COMING SOON: Something old. Something new. Weve been working on a new amenity for guests since last fall and were excited to finally get to open it at camp this spring. Its made of old parts and new parts.It will offer local farmers seasonal offerings.And our own camp brand (canned by the locals).But the best and most special part of this new little produce stand of our dreams is how its getting built – from the ground up. After taking one look at our dilapidated farm trailer more than one builder bailed on us. We got lots of reasons:I wouldnt know where to start.Its got too many moving parts. youd be better off lighting that trailer in fire. Running out of time and options – I called my brother-in-law Jeff Warden (a builder and third generation farmer from my hometown, Beardstown, Illinois).He took a look at our pile of napkins scrawls and before we knew it, he made the 5 hour trip to camp with a truck & trailer – and just started building.Jeff builds houses and garages. Kitchens and cattle corrals. Hes built more things here at camp than I can count – from our lifeguard stand to lending a hand to my brother creating our big log entrance- to concrete pads that hold the handprints of all the generations of our collective family.Its true what they say – if you want something done, ask a farmer. They know how to do pretty much anything. Many times they are men of few words – but most of the solutions. They just get shit done. (Sixth picture here is Jeff & his son Alan in their barn rebuilding the trailer).One of the many lessons (that applies to pretty much everything) that you can learn from a small farmer – is that you have to start with a good foundation. Put the work in. Build things to last. More BTS coming soon.

March 16, 2024 • Published by Tereasa Surratt • Instagram