Changes at Camp...Pavilion

When I started doing this blog, part of my intent was to provide former Deer Runners with a look into Camp today. I know that there are lots of Alumni who have not been out to Camp in many years, so I want to show them what Camp is like today, and how things may have changed over the years. In all parts of life, change can be looked at in a negative light, and Camp is no different. Its important to understand that the changes that have been made at Camp are made with the purpose of bettering the work that is done there every summer...preaching the Gospel to the thousands of kids that come to Camp. There is always much thought and prayer put into all the decisions, and making sure that Camp stays the same place that we all fell in love with. If you haven't been out to Camp in over 15 years, some things may look different, but you would be able to see that Camp is the same as it always has been. So, I would like to show some of the things that have changed at Camp, and bring everybody up to speed on what Camp is like today.

The first "new" addition to Camp that I would like to highlight is the Pavilion. I say "new", but it was built 12 years ago. I'm starting with it because I think it is the best thing built at Camp since I became involved with Camp almost 20 years ago. The Pavilion was built and named in honor of E.H. Smith, or PaPaw to most people. It was built between Cheuk and Hoche Ballfields, and met several needs immediately. The Pavilion is a true multi use facility. It is used for cabin and group activities, especially for application lessons. On mornings when it rains, Flag Devo can be held underneath the roof so that campers and staff don't have to start the day off soaked.

Before the Pavilion was built, the only place to play basketball was on an uneven, bumpy stretch of pavement out by Hoche Ballfield. It was not a very safe place to play, and was difficult to get a good game going. The Pavilion has a full length basketball court with goals on both sides.
On special occasions such as Pass the Torch, or the 50th reunion, tables and chairs can be set up to serve a meal underneath the shade.
The best use of the Pavilion though can be seen on any Middle Sunday of a 2 week session. This summer during 4th Session, there was close to 600 people worshipping together in the Pavilion. Before the Pavilion was built, all worships were held in the Rec Hall, which is just big enough to squeeze in around 200 people. Obviously this would not be an adequate place to hold worship with 600 people. Being able to worship together in the Pavilion, all under one roof, lifting praises to God, really captures the true spirit of Camp Deer Run.
If you haven't been to Camp in many years, I encourage you to mark your calendar to come out to some of the Alumni events we have planned. I really think that you will be happy seeing Camp today and understanding the impact that it is still having today on the Campers that come through the gates every summer.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky