Guest Post: Shira of Water 2

First off... let me say water 2 is having a wonderful time at Ferncliff Presbyterian Camp... Being here at Ferncliff is such an eye opener for others and me. Ferncliff has shown me so many things in just a couple a weeks, such as: teamwork, welding, demolishing a cabin, building a deck, salvaging wood, and plenty more. The best lesson that I have learned is to be more grateful and thankful for the things and people around me.


Ferncliff has been, and still is, such a big impact on the community. I have not once heard any bad comments about it. When we first arrived we were greeted by the security officers who just happened to be David Gill’s, our sponsor’s son Joel, Joel’s wife Ashley and cute little daughter named Margie. They were all very nice and welcoming, as were the rest of the staff and residence of Ferncliff... It felt like home. Soon after, we met our work supervisor Steve Wilson. Steve is very nice and easy going. He knows just about anything and every thing when it comes to fixing things and can teach you every thing he knows in under 5 minutes

We took a tour of Ferncliff Presbyterian Camp in a 15-passenger solar cart. Ferncliff is as beautiful as the pictures make it look. It’s a very peaceful and serene environment and there are plenty of things to do on-site. We all have gone on great hikes, bike rides, took a paddle boat on the Ferncliff Lake, bon fires, and we have attempted to fish.

Here at Fern Cliff our objective was to build a deck and fix up things on site. The first thing we did was pre-set the deck and demolished a house, which we did in two weeks. We also salvaged wood for future use and welded things together for the deck. It has been a great experience. I realized how hard it is to be a construction worker. Some of us are doing things we have never seen ourselves doing in a lifetime but we love the feeling we get after each day of work. Water 2 is GETTING THINGS DONE!!!

For my very first spike with Water 2, Ferncliff was the best decision made for us... it has given Water 2 a great chance to get to know one another and the history of greatness.

Ferncliff has a lot of history and has changed a lot of lives. So we are very proud to be apart of the legacy. There have been numerous AmeriCorps teams before us. When you walk the camp you see the marks they have left; and pretty soon you will see water 2 Class 17 2010.

Shira Bradley

AmeriCorps NCCC class 17

Water 2 2010

Rockin' Around the Clock

The annual staff Christmas Party was held last night in the Dining Hall. All present partook heartily in delicious food, holiday gags, and general merriment. Here are a few snapshots I was able to capture.

Katy, Abby, and Hannah

Margie with "Pam Pam"

 

 

The only photo ever taken of Luke McGhee not moving

Shelly and Mark McGhee engaged in dinnertime conversation with Vicki Gill

We're so glad Water 2 was able to join us! Emily and Jeff look glad too.

Chris, Michelle, and Silas at the Gift Exchange

Papi keeping Margie out waaaay past her bedtime

It was truly a joy to celebrate with everyone's families. It reminds us how much Ferncliff staff feels like family, too. Thanks to all who pitched in to make the night such a fun time!

Belated Welcome to Water 2

Here are the faces and names of the hardworking men and women of AmeriCorps NCCC's Water 2 team, living and working here at Ferncliff right now. We are praying that they find their time here as much of a blessing as we find their presence and their labor!

 

Michelle

Hometown: New Orleans, LA

What are your plans after the NCCC? After NCCC, I plan to pursue nursing school and potentially work at a nonprofit focusing on healthcare.
Fun Fact about yourself: My initials are the same upside down.

 

Shira

Hometown:

Las Vegas, NV

What are your plans after the NCCC?  Go to school.

Fun Fact about yourself: I will try everything at least once. 

Katie

Hometown: Boise ID

What are your plans after the NCCC? 

 I plan to attend college for an undetermined degree and to travel across the U.S. and beyond.

Fun Fact about yourself: I like jumping into lakes of all temperatures and sizes.

Jeff

Hometown: Rockaway, NJ

What are your plans after the NCCC? 

I want to start grad school for Ancient History, be a TL in NCCC, or work for a non-profit.
Fun Fact about yourself: I’ve played trombone for 13 years and I’ve been to Norway.

 

Grace

Hometown: Fullerton, CA

What are your plans after the NCCC? After NCCC I plan on attending college.

Fun Fact about yourself: I am not very graceful.

 

Erik

Hometown: Dayton, OH

What are your plans after the NCCC? I hope to get involved with a non-profit organization and/or work for our government.

Fun Fact about yourself: I have been to Japan and I play a mean guitar.

 Emily

Hometown: Orange County, CA

What are your plans after the NCCC? After NCCC, I will start law school in hopes of becoming a human rights lawyer.

Fun Fact about yourself: I can touch my tongue to my nose.

Dani

Hometown: Seven Valleys, PA

What are your plans after the NCCC? I plan to either go into the Peace Corps or get a job in either disaster relief or archaeology

Fun Fact about yourself: I did an archeological field school in Bermuda during the summer of 2009, so I got to spend 5 weeks in Bermuda digging.

Chris

Hometown: Oak Grove, MN

What are your plans after the NCCC? I am not sure what I want to do after I leave NCCC.
Fun Fact about yourself: I dig stuff up.

Brandon

Hometown: Vinton, IA

What are your plans after the NCCC? I hope to move after the NCCC or go to college.

Fun Fact about yourself: I have approximately 200 pets at my house.

Anna

Hometown: Cranford, NJ

What are your plans after the NCCC? I plan to attend graduate school to study public policy and women's studies.

Fun Fact about yourself: I am a former competitive figure skater and fencer.

Window View

This photo was taken by Linda Brockinton, Queen of Ferncliff food service and champion dulcimer player.