Celebrating Service and Community at Seneca Hills’ Fall Workday
This year’s Fall Workday was nothing short of inspiring! On a crisp autumn Saturday, over 50 volunteers gathered at Seneca Hills with one common goal: to work together to make camp an even better place for the thousands of campers, families, and visitors who pass through each year. The day was filled with hard work, laughter, and genuine camaraderie, and it left a lasting impact on the grounds and even more so, on myself.
The Spirit of Service
At the heart of Fall Workday is a spirit of service. Volunteers, whether they were longtime friends of camp or newcomers, arrived ready to pitch in wherever needed. Many brought their families along, teaching the next generation the value of working together and serving others. A young boy named Joshua arrived with his father, Ben, to help him in the bucket while Ben took some large trees down for us. The energy and commitment to the camp’s mission was palpable, and it was amazing to see people come together for a common cause.
As everyone gathered for a morning meeting, we went over the day’s goals: clearing trees, cleaning, landscaping, and preparing the trails and picnic areas for the winter. Volunteers chose different tasks based on their skills, interest, or willingness to try something new. Some of our most experienced volunteers, like our Tuesday group, served as team leaders, helping direct newer folks to where they could make the most impact. The sense of community that grew throughout the day was beautiful—everyone united by the shared purpose of helping camp grow.
Chopping Down Trees and Clearing Space
One of the biggest tasks of the day was tree removal. Over the years, trees grow to create safety concerns or shade areas that need sunlight, and every few seasons, these trees must be taken down to maintain the camp’s natural beauty and safety. A number of tree professional volunteers were on hand to tackle this big job of removing 7 large trees near Pine Lodge and Lower Creekside. These removals will now allow us to begin thinking about updating these spaces and making them useful for both our retreat and summer seasons.
Once the trees were down, it was all hands on deck for the cleanup. Smaller branches were piled up, trunks were cut into sections, and debris was gathered. This project was an important safety measure, but it also served to open up areas that felt enclosed, adding a more open, spacious feel to the trails and grounds. Clearing these areas is not only functional, but it also lets sunlight stream through and creates room for future growth. Thanks to this team, we’re already thinking about ways to use these newly open areas to enhance camp programs.
Landscaping Projects That Brighten Up Camp
Landscaping was another key focus area during this workday. Volunteers of all ages took to weeding, trimming, removing, and raking, helping spruce up the grounds. These small updates can be surprisingly impactful, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere for all who come through the doors.
Some volunteers were stationed around cabins and common areas, removing fallen leaves and debris, trimming back shrubs, and preparing plants for the colder months ahead. By maintaining these areas, we preserve the natural beauty of camp and create a pleasant, inviting environment for our guests. Even the simplest tasks, like raking leaves, have a big impact on the overall feel of camp, and our volunteers really went above and beyond to make every corner of camp shine.
Trail Maintenance and New Pathways
Trail maintenance is another essential part of our workdays, and this fall was no exception. With the help of some experienced volunteers and some excited newcomers, we took on the task of both clearing existing trails and establishing a few new paths through camp. Working on the trails gives campers and guests a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience, making it easier for them to explore and connect with the natural beauty around them.
One of the highlights was watching families work together on this project. Parents and kids alike hauled fallen branches, leveled pathways, and cleared brush to make trails ready for future adventures. New trails mean new experiences, and these paths are already set to give visitors fresh areas to explore come spring. It was truly a family-friendly effort, and we’re so grateful to everyone who gave their time to make camp’s outdoor areas accessible and enjoyable.
The Power of Teamwork: Moving Picnic Benches and More
Another great example of teamwork was seen when we tackled the job of moving and repairing picnic benches across camp. Many of our benches get heavy use during the summer, and by fall, they need some attention to be ready for next year. A group of volunteers from a local Christian school took on this task with enthusiasm, moving benches to sheltered areas for storage and giving them some minor repairs as needed.
This task was a reminder of how even small acts of service—like tightening bolts or restaining a bench—add to the bigger picture. These benches will be ready for use again next summer, serving campers, families, and groups as places to gather, share meals, and make memories. Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers, these simple but important pieces of camp will be in great shape when summer arrives.
Looking Forward to Spring Workday 2025
If you missed Fall Workday, don’t worry—we’re already planning our Spring Workday on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. This spring’s workday will be even bigger, as it’s paired with our Open House event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to come out, serve alongside others, and see all the work that goes into keeping camp a vibrant, beautiful place. We’ll have projects for every skill level, from landscaping and minor repairs to organizing storage areas and setting up activity zones.
In Gratitude
We cannot say thank you enough to everyone who made this Fall Workday possible. It’s because of your generosity and dedication that Seneca Hills continues to thrive. You’ve helped prepare camp for another year of ministry, ensuring that every guest who comes through will find a place that is welcoming, well-maintained, and full of God’s beauty.
To each person who joined us—from families with small children to seasoned camp alumni and our Tuesday Volunteers—thank you for making this workday a day to remember. Your service is part of what makes Seneca Hills special, and we’re so blessed to have each of you as part of our community. We look forward to seeing you in the spring and can’t wait for all that God has in store for the year ahead.
