am convinced that the mission of Camp Sancta Maria is more important than ever since her founding in 1933. "Wholesome recreation" refreshes the virtual world our children live in and the "atmosphere of faith" feeds their souls which are hungry for the truth and love that God gives us.
Sincerely,
Fr. Bob Spezia
Executive Director
Chaplain
| Camp Sancta Maria is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) public charity. Donors may deduct contributions as provided in section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. We are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Code. |
|
