By SAVANNAH BARR

s.barr@bradfordera.com

ELDRED — For the last 31 years, Camp Penuel East has provided a special, week-long time of worship for children seeking to learn more about Christ in the beautiful Pennsylvania Wilds.

The Eldred camp serves children 7 to 11 years old at no cost.

As they prepare for their 31st season this June, administrators are seeking the public’s help to fund some much needed restoration work.

‘We have a lot going on for this year, especially because we are in need of donations for our Raise the Roof campaign,’ said Scott Waterman, pastor of Fire on the Mountain Fellowship and camp director — along with his wife, Michelle.

One of the buildings in need of repair is the multi-purpose lodge, which is used as a cafeteria, activities hub, chapel, events center and church sanctuary. It currently has a leaking roof.

‘We have attempted in the past few years to patch the areas that are leaking but as the leak has gotten worse we have faced the inevitable — we need a new roof,’ said Waterman.

He estimates it will cost about $11,000 in supplies alone. Unfortunately, that is not the only structure that needs work.

‘We must also immediately replace our beautiful chapel roof at a cost of $9,000 as well as eight cabin roofs at $2,500 each,’ said Waterman.

Phase one of the capital campaign is underway. The Watermans are seeking help from local churches, businesses and community partners to raise the $11,000 needed for the lodge roof.

They are planning two spaghetti dinner fundraisers to support the cause. The first is slated for 6 to 8:30 p.m. May 30 at Sawyer Evangelical Church, 777 S. Kendall Ave. Organizers are seeking donations of baked goods for an auction to be held during the event.

This event is free, but charitable contributions are encouraged.

The second dinner will be held from 1 to 5 p.m.

May 31 at the Falconer (N.Y.) Rod and Gun Club. Dinner will be spaghetti, bread, salad, desert and beverage. This event will feature a basket raffle, 50/50 raffle, special speakers and live music.

The cost is $12 per person; free for children younger than 6.

The camp also has

Camp… page A-8

Photo provided a GoFundMe page and PayPal set up to collect donations.

Camp Penuel is an important opportunity for children to get out and enjoy all that rural Pennsylvania has to offer, officials noted, adding it is especially crucial for children from urban areas.

“Underprivileged inner city children are at greater risk for things like crime and homelessness as they grow up,” said Waterman. “Here at camp, we have an opportunity to influence these children’s lives in a positive way.”

At full capacity, the camp can serve 100 children per week for 6 weeks. Each week is sponsored by a specific organization who serves as a coordinator.

“That means that they will gather applications for children and send councilors from their organization to stay with the kids throughout the week,” said Waterman. “They travel around with the kids all day for activities.”

This year, Open Arms Community Church will send a group of local children to camp. Other organizations will send children from locations across New York and Pennsylvania.

“Throughout the years we have had kids from New York City, Rochester, Buffalo, Pittsburgh — you name it,” said Waterman. “We mainly attempt to serve those in larger cities but we enjoy having local kids here as well.”

The camp features a full range of fun things to do including hiking, nature activities, crafts, boating, swimming and more. In addition, there are morning huddles and evening chapels.

While fellowship is an important part of the week, the camp is not affiliated with any specific church or denomination.

“We are funded through donations from various churches, private individuals and corporations but are not supported by any particular church or congregation,” said Waterman.

The campers range in age from 7 to 11 years old. Those campers who have aged out of the program can apply to return as junior staff members once they are 15 years or older.

“We even have some people who come back as adults and serve,” said Waterman.

He said it is all about creating positive memories for children in an attempt to help them become more well-rounded adults.

“These are kids in your community who will either grow up to be successful or unsuccessful,” Waterman said. “I believe we reach them at a crucial developmental age where we can help them become better-functioning people.”