L-R: Brent Fleckenstein, Commerce Construction Co., L.P.; Scott Gray, Clincierge, VYH Board of Governors Chair; Andy Brush, Commerce Construction Co., L.P.; Richard Brooks, Brooks Development Group; Rick Koze, Kay Builders; Dave Foraker, Kay Builders;, Eric B. Luftig, VYH Board of Directors Chair; Tom Harrington, VYH President & CEO; with youth campers Cruz, Jessica, Rubi, Natalie and Melanie Santos-Rodriguez.

Valley Youth House (VYH) held a Camp Cabin Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at Camp Fowler to mark the completion of Phase One of their cabin renovation campaign.  Speakers included Tom Harrington, President & CEO, Valley Youth House and Eric B. Luftig, Valley Youth House Board Chair, who recognized many of the donors who helped make this project a reality.  After the socially distant lunch and program, guests were able to tour the first three cabins that have been completed, as well as the cabins that will be renovated in Phase Two.

The camp cabins were built 80 years ago and despite best efforts, the outdated cabins had finally exceeded their usable lifespan. The cabins had uneven and damaged flooring, leaking roofs, and rotting wooden siding.  Additionally, the cabins were uninsulated, which made them uncomfortable in the hot summer nights and unusable in fall and winter months.

The project, valued at $1.9 million, began in November 2019.  Phase Two, the renovations of the remaining four cabins, including a two-story counselors cabin that will include an office, sleeping quarters, and a therapy room, will begin immediately.  The new cabins have heating, air-conditioning, and indoor plumbing, expanding the possibilities for year-round programs.  These renovations will improve safety and expand the usefulness of the camp for Valley Youth House clients, as well as for the many community groups that use the camp.

Valley Youth House is grateful for the support of a number of local construction companies including Kay Builders, Majestic Realty/Commerce Construction, Brooks Development Group, Livengood Excavators, and many others helped Valley Youth House build these beautiful new cabins at Camp Fowler.   For a full list of supporters and to learn more, please visit: www.valleyyouthhouse.org/camp-fowler-cabins/

Valley Youth House owns and operates Camp Fowler, a 43-acre property located in Orefield, PA. Camp programming provides outdoor therapeutic recreation and promotes healing and growth through adventure-based activities and experiential learning. Campers experience breakthroughs and healing, resulting in behavioral changes that lead to their future growth.  The camp serves youth of all ages with a focus on those who would otherwise not have access to camp experiences. This population includes low-income children and youth, youth in foster care, and homeless youth, many of which have experienced significant trauma in their lives.

Tom Harrington, VYH President & CEO, said in his remarks that these cabins will help youth at camp learn new skills, develop independence, develop new social skills, develop self-esteem, values, and leadership skills.  He also discussed how these new cabins will help youth feel safe and secure from the moment they arrive, which is important to establish before the staff can begin counseling or therapy.

To learn more about Valley Youth House’s Camp Fowler, please visit: www.valleyyouthhouse.org/campfowler.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR HERE.

Media:

PBS39 News Coverage of Ribbon Cutting