by Jennifer Pace
Every spring, for twelve years running, Trey Bell—one of the originators of the Jim Peters story, devotes three weeks of his time and energy to preserve Waycross for future generations. He contacts, organizes and dispatches teams of past Waycross and Hickory Hill counselors who volunteer their time and energy during Alumni Work Camp to help restore, repair and maintain our beloved camp grounds.
“This whole thing started,” as he recalls, “after a 33 year hiatus” from camp. Upon returning to a Waycross Staff Reunion he was compelled to take a walk by himself around the camp grounds and noticed that the cabins were in need of repair.
“Had I not been away so long I might never have seen it.” With a career in construction, his mind quickly jumped to the idea of organizing some sort of volunteer work camp for alumni. Returning to the group of counselors in attendance from his era, he began asking if anyone would be interested in volunteering to restore the grounds during an alumni work camp. Everyone loved the idea. From there Trey coordinated with Judy Canada for approval from Gene Niednagel.
“That first year, we re-roofed the Youth Lodge and Central Supply plus painted the cabins.” Now, many years and repairs later, Trey arrives from Illinois with albums full of photos that document all of the prior years Alumni Work Camp members. Sitting up in front of the fire, he delights in sharing stories that celebrate their efforts. Keeping a daily written journal, he pays tribute to all involved, including those who were not on staff. At the close of each day he insists that every individual present gather for the “daily photo”.
Over the years, Trey's quest to reunite staff members has grown to include several generations of alumni working side by side. Like weaving a rich tapestry, he has assembled the kindred threads of staff generations who he identifies with as “... being cut from the same cloth.” And indeed they are, as they share a common outlook and philosophy that whole heartedly leads them to return and give back to that magical place that nurtured their souls and spurred their growth of character rooted in Gods love.
For many, “Staff” was never just a title, it was the greatest of opportunities to cultivate and fill ones life with Christ. All learned to cultivate that energy and philosophy pouring it out in abundance each week over every child that stood around the campfire. Building community and forging life-long bonds for every session was an incredible gift and skill. Counselors were not just good at it—they were great at it. As a result, both counselors and campers grew to hold Waycross and Hickory Hill forever near and dear.
As Christ was sent into the world, so are we. From the Waycross/Hickory Hill experience, each member has ventured beyond the heavily wooded hills of Brown County returning with stories about having influenced the world around them. They have inspired many by continuing to lend an ear, a hand, advice … by showing leadership, compassion, strength, courage ... and above all, heart to fellow human beings in need at home and abroad.
The shared ability to unite people resonates throughout any alumni gathering. It bridges generations who have never before met binding them in life long friendships. Among them there is a deep understanding and appreciation of each others strengths making it easy to work steadily side-by-side as a strong good-hearted team. Working tirelessly, they breathe life back into this sacred space to ensure that new counselors and campers alike will take heart at blazing their own trails while continuing to uphold those ever endearing traditions that are part of the Waycross and Hickory Hill experience.
When asked what inspired him most about this years Alumni Work Camp 12, Trey responded with “...this was a very great success because we accomplished the main thrusts—the refurbishing and painting of Dixon Hall in entirety, six new cabin shelving units and clearing fallen storm damaged trees and brush by the end of the second weekend. Doing so allowed us to add new projects like the One-day, Two-tree Bridge”.
Always big on revelry, Trey insisted that the story be told from start to finish in celebration of our efforts. Upon arriving to work camp a day early, Trey and I shared many stories and became fast friends. When he asked for help cutting the plywood to make cabin shelving and replacement side boards for a termite damaged Dixon Hall, I gladly volunteered due to having a lot of table saw experience.
Seeing how quickly everyone, was repairing and repainting Dixon Hall, (especially the newer generation) I began thinking about how nice it would be to replace the bridge and decided to ask Trey. When we consulted with Rob Seger- head of maintenance- he said, “I would love to get that done ...” but that we would not likely be able to as Van was out sick with the flu and we would need his approval. Of course asking Scott was next but again he deferred to getting Vans approval.
Later, while we were eating lunch on the deck, Van appeared to everyone's surprise. Instantly, I took his arm and began explaining how important the bridge always was when we were campers and counselors. Vividly describing the first memory of it as a camper, I reminisced about it having been made of two great tree trunks that stretched across the creek with planks nailed atop them … and asked if we could “please make another”. He must have seen by the looks on our faces how very important that old bridge was because he simply looked at me and said “yes”. Everyone was thrilled!
Even though time was limited, Rob led our team to make it happen. Almost immediately he set out with Cliff Goodwin and myself to locate two very tall and very straight trees. After finding them, Rick Wood, Lora Beuoy, and John Simmons joined in to fell and haul the trees. Chaining them to a flat bed, a determined Rob pushed the trees, truck and bed off of the Golf Course with his loader. He and the crew swiftly delivered each trunk to the bank, positioning them for a next morning placement.
Everyone wanted a hand in making the bridge. We all joined in after finishing last minute tasks—helping to dig out the old structure, place the logs, measure supports and cut and nail planks. Even the young man who was going to be hired as a counselor helped to nail down planks. The main structure was completed around 5:00 p.m., but was in need of hand rails.
Special thanks to Trey Bell for his insight and dedication and to all who gave their best to preserve Waycross for future generations at Alumni Work Camp 12: Trey and Anne Bell, Lynn Watgen, Jennifer Pace, Ann Schroeder, Judy Canada, Lynn Hosmer, Allen Oshry, Kendra and Tony Butt, Kristen and Kevin Thompson, Debbie Wepler, Candice and Greg Glass, Cliff and Debbie Goodwin, David Farmer, George Lewis, Laura Dahnke, Jim Lemon, Deric McFarland, Pat Campbell, Heather Kline, Heather Pollock, Denyse Palmer, Nancy McFarland, Marcia Taylor, Rick and Carol Huffman, Lora Beuoy, Rick Wood, Martha Dogan, Katie Simmons, Tina Simmons, and John Simmons and all of the Waycross staff.
Here, Gods love is visibly at work, quickly spanning eras to forge a close knit community of treasured friends.
The bridge that joins Waycross and Hickory Hill, rests on the path that strengthens faith in God's good will. Upon it have traveled past, present and future, building dreams that mature and nurture.