As I write, there are currently 50 volunteers energetically wielding shovels, rakes, and power tools—all with the purpose of revamping Camp Waianae for the continued use and enjoyment of our community. Their current assignments: to renovate our amphitheater, plant palms on our new campground space, and put the finishing touches on our new low ropes course.
Camp Waianae is in the first few phases of a much-needed revitalization—the first of its kind since it was built in the late 1960s. Situated up against the towering peak of Mount Kahala, Camp Waianae exists as a sanctuary for people, particularly our young people, to come and connect and fall in love with Jesus. It is a well-used and greatly loved space in our Hawaii Conference, and it is exciting to see so many people coming alongside us to improve our camp.
Since January of this year, we have been gifted with more than 11,500 hours of hard work from varying groups of volunteers. Each group brings their own skills to help with projects such as refurbishing our cafeteria, staining fences, building rock walls and beautiful new gates, building low ropes elements, clearing land for our new campground, gardening, electrical work, and the list goes on. The tasks are all different and yet equally vital for providing the best place possible for our campers to be blessed.
Camp Waianae is what it is today because of the generosity of people who know how important camp is for spiritual growth and community. Where else can young people play games, cool off in the pool, and then praise Jesus and learn of His awesome love for them? Not only that but Camp Waianae also seeks to serve our homeless community by providing opportunities for homeless kids to attend summer camp for free. Our mission groups have also had opportunities to serve within this community, which has been a welcomed blessing.
With more work to be done, we look forward to welcoming future volunteers who hear God’s call on their hearts to bless our Hawaiian community by helping us realize our plans—one of which is to build a new bathhouse. To which we always respond with an enthusiastic, “Yes! Please! Amen!”
We have a lot of Aloha for our volunteers, many of whom come to Camp Waianae for the very first time to serve. Thank you again for all the time, hard work, donations, and skills that you have bestowed on us. It is not only because of you but also for you that we have Camp Waianae.
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By Krystle Maddox
