Our October 2009 project was Camp Chinquapin in Pine Crest CA.Camp Chinquapin nestles in the high Sierra (about 5800 feet), along the road to Dodge Ridge Ski Resort. The conference center is a brisk hike from Pinecrest Lake.  Camp Chinquapin is a non-profit Christian camp dedicated to the service of Jesus Christ and His Church and is a ministry of First Baptist Church of Modesto.

We had with us one other couple, Dave and Wanda Pakalski, working at Camp Chinquapin. The other two couples assigned had to cancel due to illness and injury. But we were not detoured from accomplishing much to the glory of God.

Men’s work - The men accomplished a variety of maintenance and remodel projects. Six cabins needed an upgrade with new fixtures, window coverings, mirrors, repair of doors and walls by patching, removing paneling, taping, and texturing for painting. We also put together picnic tables, installed deck railing bolsters, painted a deck, built benches, installed gutters and roof heat tape, repaired doors and latches, and various electrical projects.

Ladies Work - The ladies completely painted the interior of the six cabins we were upgrading. The men had the task of keeping ahead of them. The ladies also primed an exterior wall of the dining room after Modesto First Baptist men came up and installed Hardie Plank. Breaking from painting, the ladies helped in food preparation for a weekend retreat at the camp.

Socials - We enjoyed movies and popcorn in the evenings and time around the campfire with hot dogs, smores, chili and pole pies. We enjoyed one evening with our hosts around the campfire and another pizza and movie night at there home.

Tours - We visited historic Columbia State Park on their Harvest Festival weekend. The streets were lined with crafts, treats, and entertainment. We also visited Covers Apple Farm for bubble bread, fudge and apple everything, and enjoyed thrift store shopping, a walking tour of old Sonora, and of course dining.