MIchigan Nomads Reunion Work Week May 14 - 17, 2019

28 Active Michigan NOMADS went to Lake Michigan Camp & Retreat Center in Pentwater Michigan for 4 days to help prepare the camp for the summer camping season. This project was started several years ago by Gary and Joan Melvin to give Nomads from Michigan a chance to get to know each other. This was a huge turnout of Nomads with several couples getting their first project experience. Bill and Barb Harlow were the event organizers with Dennis Williams as the project work leader.

Here are all 28 NOMADS with Dana & Duane the camp directors seated on the right hand bottom corner

Barb gave a introduction to the camp & Dennis went over the extensive list of work projects on the list and then assigned the projects to different teams.

Bunk bed changes in Lodge was one of the major projects.  The camp had been given several bunk beds from other Michigan camps that had been closed. We had to remove the bunks that were there and then replace them.

The camp store had shirts that needed to be sorted, bagged & sized. Although Nancy had broke her hip 3 weeks prior they were able to give her a job she could help with. We had a golf cart to transport her. She was able to work only the hours she felt up to it.

The North Bathroom was a major project for the team. There were new doors that needed to be painted to start with. 

The giant chair at the entrance to the camp needed to be repaired & moved.

There was lots of construction going on. Another major project we had was to complete the new deans cabin construction.

The North Bathrooms and showers needed to be cleaned before they could be painted.

The team at the Lodge had bunk beds to be taken apart with the best ones being repaired and then prepared to be moved to one of the new tent cabins later in the project.

The roof of the north bathhouse was cleaned and repairs made.

After the chair was moved it was time to paint it, but first it was time to test the repairs.

Tools were gotten ready for the summer season.  Terry worked on getting a Leaf Blower started.

Dennis ran the Post hole digger to help install the posts for the new fence at the new RV dump station.

Each night we had a campfire.

Poles were installed along the side of the cabin to keep people from driving on the leach field.

Wood was sorted from the process of taking the bunk beds apart for later use or disposal as needed.

New tile was cut & put in place in the south bathroom where it had came off the wall of the shower.

After the chair was painted and dry a Lake Michigan Camp banner was applied to it. This is a spot that many people who visit the camp use for a photo opportunity.

After installing new toilets in the north bathrooms and then the cottage, these guys took a break  to read their Bibles.

Dennis was kept busy running supplies & being sure everyone had what they needed.

New platform decking was installed for the new tents.

Screen doors were checked over with new screen installed.

Barb had to climb into the bathroom window to rescue the keys that were locked inside. This talent of hers was first discovered on her project in Mississippi.

New tents were installed on the platforms.

The ceiling was put up in the new staff cabin, & cook's cabin.

The tractor was checked over and repaired to be ready for the summer.

Screen doors were installed on the central bathrooms..

The North bath house was power washed.

Lots of leaves were raked around the fire pits.

The last night we had a potluck. The 28 NOMADS had put in over 650 hours of work in the four days at the camp, with 2 units staying a few days extra to help out.