Volunteers Give Camp Waianae a Facelift

By Feryl Harris

Volunteers gave Camp Waianae an overdue update.

Camp Waianae recently undertook an overdue facelift. The labor was provided by 14 skilled volunteers who came from the United States and Canada for a three-week intensive work-bee.

Improvements to the buildings have made for more pleasant usage, enhancing the already beautiful natural surroundings. The work crew gave critical attention to compromised structural problems, re-shingling roofs, applying siding to the cabins, priming them in preparation for painting, partitioning the bathrooms and replacing old plumbing and electrical wiring.

Project coordinators Andy and Bunny Peterson from Hinsdale, Ill., have worked on a number of jobs sponsored by Maranatha International. During those projects they met many skilled men and women in the construction arena. Friends who live in Honolulu asked the Petersons if they would gather a group of volunteers with those skills and experience and come to Hawaii for the benefit of Camp Waianae. “Andy and Bunnie Peterson and their team totally inspired me,” said Jesse Seibel, Hawaii Conference youth director.

The Petersons and Larry and Jan Lanaville from Madison, Wis., came a week earlier than the others to assess the needs and purchase supplies for the priority projects that they could complete in a three-week period.

Former Hawaiian Mission Academy teacher Art Kanna was among the volunteers. The group had one goal: to make Camp Waianae a place where children, youth and members of Hawaii Conference can grow into a closer walk with God. “It was so encouraging to see a team assembled from around the United States [and Canada] sacrificing so much for our children here in Hawaii,” said Seibel.