MILFORD – Camp Alexander Mack, a year-round camp and conference center, celebrates its emergence from the pandemic with an open house on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.
The open house invites the community to see over $800,000 worth of work completed in the last year, according to a news release from Camp Mack. Projects include a new health center, solar power installation, a peace garden overlooking the lake, a high ropes challenge course and several building upgrades. Refreshments will be served.
The new state-of-the-art health center recognizes Esther and John Hamer, former staff, medical missionaries to Nigeria and medical professionals from the Fort Wayne area. In the late 1960s, the couple identified the Lassa Fever virus, paving the way for treatment and prevention. The Esther and John Hamer Health Center serves the camp program by centralizing and modernizing health services for campers. It was built through funding from the current $1.1 million capital campaign. The building also provides public restrooms for adjacent spaces. A dedication ceremony for the health center will take place at 2:30 p.m.
Another camp improvement funded by the capital campaign is a Peace Garden overlooking Lake Waubee with views of the lake’s sunsets. The garden was designed and supplied by New Vistas Landscaping of Middlebury. The designer, Judy DePew, has supervised the installation as a volunteer.
In early 2020, the camp received a grant from the K-21 Health Foundation to build a high ropes challenge course. This course is currently providing some limited use for school groups and will open for a community day on June 5. The camp is booking opportunities for groups beginning in mid-August.
In mid-April, Wellspring Components and RES completed a solar power installation that will meet current and future electrical power needs. The project was financed by Lake City Bank. Camp Mack averaged 243 MWh per year in power usage, so the installation results in a significant decrease in the carbon footprint. The camp expects to save money as well. The cost of financing is below projected costs for electricity, the news release states.
Building upgrades include several new roofs, new windows and interior insulation and freshening. These projects were funded through donations from individuals, groups and churches.
Camp Alexander Mack is a ministry supported by the Church of the Brethren in Indiana. It is located on 240 acres at the eastern end of Lake Waubee, about two miles southeast of Milford. It is open year-round, providing summer camp programs and rentals; activities and retreats for families, adults, and children; facility and banquet rentals for churches, organizations, and families; and a growing outdoor education program. Food and guest services are provided throughout the year.
