Over ten years ago, we began planning for major expansions to the camp; we planned an office, a family life center, the chapel and 4 more lodges. With the first 3 buildings completed, we are getting ready to build our first lodge; a 26 unit motel with a meeting room for 150 guests.
I have watched other camps move slowly and methodically, just barely moving ahead in their construction and remodelling projects. I have watched businesses that started 25 years ago with a bang, now closed up due to the lack of change and innovation; what was a good idea 25 years ago, slowly became a burden; the business went from something that generated passion and growth, to becoming an albatross.
We have been in a nice position at Hidden Acres; we are a relatively young camp, (29 years), and have been able to build and develop the camp aggressively over the last 20 years. As I have written in past blogs, lots has changed in the past 20 years; there are higher expectations from our guests; we have moved from a customer that would tolerate a little roughing it and inconvenience, to a very savvy consumer that expects things to be done well, comfortably, and with all the conveniences of home. They want beds that are comfortable, amenities that will entertain and stimulate the entire family, and they want great food.
Building this motel lodge will create space that will fit the needs of an entire family. Each room will be set up like a traditional motel room, but we will also include a set of bunk beds to go along with 2 queen size beds. The in-room bath will be a convenience that most people expect in housing options these days. In addition to the 26 different rooms, there will also be a meeting room for at least 150 people.
New building create interest and excitement around the camp. It re-energizes staff and guests. It provides space to create new programs and to offer more options for our different groups. We have seen this to be true in our family life center; since building this indoor pool, gym, meeting space and store, our guest groups have increased in volume and size. Creating new buildings is like producing an innovative product. Can you imagine if Bill Gates developed the computer, then settled in to enjoy just the start up without ever developing his company and products any further? That would be a pathetic business model, but so many non profit organizations do just that; they grow content and smug in their first creation. They never venture to keep re-inventing their ministries.
We don't reinvent for the sake of change; we reinvent to stay current and engaged with our churches and our guest groups. We have created certain traditions that we hold onto dearly; i.e. chocolate chip cookies, sticky cinnamon buns, family camps, 24 hours with the guys, great summer staff, and great food. But we do keep adding additional program activities or program areas in order to generate interests from the campers: paintball, tower, and this summer we hope to create a small skate park on the old basketball courts.
Our prayer is that Hidden Acres will remain a place that adds to and builds onto what is already happening in our local churches; we want what we do to enhance what is going on in the local church 52 weeks of the year; we are in the business to help the church grow stronger families, to fan the flame in young people's spiritual lives, and to train and motivate staff and counselors to return to their own churches energized and with a fresh call on their lives.
A new motel? I don't see just a new building. I see it as a tool to reach more families; I see it as a place where couples can be re-newed in their vows and commitments to each other; I see it as the next step in keeping the camp viable and engaging for years to come
I have watched other camps move slowly and methodically, just barely moving ahead in their construction and remodelling projects. I have watched businesses that started 25 years ago with a bang, now closed up due to the lack of change and innovation; what was a good idea 25 years ago, slowly became a burden; the business went from something that generated passion and growth, to becoming an albatross.
We have been in a nice position at Hidden Acres; we are a relatively young camp, (29 years), and have been able to build and develop the camp aggressively over the last 20 years. As I have written in past blogs, lots has changed in the past 20 years; there are higher expectations from our guests; we have moved from a customer that would tolerate a little roughing it and inconvenience, to a very savvy consumer that expects things to be done well, comfortably, and with all the conveniences of home. They want beds that are comfortable, amenities that will entertain and stimulate the entire family, and they want great food.
Building this motel lodge will create space that will fit the needs of an entire family. Each room will be set up like a traditional motel room, but we will also include a set of bunk beds to go along with 2 queen size beds. The in-room bath will be a convenience that most people expect in housing options these days. In addition to the 26 different rooms, there will also be a meeting room for at least 150 people.
New building create interest and excitement around the camp. It re-energizes staff and guests. It provides space to create new programs and to offer more options for our different groups. We have seen this to be true in our family life center; since building this indoor pool, gym, meeting space and store, our guest groups have increased in volume and size. Creating new buildings is like producing an innovative product. Can you imagine if Bill Gates developed the computer, then settled in to enjoy just the start up without ever developing his company and products any further? That would be a pathetic business model, but so many non profit organizations do just that; they grow content and smug in their first creation. They never venture to keep re-inventing their ministries.
We don't reinvent for the sake of change; we reinvent to stay current and engaged with our churches and our guest groups. We have created certain traditions that we hold onto dearly; i.e. chocolate chip cookies, sticky cinnamon buns, family camps, 24 hours with the guys, great summer staff, and great food. But we do keep adding additional program activities or program areas in order to generate interests from the campers: paintball, tower, and this summer we hope to create a small skate park on the old basketball courts.
Our prayer is that Hidden Acres will remain a place that adds to and builds onto what is already happening in our local churches; we want what we do to enhance what is going on in the local church 52 weeks of the year; we are in the business to help the church grow stronger families, to fan the flame in young people's spiritual lives, and to train and motivate staff and counselors to return to their own churches energized and with a fresh call on their lives.
A new motel? I don't see just a new building. I see it as a tool to reach more families; I see it as a place where couples can be re-newed in their vows and commitments to each other; I see it as the next step in keeping the camp viable and engaging for years to come
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