The planning and construction of our new zipline was a long and expensive process but it is now complete and in service!
Planning began two years ago but was slowed down with additional engineering requirements insisted on by the County Health Department and Building Inspectors in western New York. As it added to the safety of the event, we were happy to comply in spite of the added time and expense.
Work began last fall with the poles that would hold the cables. Early this spring, work began on the foundations and platforms that would carry the zipline. The main platform was built up on the hillside which it made it impossible to use a cement truck. All the concrete had to be mixed and poured by hand!
Once that was done, the bigger and more difficult task of building the structure was started by Larry Thompson with the help of a number of willing volunteers. The structures began to take shape and at last the first cables were hung with our Challenge Course inspectors, Signature Research.
Larry Thompson took the inaugural test ride on the new zipline!
The zipline event was completed and inspected and has become a great feature of camp. We have now had a number of camp sessions as well as guest groups make use of it this fall. I am sure that it is going to be an exciting and valuable additional to the camp programs.
Next spring we will be offering an in-depth training and certification program that will incorporate training on all our ropes courses as well as the zipline. We need to have as many people as possible certified to run this event. If you are interested or know someone that is interested, please let us know so that we can include you in the training day!
The first snow fell at camp this week, as well as many other places in the Northeast! It is very light with just a dusting on the lawns and roofs and will all be gone later in the day. We are certain that more will be coming! But we also know that it is from the Lord. Just this week, I was reading in Job 37:6 where it says "For He says to the snow, fall on the earth." God has a plan even for the elements. 
Later on God asks Job the question, "Have you entered into the treasures of the snow?" Job 38:22 So often the Bible uses snow as an example of purity, holiness and righteousness and we can see why when we consider a freshly fallen blanket of snow covering the ground below it. At other times, snow is a source of blessing and refreshment to a parched land. But in this passage, it seems to refer to a treasurehouse of snow reserved for a judgement to come. We serve a great and living God who is altogether holy, and is also the source of great blessing as well as righteous judgement. And all aspects seen in His own creation!
The final preparation of the snow plows and other snow management equipment is almost complete and we should be in good shape to handle the winter weather to come. Even though many tasks still need to be done outdoors, there are always indoor projects as well. Preliminary work was started this week to repair the walls, floor and ceiling in some of the rooms at Bunny Camp. Most of this damage happened last winter and needs to be taken care of before the winter rolls around. We still have work on the Lodge roof, east wall and floor as well. Pray for Larry and Stacy as well as those assisting with this and many other winter projects!
