Camp Adams Updates

Many people have been wondering what’s happening with Camp Adams this year. Unfortunately, we discovered that most of the buildings at camp had unhealthy levels of mold. This year has been a journey of mold investigations, remediation, and decisions about how to move forward. While all of this has been moving along the Camp Adams and Outdoor Ministries Team has been supporting Natalie and Brendan with decision making and updating the Conference Board as significant financial decisions have been required.

Our first priority has been to provide adequate housing for Natalie and Brendan. The existing house has been deemed no longer habitable, although there is a portion of the house that can be made usable as office space. Therefore, when people drive in to camp the first building they see will be the office, not a residence. A new residence is being built behind the current house. After much research and Board approval, a pre-made frame will be delivered from Canada, to be erected by local contractors. Much of the interior finishing will be done by volunteers, to help with cost savings. The house is energy-efficient and as sustainably made as possible.

Natalie and Brendan have been living in an Airstream trailer throughout the winter and into the summer. They are eager to have a house by the end of fall, which is our goal.

All of the cabins in the Nate Creek site, as well as the Administration Building, have had mold remediation completed. We were pleased to find that they are all structurally sound. In the cabins, only the bathrooms had to have the flooring and drywall removed. The Ad building is down to its frame, but is in better shape than we feared.

The cabins need to be brought up to code for electrical and plumbing standards; the plan is to install heat pumps and appropriate insulation to have year-round potential use and to help prevent mold growth. The bunk beds no longer meet code, either, requiring new arrangement of beds. We are looking at creating sleeping  space in the upper levels of cabins, with stairs and exits that meet code. Bathrooms will be remodeled to enable non-gender use and increased accessibility.

We understand that people have wanted to come out to at least enjoy camp this summer for day-use activities. Unfortunately, the Adkins Lodge has had to be the storage space for Natalie and Brendan’s possessions. Additionally there have been unexpected plumbing issues in Adkins, which are finally resolved. Without access to bathrooms and running water the camp can’t be open.

By the end of August the camp will be able to be used by churches for day use. We will also be looking for volunteers for camp work projects. And yes, our expectation is to be able to resume summer camping programs in 2027! We also hope that these upgrades will create a place where church-related and outside groups will again want to hold retreats and events.

All of this requires a significant investment of money. We are very fortunate to have the endowment from the easement, which we have been able to draw upon to move forward with the necessary work. We are working with the National UCC on a Capital Campaign, which you will hear much more about soon, to replenish what we have had to borrow from the endowment. We are also moving forward with developing a solid, active Camp Adams Alumni group.

Please note that Camp Adams has a new website address: campadamsoregon.org    

We hope to see many of you at Camp Adams again soon. We have this treasured land to steward for future generations for spiritual growth and renewal.