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September 2011 | Gymnasium Project |
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A major project that is being worked on behind the scenes right now is the planning and funding of a gymnasium for Camp Mahanaim. Though the weather in Haiti is nice most of the time, the need for an indoor area of instruction is essential for the camp during the rainy season. The gym will be used for basketball, volleyball, soccer, a myriad of activities and large group gatherings. |
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After much research and consideration a metal building has been decided on. This type of building offers the best solution both for stability during high winds and seismic conditions and for ease of construction. |
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the gymnasium pictured is conceptual only |
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As imagined the undertaking of this project is huge from both the fund-raising and the construction viewpoints. Interestingly enough God is using one of our longtime supporters, Pam Beecher, and a newly interested man, Tommy Moorman, to head this project stateside. This brother-sister team has been working with us on the size and design of the building. Pam's athletic background and passion for the vision of Camp Mahanaim has her working on the funding for the building; and Tommy brings his expertise as a metal building contractor, and a servants-heart to work on the construction side of things. |
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While they continue to work to finalize the plans for the gym, the fund-raising has begun. Just this week we received confirmation from CFYCF (Christ for Youth Foundation) for a matching grant of $75,000. This means that they will match each dollar that comes in with one of their own for up to $37,500. We are thankful for this endorsement and validation that this is the right path for the camp. We believe that this amount will cover the cost of the metal building. Though this seems a large amount, it is just the tip of the iceberg. We expect the project to cost somewhere between $200,000 and $300,000. As we get more bids from companies and more accurate costs we will update the website as to where we are. In the meantime, we appreciate your prayers and donations for this project. |
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Please send any DONATION to Harvest International and designate the " gymnasium project". Thank you! |
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September 2010 |
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The first picture (below) is an actual Google Earth photo of the camp property, with explanations and inserts showing what has been accomplished so far and what is proposed.
Anything that says "Proposed" means that construction has not actually started yet; anything that doesn't say proposed is already completed, or is under construction.
The pictures that follow are of recent construction and changes at the camp. |
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the gate and entrance to Camp Mahanaim |
the newly renovated guesthouse houses up to 20 people |
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multipurpose volleyball / basketball sports court (with lights) |
the orphanage for handicapped children is a big building
and is almost ready for a roof to go on |
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using the Bobcat to transport concrete as we poured the beams |
this rock wall which has posts for chain link fencing is actually
designed to withstand the waves of the Caribbean;
it is 3-feet thick at the base and is 3-feet underground also |
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all the rockwork has been done by hand
and many of the rocks are huge |
building the swimming dock out into the Laquille river;
we used old chain link fencing gates to hold the rocks in place
until we could pour concrete |
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the nearly completed swimming dock |
this is one of the projects that we are working on right now;
it is an addition to the guesthouse, where our family plans to live |
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October 2009 |
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October 23 | Video Update: We poured a lot of cement today in the pouring rain. The Haitian workers were great sports and they were singing and dancing in the rain as they worked joyfully. This is the Haitian version of a cement pumper truck. |
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the completed rock wall
reaches from the Caribbean, around the property, stops at the river |
installing the gate |
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the completed gate |
guesthouse renovations underway |
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September 2009 |
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guesthouse renovations |
guesthouse addition |
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nearly completed rock wall and entrance |
local ladies gathering sticks along the river shore |
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Experts Tom Hilton and his colleague Darryl from Missouri along with Tom Schmidt of Harvest were here this weekend to study the situation at the camp. They feel gabion baskets will be the best solution along the river. (below) |
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August 2009 |
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Currently we are working on a perimeter wall around the camp. This is necessary to protect the property from any future flooding and to provide security. We are building rock walls as there are many rocks nearby and they are inexpensive, strong , and heavy. The first three pictures show the rock wall construction around the camp. |
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rock wall construction |
rock wall construction |
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rock wall construction |
large lake on property |
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The photo above on the right is of a large lake that has formed on the property due to flooding of the River Laquille. This is a huge project, not only to fill in the lake, but to build protection along the bank of the river so that we don't lose any more land. |
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Rod and Katie (below) are walking along the edge of the camp beside the River Laquille. We will need to build about 1000 feet of gabions or wall to protect the land from future flooding of this river. |
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Rod and Katie |
view of the guesthouse from the beach |
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We plan to begin renovations on the guesthouse in September, Lord willing, with the goal of having it ready to host all of our teams this coming January. There is a lot of work to be done from plumbing, electrical, ceramic tile, cement work, painting, and carpentry. We would especially be very excited if we could find somebody who can build counters out of concrete or who is experienced in ferro concrete work. (click here to see the Projects Updates) |
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