Conversation with Martin Excavators

On the day of pavi demolition my mom proved how well she knew me by asking:  “How is Amber (Cheeks)? She does not like change.” Normally I try to avoid change until it’s too late and then move forward with whatever is in front of me. Even though I know change is necessary and good, I’d prefer to avoid the process.

However, Mission Possible: The Pavilion Project is cramping my normal style.

Exhibit 1: Right now instead of a pavilion there is a large hole in the ground with a growing pile of dirt next to it.

Exhibit 2: Behind the hole, in front of the bath house,  sits pavi .50 (the roof of the former pavi sitting atop 2 storage bins).

Exhibit 3: The craft hut has been moved towards Frisbee Golf Hole #2.

Exhibit 4: There are ‘blasting mats’ in the parking lot and a consistent stream of very large machines.

Exhibit 5: Each day a few people are at camp who are not college age staff or local youth but instead builders, excavators, and architects, who are mostly men, none of whom seem to have interest in singing silly songs or swimming.

This time the process that comes with change is unavoidable.

Despite the process of change happening at camp, 3 guys this morning didn’t seem to notice. Martin Excavating (Nope, Bruce, Andy Blanchard) is here getting the site ready for a new building. I arrived at camp about the time of their morning coffee break (I enjoy a slower pace after camp…). The first comment I heard from these strangers were “…remember hiking down to the cold pond for swimming…when I was here we stayed in army tents…Is Nevin Bender still alive?…I sat on that rock many times…Remember playing softball in the field across the road?…I bet I sat in this very spot before!” Each of the 3 excavators working on site today attended camp as young people before BBC had a ballfield, pond or basketball court. This morning they didn’t seem to notice how things have changed or are changing. Instead they shared great memories and laughs. They seemed completely comfortable and happy to be back. They ended their coffee break with laughter and reminiscing and I started my day with laughter and excitement for the good stuff that happens here – past, present and future.

The change in building is unavoidable. The memories created here and the experience people have here doesn’t seem to be changing.

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