Paying the Legacy Forward Campaign

Letter from CAMP BOARD

WHY, WHERE AND WE

I have the privilege of seeing the Trail Call newsletter early. After seeing pictures and reading about summer campers and staff, the Roots Music camps, assistance from MDS and volunteer groups, college visitors, snow campers, quilters, and words about and by the permanent staff I’m left thinking, “What could I possibly add?” Those programs and people are the beating heart, the community, the “why” of RMMC.

But camp also has a “where” — the setting, the buildings, and the infrastructure that underlie programs and experiences. The board has been giving a lot of attention to the facilities we have inherited. Renewable energy and care for the buildings remain priorities.

We have set a target of Fall 2025 to start extensive renovations to the Bern dining room. (The Bern dining room is the older one.) The goal is to heat that beloved space efficiently and renewably. We have ideas about new sources of heat, but to get things started, we’ve embraced the realization that energy never used is greener than any alternative. The first priority will be to renovate the Bern roof, walls, windows, and floor to be well insulated, air tight, and freed of the endless web of exterior heat tapes needed to prevent ice dams. The new Bern will nestle its heat inside without need to send electricity outside to ward off ice and water damage. The new roof will be provisioned with solar mounts should the engineers agree it is an efficient place to start our energy conversion.

It is an exciting time. We struggle to keep the perfect at bay and embrace the good as we dream and plan. Energy efficiency and conversion is
the right thing to do. But it couldn’t happen without the “we” of RMMC. Apart from those celebrated here in the Trail Call, there are so many others that enjoy and support camp. The board and staff can start projects like renovating Bern with the confidence that our larger community will supply volunteers and donations to see it through. It is humbling to watch the faithful attention our
“we” give to RMMC.

It takes a why, a where, and a we to care for this place many see as a source of community and spiritual renewal. Thanks to all of you for your support of RMMC.

Rodney Stutzman
Board President