Memories of Lake Swan Camp

With a new month, comes a new assignment with RVICS.   This may be a new assignment for 2014 but this is our 5th trip to Lake Swan Camp, Melrose, Florida.   I knew we had been here many times but was surprised to find it was 5 times beginning since our first one in February 2008. Over the years we have seen immense changes for the physical facilities.   Many times we work at a project and never return.   Just for curiosity, we pulled out all our pictures of the different couples we became friends with and the difference we have made in helping them to minister.  These are just a highlight or two from our time spent here.

In February 2008, we made our first trip here as "greenhorns" with this just our 4th assignment.  What we found was a beaten down RV campground.   Money was given to its improvement to benefit those volunteers to follow us.  At the beginning, at the end of the "line" of RVs (6 total) there wasn't enough power to run a toaster.   The electrical (and some other utilities) was totally made over to 50 amp service!  (With all the tree roots extra, the digging was done with much hard labor.)

2/2008

In 2011, we returned with RVICS.   The large job for the team then was to remodel the kitchen.   

2/2011

The following year, RVICS assigned us here again.  The main assignment on this trip was totally remodel the gift shop.   After it was done, we started what for Lake Swan has been a 2 year "re-build" of building for lodging.   Originally, it was 2 buildings brought in that had been used somewhere in WWII.   RVICS were the first to work on this "re-build" with some demolition.   Also, we were here when the youth from our church (UCC) came for there spring break.   They, also, got into cleaning up the mess the RVICS had made.

Gift Shop 3/2012

Beginning of Lakeview Lodge 3012

Last February when we arrived,  much had been done on the Lodge but it was still a long ways from being completed.  More was torn out but, also, the men put in ceilings, women painted etc. and it didn't even resemble what had been the original building.

2/2013

2/2013

The Lodge has now passed the final inspection and is being used.   However, the final picture will have to wait a few days.   Because, there is one last things to do.   The Camp told us since RVICS began the project that they should be able to complete it----that is paint the outside.   It is a very, very nice addition to Lake Swan and is being used as I write this blog.

Our team has assembled and are ready to begin.   It is going to be another exciting month and we will make a difference!