Camp Mary Orton is in the early stages of a Lodge Improvement Project to renovate their beautiful 74-year-old lodge and you can help!

The Challenge

Camp Mary Orton is committed to providing development and support programs for as many children, teens and adults possible each year. Because of the Camp’s continued success, the usage of the grounds is expected to significantly increase by an additional 1,000 people per year over the next 10 years. Maintaining the buildings and grounds at the Camp is essential to provide the community and guests with a positive and safe experience. To achieve this objective, basic facilities need to be improved in order to support the growing demand for community-based development programs as well as the scheduled events that fund much of the Camp’s ongoing operations.

We Need Your Help

Camp Mary Orton’s historic main camp Lodge was built in 1938 and remains the prime facility for use during the warm season, especially for the hundreds of young campers and numerous central Ohio organizations that hold events at the Lodge. While the Lodge itself is in excellent condition, two necessary improvements are needed — a lavatory addition and replacement of the Lodge’s decks.

You can get your own personalized fundraising page here!

The Project: Part 1, Lavatories

Expanding the Camp’s community involvement means more onsite rest rooms are needed. Today, the facility’s bathrooms located in the Lodge are closed due to age and deterioration. The short-term solution has been to utilize portable rented toilet facilities and to have campers walk across the property to the new Indoor Activity and Conference Center facilities. The current walk to the facilities is significant — having functioning restrooms close to the campers would allow more time for quality curriculum throughout the day.

The addition of ADA-compliant restrooms and hand washing stations are essential for the Camp to meet its growth plans, such as the ability to offer a broader range of community services and to host more events. Several options were assessed by the Camp’s leadership, and the most cost-effective approach was selected. This approach is to build a stand-alone bathroom connected to the Lodge by a walkway. The construction nwould include a bathroom with 8 lavatory units and 6 sinks as well as an access deck and walkway from the Lodge to the restrooms. This solution would help the Camp better market its facilities to support its strategic objective of generating enough revenue to become self-sustainable.

The Project: Part 2, Lodge Deck Replacement

The once spectacular rear terrace and stairway have deteriorated since their construction in 1938. They are now closed due to safety issues.

The rear terrace and stairway must be renovated to restore the facility to its original condition to ensure the Lodge’s full market value, a necessary step to support the Camp’s long-term financial objectives. Based on detailed assessment, restoration will require the demolition of the current terrace and stairwell, sealing of the exposed foundation walls, and construction of a new terrace around the Lodge with access stairs.

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