CWE Build | Week Three

If I were to pick one dominant emotion evoked from week to week with these CWE volunteers, I would pick overwhelming gratitude. People! — we are busy, am I right? Life just tends to suck us in and it can feel too hard to step away from. Yet, each week we watch a new set of volunteers show up to camp, ready for the work of the week, ready for their part in this big (to us) project. And each week we feel washed with the gratitude again, just when we thought we couldn’t possibly feel any more grateful.

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I was talking with one of the volunteers this past week and he was commenting on how so many of us just make so many excuses. We make up reasons why we can’t do this or that, and yet there was a man on the crew this past week with bone cancer. If anyone has an excuse it’s him, but he was so excited to be there, taking part in the work. It was convicting and left me feeling again just so grateful for all the people giving up something, stepping away from or out of their lives for a week to serve us. God weaves all our stories for His glory and there’s nothing more beautiful!

Watch this week’s video right here:

We say it a lot around here, but Volunteers, YOU are the superheroes! Thank you for inspiring, serving and leaving the fragrant aroma of your love for God behind with you!

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Author & Photography | Cassi

CWE Build | Week Two

The volunteers from last week’s group were just as excited to be serving as the first week! They were responsible for putting on the roof and siding, and they did so with gusto! Because of their hard work, they finished early and were able to enjoy a little swing by choice on our ropes course at the end!

We’ve put together a video we would love for you to watch! Let us know what you think of all that’s happening!

We are entirely grateful for each person who gives their time and energy and talent to be a part of this building! God continues to encourage us by His provision, but also His people!

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Author & Photography | Cassi

CWE Build | Week One

Well it happened! Week one of CWE building the camper lodge has been completed. In four days, we went from concrete pad to doors and windows! People from Georgia, North and South Carolina, New Jersey, Florida and Ohio came to kick this project off.

These volunteers didn’t let weather, the fact that a boom truck driver couldn’t make it, or sore muscles slow them down. They worked hard, with such willing and cheerful hearts. It was a wonderful thing to behold.

We’ve put together a video documenting this first week of work! Check out the transformation below!

Stay tuned for next week’s update!

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Author & Photography | Cassi

Camper Cabins | Phase 1 Continues

This post was written in June of 2021 but was forgotten 🤦🏼‍♀️ …Let’s begin here anyways!

We began preparing the land in January 2021

The work continued through the spring!

Did you know we have been preparing our land to build more camper cabins? Sometimes we think everyone knows, but this kind of information can sometimes slip through the cracks, especially for those who may not be on social media much!

We never like turning away larger groups who are wanting to give their teens the Whisper Mountain experience. We do camp a bit different than a lot of other camps. We major on intentional connections and knowing people’s names. We are careful to have purpose to the fun and build up groups as a unit. We help teens escape their noise, to practice quiet each day and offer them the chance to encounter the whisper of God.

Our vision is to never exceed 125 campers at a time because we believe the quality of what we are trying to offer can easily be lost if we get too big. We want each person to continue to feel the personal interaction and be known. We can currently sleep 60 campers in the summer because our summer staff stay in the cabins with them. In retreat season (every season except summer) we can sleep 72 campers. So these new 32 bed camper cabins will step us closer to the goal! And we are completely excited!

We are most thankful for Eddie who has used his expertise to set us up for success in many ways! His knowledge and experience offered ideas and suggestions to help us maximize the land in the best ways and to problem solve with the struggles the mountain offered.

He even has helped us create a place that is useable for campers this summer! We mentioned helping campers practice being quiet. Each morning, surrounded by the beauty and quiet of the mountains, campers go find a spot alone to be still, to interact with God’s Word and to practice listening for His voice. Some teens thrive in this time, others find it uncomfortable and challenging. But God shows up.

Eddie has helped us create some new spots for Solo Time (as we call it) at the very top of our mountain. He’s created a flat space and large rocks for sitting on. The space is breathtaking and beautiful. And when all is quiet, it’s heavenly.

We are paying as we go and as God provides so if you would like to be a vehicle of His provision, you can give using this link!

Thanks for your interest and for sharing our excitement in all God continues to do in and through Whisper Mountain Camp!

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Author & Photography | Cassi