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Mike, Konnor and Ken mill lumber for projects
In 2017 alone, this crew completed
some major projects:
Shingled 4 roofs for Makuala cabins
Put in a laundry room in the Makuala showerhouse
Did a full remodel of Cedar bathrooms, (Phase 3)
Got the sawmill equipment up and running
Poured footings for new entrance sign
Prepped 5 camp homes for new paint and replaced
siding where needed
Put in a new transmission
in the ‘91 Dodge
plowtruck
Rebuilt heaters for pool
and installed new pool
pumps
Crafted a new dish return
room to the kitchen to cut
down on noise and mess
Remodeled one of the
Alpine Thrift Shops to
open for business
Replaced and enhanced
signage all over camp for Troy puts finishing touches on
new directional signs for guests
guests
What keeps them going?
Ken Polson, the Facilities Manager, has been at
Alpine 16 years. “Bringing kids to Christ: that’s what
motivates me. Anything we do in facilities, even the small
projects, all prepare for the campers’ arrival. I don’t like to
be in the limelight, which is good since so much of what
we do is behind the scenes. And right now we have the
best team since I started here. Everyone has a ‘let’s get
it done’ attitude.”
2
Ben Bohrer likes the variety of the work. “I asked
God to take me somewhere that I’m needed, and He
brought me to Alpine.” He finds great satisfaction in
knowing that the repairs, maintenance and updates
they make to the camp help “our guests to hear and
experience the gospel
message without
distraction.”
Troy Farley’s
focus revolves around
“clean and beautiful”
projects which include
painting and refinishing
along with lawn and
garden upkeep. “I think
I’m here to make it fun
and beautiful.” Troy
enjoys the work, but
even more, he likes
encouraging staff and
campers along the way.
Ben and Dane put finishing
Mike Plantenga
touches on the most recent
Cedar Restroom remodel
likes to “get it done
right the first time!”
Wearing shorts in almost all weather, Mike is grateful to
work outside. He is a perfectionist, and His attention to
detail in electrical, auto repair and carpentry are greatly
appreciated by the whole crew.
Dane Nissen, Alpine’s newest full-time facilities staff
member, and Konnor Harriot, seasoned part-timer,
round out this crew with their youth and skill: quick to
learn and eager to dig in.
Alpine sits on 46+ acres. There are 27 buildings
(some up to 85 years old) plus numerous sheds of varying
sizes. There are 4 wells on the property. Numerous trails
and outdoor recreation sites dot the property. This is all
under the care of these dedicated Keepers of Alpine.
It also takes financial assistance from many champions
of Alpine. But from this dedicated crew it takes blood,
sweat, and yes even tears, to keep this place of so much
ministry safe, secure and beautiful. Day to day, project to
project, our Keepers of Alpine serve with the bigger
picture in mind: to provide a mountaintop encounter
with Jesus Christ through Christian camping.