A letter from the Challenge course team

Here is a letter that the Challenge course team asked me to pass along to those on the blog. If you know someone else who might like to receive this letter, please let Ben or Nathan know, and they will send a copy to them.

The Challenge Course
.......at Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF

Dear Friends,

During the winter of 2003 - 2004, Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF began construction of a new addition to the camp facilities, The Challenge Course. The original idea was sparked by several members of the Board of Directors to develop a new program for the summer sessions that would promote spiritual development, leadership development, teamwork, confidence, curriculum application, and fun. The result of this idea was the construction of a low ropes course, or challenge course, which was designed to emphasize and develop these specific areas of focus. In order to lighten the financial burden of such an undertaking and to examine the effectiveness of such a facility, it was decided to construct the course in three phases. Phase I was completed just prior to the start of the summer sessions in 2004 and was chosen to be used by every camp director for their session of camp.

Phase I included the construction of 11 elements (including 3 portable elements) in a wooded area across the creek where the cool shade offers a welcome relief from the heat. The response that we received last year following the summer sessions was extremely encouraging. The kids (and Staff) responded spectacularly when faced with the various challenges experienced on the course. Working through the various challenges opened up opportunities for the teachers and staff to make practical applications of the lessons that they were focusing on during that specific session of camp. As many of you who were staff now know it is one thing to tell someone that you trust them, but to courageously dive into their outstretched arms is proof! With such a great response to Phase I of The Challenge Course, it was decided to begin Phase II of the course construction during the Spring of 2005.

Phase II began as a result of gifts (both physical and financial) from friends of Lu-Jo that are passionate about seeing the lives of young people changed in a way that brings them closer to God. During this phase of construction we will add 7 new permanent elements to the course, bringing the total number of elements to 18! This would make this the most comprehensive low ropes course, not only in Oklahoma, but that I am aware of in this part of the country. This will truly be an experience that is unique to Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF. In order to make this happen, we are still in need of a small amount of financial support. The major expense, both during Phase I and now during Phase II, was the purchase of specific playground gravel which surrounds the elements to prevent injuries on the course. Since safety is our highest priority in construction of this course, the use of this gravel is an absolute necessity. To purchase enough gravel to surround the new elements, as well as, re-dress the areas around the current elements it will cost us about $2,500. A secondary project, if there is funding, is the creation of a 25’ wooden bridge on the course to increase the accessibility of the new elements from the main course area. The costs for this are strictly for lumber and would run about $500 to build (this may appear to be inexpensive, but this is because we were able to get the main structural timber donated).

If Phase II is completed as currently planned then our total cost, including Phase I, would still be under $7000. To put this into perspective, if we were to hire a company to come in and build a course that is comparable in style and number of elements it would cost around $30,000. We are extremely thankful for the amount of support that we have already received to make this dream a reality. We know that every one of you shares our same dream to help establish a solid foundation in the lives of these young people who come to Camp Lu-Jo to grow closer to God and to each other. Please keep this work in your thoughts and prayers that it might be an effective tool in changing lives for God. If there is any way that you are able to help us in this endeavor financially, no matter how small or large the gift, you will be contributing to changing the lives of hundreds of young people who are a part to Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF for years to come. If you have any questions regarding The Challenge Course, Phase II of construction, or Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to talk with you about this work. Thank you for all that you do for the work of God and for Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF.

God Bless,

Ben Bruner and Nathan Gatewood

Ben Bruner
ben.bruner@backpacker.com

Nathan Gatewood
nathan@two-brothers.com

Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF
P.O. Box 2232
Lawton, OK 73502
www.lujo.org