Maranatha volunteers complete improvement projects at Indian Creek Camp

More than 80 Maranatha volunteers arrived at Indian Creek Camp (ICC) between March 15 to 29, 2023, to help staff complete a variety of improvement and maintenance projects, including a remodeled science center, a new art and ceramic room and a repaired director’s deck.

Ben Copley, ICC camp ranger, connected with David Woods, Maranatha’s director of North America Projects, at a Southern Union Adventist Camp Ministries (ACM) meeting back in December of 2022. After assessing the work and finding a leader, Maranatha opened the project to volunteers.

“It was just incredible,” Copley said. “We had looked at two dates, one spring and one in fall, because we weren't sure if we would get the volunteers. But right away, about 80 people signed up.”

According to project coordinator Ernie Riles, while there was a lot of construction work to do, the group also completed painting and electrical jobs, and helped in repairing the side roads and some rooflines. In addition to the Maranatha volunteers, 20 Pathfinders from the Georgia Cumberland Conference also came to help during the first week.

Tim Parkening, one of the volunteers, found out about the project through a friend. He says it was an answered prayer.

“For a long time, I had been looking for a mission to go on,” Parkening, who is not a Seventh-day Adventist, said. “It just seemed like God was guiding me [to Maranatha and ICC]. I've had such a great experience and met so may wonderful people – I guess that’s what happens when you follow God’s will.”

ICC kicks off its summer program on June 3 with staff training and on June 11 with the arrival of the junior campers.

“There is just as much need [for help] here in America as there is overseas,” said Jeanice Riles, project manager. “To me, coming to this camp and investing my time is worth it when I think of this place as a spiritual haven for children to come and find Jesus.”