2023. Good Friends of Camp Christopher make Great Volunteers. This crew joins Maintenance Ace (and FoCC Treasurer!) Larry Furman to linger at a tree planted as a memorial to Jim “Suave” Sovacool.
From its historic beginnings on the Portage Lakes in 1924, through its setting of roots on Bath Road in the era of the Great Depression and World War II, to its current location on Hametown Road, Camp Christopher has been sustained and enriched through volunteerism. A number of recent volunteer projects, some as simple as planting a tree, have enhanced the property.
In February, 2018, more than a dozen Friends of Camp Christopher, donating their own time and money, set up in Camp’s Dining Hall to make 200 sandwich lunches to be distributed to the homeless via the Akron Snow Angels.
2020 Volunteer Salute! Thanks to Camp’s volunteer gardener Kitt Kurtz who spent hours working to beautify Christopher flower beds before turning her attention to our fragile wooden statue population.
With her artistic Friend Mary (Beora) O’Conner, Kitt is hoping to do some preservation. After a decade of their distinctive presence on Camp grounds, the carvings created by woodcarver Joe Frohnapfel are beginning to show the wear of dwelling outside in Northeast Ohio. Also, the remaining member of the famous Holy Family Triptych carved by Dominican Sister Mercedes — the Blessed Virgin Mary — is in need of the same restorative miracles. Kitt and Mary are determined to add to the lifespans of these endearing Camp treasures. We salute them for their volunteer service to the place we all love!
2023 November update! “We are looking forward to installing the three replacement/reproduction of Sister Mercedes statues on November 18, if all goes well,” says Volunteer Mary (Beora). It’s been exciting to be part of this project to properly recognize and honor the work and legacy of Sister Mercedes and the Dominican Sisters of Peace and the Dominican Artist organization.”
Today, Friends of Camp Christopher helps enrich the camp experience through its support of camp staff and programs. Volunteers are very important to us. Here are estimated totals of volunteer hours given to Camp in the last five years: 2022: 2,827: 2021: 1,170: 2020:1,880; 2019: 1,970; and 2018: 2,000.
Committee Chair Phyllis Richardson invites you to share with us your leadership, passion, integrity, and respectfulness by becoming part of our team. You can leave us your contact info or ask questions in the comments section below. If you are already part of an FOCC volunteer program or project, please continue to forward your volunteer hours to: Tryhard21@yahoo.com or Ilaw52@yahoo.com .
Two Volunteer Daves — David Gates and Dave Lawrence give Camp some valuable assistance. (Courtesy of Chris Walker)
FoCC President Jim Sovacool examines the award presented by Catholic Charities’ Catherine Their (r) declaring Friends of Camp Christopher as the Volunteer Group of the Year – 2017.
The campers are what really bring Camp Christopher to life…We as volunteers nurture that LIFE!
Thanks again for the many years of volunteering.
Irene
PS. Tim, this looks great!
Volunteers are integral to an enriched Camp Christopher. Thanks to all who have volunteered these many decades and “welcome aboard” to our future volunteers. Besides enriching the Camp experience, your volunteer efforts will enrich your life too!
Camp was blessed with four Scout projects in 2019, 3 Eagle and a Gold Award. I can’t begin to tell how wonderful it was to work with our young people and witness the rewards of their talents and hard work. Each project contributed a gift of creativity and beauty to this place, and at the same time filled a need and improved safety. Thank you Alexandra, Jack, Matthew and Trevor. We appreciate you beyond words!