White Lake Covenanter Camp has brand new bunks and a fine crew of trained teen construction workers. The 2006 camping season begins with thanks to the Lord for His great provision.

Last year the New York State Department of Health mandated extensive top bunk safety features for all children’s camps: rollout bars, ladder, headboard, and endboard. It was time to replace the old WWII army surplus metal beds.

White Lake Teen Camp was transformed into a humming, buzzing  construction site. Camp Manager Peter Robson trained, taught, and inspired 23 young campers in woodcraft and assembly-line techniques. With the added muscle power of college students Mark Evertz and David Moberg (who left their summer jobs in order to help), Teen Camp 2005 rocked. There was construction by day, Bible study by night,  good fellowship, and predawn paintball battles in the  White Lake woods and Edgar fields.

When a rest/recreation day was announced midweek, the teens rose up and cried, “No.  We want to work. We need to build bunks, and we want to build bunks.” And they did. Some worried about teenage girls wielding power tools, but Peter said that “a lot of people were very impressed that the young ladies really emerged as the ‘construction leaders.’”

The materials for the sturdy wooden structures were purchased with the help of contributions from many happy campers. The first donation came on the first day of camp from a couple who had met at the camp 50 years ago. The teens received this wonderful news with thanks and whoops of gladness. Another couple became engaged at Family Camp 2005 and made a gift. Children made gifts to honor parents and grandparents. Friends remembered friends. Debbie Black of Beaver Falls, Pa., engraved brass plaques with Bible verses, dedications, and greetings from these friends of White Lake. Some  examples:

“Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

“In memory of Christie Hammerle” Tom & Martha Fisher

“White Lake Counselors honor Mike & Beth Tabon”

“Ridgefield Park Reformed Presbyterian Church”

The teen campers built 33 upper bunks in four and a half days. On the last afternoon of Family Camp, the teens led crews in building 15 lower bunks. The camp is now in compliance with state standards and will build additional bunks as more funds become available.

Throughout the past year, the teens have kept in touch with each other, having bonded together swinging hammers. “I loved Teen Camp! Everyone who went wanted to stay longer!” “We got tired but didn’t want to stop. It was hot and heavy work, but we just took short water breaks and wanted to get right back.” “It was great being with friends and knowing you’re helping the camp.” “We feel more like the camp belongs to us.” “I’m ready for my missions trip this summer after working at White Lake last summer.”

This year’s teen campers are excited about the new construction campaign and project—bunk houses for family campers. The band of brothers and sisters with their bandsaws and handsaws will hammer in the morning and hammer ’til the evening.