Hi Friends,
We are so grateful for all those who have already shown love to Loch Leven during these strange times. We simply cannot do without the creative and generous support of so many. Vista La Mesa Christian Church, Chapman University, First Christian Church of Ontario, Orangethorpe Christian Church, and First Christian Church of Fullerton have all been quick to respond with generosity and care.
A team of hard working clergy (led by Pastor Layne Beamer) normally spends the summer building homes in Tijuana but this year (because of travel restrictions) they have chosen Loch Leven as an alternative project. Between now and October they will be repairing bathrooms, rebuilding the bridge across the creek, stabilizing storage space, replacing siding on buildings, and doing so much of the hard work that we just haven’t been able to manage on our own.
We celebrate the generosity of Mike Christman and others who faithfully and fully support our camp. Kenny and Marlene Urban Funk, who run Camp Wrightwood just up the mountain from Loch Leven, spent the afternoon weed whacking the bushes and clearing the road that leads to the pool (Did you know that there are tons of olives and chokeberries along that road!?). So many are doing a lot to take care of our camp, but we need your help, too!
Emilio (our Maintenance Manager) could use volunteers to move and chop firewood, clear debris, open trails, haul items to the dump, sand benches at Inspiration Point, re plaint flowerbeds, and so much more! The office could use your help sorting mail, answering phones, receiving packages, and organizing volunteers. Do you know someone who can help with running telephone wire, replacing windows, or building a picnic table? If so, we need their help, too. If you or your family can spare a few hours, we would gladly welcome you. We aren’t quite ready to have folks stay the night, but our hope is that with lots of help, we can create safe space soon for family units to enjoy the cabins, too.
Finally, one of the most helpful ways to SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR LOCH LEVEN is by making a financial donation. All of the projects mentioned above have expenses that are difficult to cover this summer. Unfortunately, we also had several major leaks in our water lines, the sewage line in the Maintenance Manger’s house has failed, and the truck used to haul supplies up and down the mountain has burned out completely. These expenses have caused significant strain on our ability to meet day to day chores.
Please consider how you might lend help. You can mail a check to the Regional Office (Memo: Loch Leven Gift) to 115 E. Wilshire Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832, donate online, or email our Acting Camp Manager (bjbarlow@docpswr.org) with your ideas. Thank you in advance for your support and ongoing prayers. We thank God for our camp families and can’t wait to see you again soon!
On the Journey,
Benjamin J. Barlow
Associate Regional Minister, PSWR
Acting Camp Manager, Loch Leven Camp and Retreat Center