Camp Looking Glass is in need of local volunteers for a day of work to help camp shine brighter with an “electric forest.”
The Camp Looking Glass Electric Forest Build Day is set for Aug. 31, and CLG director Jennifer Boyce said it will transform the current campsite on Wilcox Road into a fun, bright and beautiful space filled with solar-powered lights along trees and a variety of fun outdoor decorations.
“It’s going to be really awesome for people to drive by and see the camp lit up and glowing at night. We’re really excited about it,” Boyce said.
Projects to do
There are a variety of projects volunteers of any kind can help with that day, including hanging lights, cleaning cabins and buildings, painting, waterproofing outdoor areas and baking desserts for their annual benefit dinner taking place starting at 3 p.m. Sept. 1 at the Washington County Convention Center.
Of all their projects that day, Boyce said they especially need help from anyone with carpentry skills to help build benches and picnic tables and people who can help install wheel-chair accessible swings on the trees.
“We really need somebody who can get up on a ladder and help secure lights onto trees and someone who can build a picnic table,” Boyce said.
Boyce said this is not a designated camper/counselor event, but campers are welcome to attend with a parent.
All volunteers are asked to arrive at 9:30 a.m. for a meeting to discuss and divide projects.
The work is expected to continue until 3:30 p.m. After a day of hard work, volunteers are invited to cool off in the camp’s lake and socialize on the “beach.” Lunch and cold drinks will be provided.
Volunteers are asked to dress appropriately for the various work tasks, such as wearing old clothing, tennis shoes/boots, hats and work gloves. Anyone with tools are asked to bring along their items, such as hammers, industrial staplers, ladders, saws, drills and more.
Those who come out should also remember to bring a swimsuit, towel and change of clothes for the post-work fun.
Creating the idea
The idea for transforming the camp, Boyce said, has been something she’s been thinking about for more than a year.
“We realized we had all these great trees and knew this could be a great place to socialize and hang out and enjoy the land. We wanted to make it something special and whimsical and fairy-tale-esque,” she said, noting the name Camp Looking Glass is derived from the novel, “Alice Through the Looking Glass.”
Camp Looking Glass is a non-profit organization that, since 2004, has hosted an annual summer camp for children and adults with a wide range of disabilities, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Autism, hearing impairments and other physical or cognitive disabilities. CLG also hosts several other fun events throughout the year, including monthly art days, which is all offered to campers at no cost.
How to participate
Anyone who would be interested in volunteering is asked to RSVP by Wednesday, Aug. 28, with the number of people expected to come, what job they would prefer, if they have any special skills and what tools they plan to bring.
To RSVP, Boyce can be called at 785-766-3311 or emailed at jboyceku@gmail.com. Messages can also be sent through their Facebook page.
If anyone would like to help purchase a set of lights, Boyce said they can do so through their Amazon wish list. To find the wish list, click on the link in the description on their Facebook page, CLG Electric Forest Build Day.
Once a selection has been made, the shipping address will be available under Stephanie Rester as a gift registry.
Boyce said she is grateful for the support the community has offered and continues to give CLG since its inception.
“We feel really blessed to be part of a community that has been standing behind us for so many years and continues to help us build these projects by donating their time, resources or money. It’s truly what’s made it’s possible, we couldn’t do it without the support of the community,” Boyce said.
