What began two years ago as a simple notion — replace an aging play structure at Westminster Woods Camp & Conference Center in Occidental, Calif. — became an unprecedented venture that reunited, redefined, and reinvigorated the community of the camp’s supporters.
After raising more than $100,000 for a new, one-of-a-kind playground, kids, teens, young adults, parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents came to The Woods in last October for a five-day build process that was both energizing and exhausting. Through hard rain, fog, cool evenings and colder mornings, the roughly 300-person volunteer brigade persevered and created a unique play structure that will be a centerpiece of the camp’s ministry for years to come.
The idea began in the hearts of staff members. In August of 2006, the fundraising began in earnest. Leathers & Associates, designers of community-built playgrounds, soon put together a customized plan that fit the existing space. Rich Burdick, director of business and operations, began applying his construction expertise and became immersed in blueprints, lists of materials, and equipment specifications. A full week on The Woods’ busy fall calendar was set aside for the build, and the word began to be spread through e-mails, newsletters, Web site (westminsterwoods.org), and good old-fashioned word-of-mouth.
A sixty-foot long mosaic wall was incorporated into the project, and a talented ceramic artist, Leslie Scott, was employed to design a mosaic wall mural utilizing a “creation” theme. Local students and campers helped to collect and break 400 square feet of ceramic tile, marble, stone and mirror for the wall. The completed mural reflects the story of Genesis, from the separation of light and dark to the creation of humankind, where mirrors were incorporated as an invitation for campers to see themselves as an integral part of God’s Creation.
This project was truly a memorable adventure for all those involved. While the playground itself will have a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of children over the course of its lifetime, perhaps the greater benefit lies in strengthened ties and new connections. In the words of one participant, “It was like a good old-fashioned barn raising — where the community comes together to build something side by side — old people, young people, men, women, skilled, unskilled. It was such a great testament to the body of Christ — and the church.”
Sheila Denton is director of ministries at Westminster Woods.
