Retreat Village Reconstruction
Mikell's mission of hospitality will continue with the construction of a new retreat village of cabins and communal space, which will sit naturally in the landscape close to the current retreat village's location. A triangular village will consist of five cabins of six bedrooms and six bathrooms each, plus a conference center. Six standalone hillside cabins with one bedroom and one bathroom each will complete the village. An increased number of communal spaces, as well as comfortable bedrooms with private bathrooms, will offer beautiful views of the surrounding hills and creek.
“It’s a different atmosphere with the unconditional love you get from everyone here. Whenever I pull up to camp, I’m like, wow, I’m home.” – Willow, Counselor
Multi-use Pavilion
Our new multi-use pavilion is intended to be the showpiece of the campaign. With its quality, timber-built construction, it will provide a safe, dry, spacious place for groups to meet, especially during bad weather. The Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center will use the pavilion for teaching classes, away from the elements. The open-air space will also accommodate school groups, weddings, retreats, and other large gatherings. The pavilion will also include much-needed bathroom facilities and catering facilities , which currently do not exist in this oft-used area of our camp property.
Pavilion, from parking lot
“I look forward to camp every year. I’d stay all summer if I could. It’s the highlight of my year!” – Brice, 7th grader
Safety, Road & Landscaping Improvements
Our Camp Mikell driveway and parking areas were inadequate and in disrepair. Our driveway was one lane, which created frustrating bottlenecks, especially on first and last days of camp, creating poor first and last impressions for families. The driveway, parking, and drainage areas were deteriorating and unstable, creating serious safety concerns as well. In phase 1 of the campaign, a two-lane road and new six-inch water main were installed. Read more.
“Absolute, 100% inclusion, no matter what.” – Marie, Adult
Upgrade Dorm Bathrooms
At Mikell, we want to ensure that each guest has the privacy they need. The bathrooms in our dorms have been redesigned and rebuilt to ensure safety and privacy for all who stay in our dorms. Each bathroom features separate shower stalls, each with its own private changing area, as well as toilet stalls that close and lock. Everyone who comes to Camp Mikell will be loved, respected, and protected, and these renovations help to ensure that they feel that way. Read more.
“I learned about the Bible and want to live a close relationship with God because of my experience at camp.” – Zayla, 2nd grader
MISCELLANEOUS ESSENTIALS
While there are many blessings at a place like Camp Mikell, there are also many costs. Along with expenditures for roads, buildings, and a pavilion, this campaign will help to cover a number of miscellaneous essentials. A much-needed HVAC system for the dining hall. Housekeeping space and commercial appliances away from main camp. Technology upgrades. A maintenance truck. Essentials such as these help keep Mikell running, and preserve it to be enjoyed for generations to come.
All drawings on this page are meant for conceptual use only. Stay tuned for more plans soon!
“At Mikell, I was able to come out of my shell. It’s a place unlike any other where we can become the best version of ourselves.” -Hannah, 10th grader