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Launch the media gallery 1 playerNew Camp Mennoscah Master Plan Looks Forward to Future
A new Master Plan has been created by the Master Plan Committee and approved by the Camp Mennoscah Board of Directors! This plan is highlighted by an emphasis on replacing infrastructure at Camp, especially the HVAC in the Retreat Center, necessary repairs on the Pool, and continued renovation of the Dining Hall to finish the earlier remodel. Some other “stretch goals” are also being considered as well as Programming Goals.
The Plan outlines three strategic infrastructure goals. The first concerns the Retreat Center. It is easy to think of the Retreat Center as, perhaps, the “new” building at Camp - in fact, people still call it the “New Retreat Center.” However, the Retreat Center isn’t new anymore, and it is in dire need of HVAC and additional upgrades and repairs. The Retreat Center is vital if Camp is to be a year-round venue for people to use, and is very important to help serve everyone who wishes to visit Camp and have a comfortable place to stay, especially families with small children and older patrons.
The second goal is to put the finishing touches on the Dining Hall. When the Dining Hall and Kitchen were redone a few years ago, almost all of the changes that needed to be made were completed. However, there are still a few more tasks that need to be done to put the project to bed and to move the Dining Hall and Kitchen to the “Done” column. Some of these things are small, some a little larger, but all cost time and money to complete.
The final big goal is the Pool. No one wants to go to camp and not be able to use the Pool! But pools are high-maintenance investments, and the Pool needs some attention - upgrades to make it more functional and more autonomous. Some mechanical repairs and updates are needed, and some changes are needed to make sure the storage areas for chemicals are as safe as possible. Everyone loves the Pool! It is a great asset to Camp and the people who come here to use the campground during the summer.
Other goals, which are being called “Stretch Goals,” are on the agenda as additional funds and time become available. These include staff house renewal, cabin upgrades, and craft building renovation. ADA upgrades are being considered as well as a look into renewable energy solutions like solar panels. Also under consideration would be additional and improved outdoor spaces, perhaps even to include development of the property on the west side of the river.
The Master Plan also contains some Programming Goals for the next five years. These goals can be implemented as energy and leaders are found. They include a camp for pre-summer-camp age kids to introduce them to Camp, a young adult retreat, a quilting retreat, and a wilderness/nature retreat. A music event is being considered, as well as thinking about ways Camp can increase its year-round facility use. Camp’s role as a resource for junior high and a place for retreat for that particular audience need examination. Finally, Camp wants to be forward thinking as it acknowledges its land use and the land’s history and the evolving needs of the Mennoscah family.
This Plan was created after extended research and discussion based at least in part on a survey of Camp patrons. Watch this space for future explanations and developments.
