STAFF HOUSING
BUILDING PROJECT
The Options
We have considered three different options to address our housing need. The first was to build a “Tiny Home” concept cabin that would not have in-cabin bathrooms facilities but it would be close to showers and bathrooms for staff to walk to. While it’s the cheapest option, it started to become clear that this would be yet another band-aid and not a long-term fix. The second option was to build a stand-alone building that we would someday add plumbing to for in-cabin bathrooms. Emphasis on “someday.” Without a clear building site close to utilities, this option is less than ideal and the cost was estimated to be much higher.
The Solution
We want to create staff housing that reflects our appreciation for the time and energy that our volunteers pour into our ministry and the campers that come. All things considered, we have decided to go with a third option that will serve our staff and the camp better for the long-term. We have decided to build an addition onto our Camp Office which has existing plumbing and utilities.
This project will address multiple needs for our camp ministry.
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Additional eight beds for year-round staff housing & guest group accommodations.
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Handicap accessibility to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and allow us to better serve families with accessibility needs.
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Additional office storage space.
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Interior access to restrooms from the office.
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Replace aging siding and windows on the existing building to match the addition.
The Timing
We plan to begin construction on this building addition in the Spring of 2024 in hopes of having the outside finished and the interior usable for our summer camping season starting in June.
The Cost
The estimated cost for this project is $57,000 and we will utilize our own staff along with volunteers to minimize the labor expenses. Our goal is to complete this project debt-free with the help of individual donors and churches who desire to partner with us.
The Current Need
Staff housing has always been a challenge at Lost Timber Bible Camp. We’ve always prioritized filling cabins with campers and our staff get the left overs. Over the years we’ve had to get creative when it comes to housing our staff. Staff have stayed in tents, a garage affectionately known as “The Swamp”, spare bedrooms, and multiple rooms throughout camp. For the last eight summers we have used a 1989 Winnebago RV in which, while fun for a while, the novelty has worn off. The solutions have varied over the years but the end result has always been the same - a band-aid to the bigger problem.
We want to create staff housing that reflects our appreciation for the time and energy that our volunteers pour into our ministry and the campers that come.