Camping wild wild west style
By Patti Smith | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
After more than two years in the making, Country Lake Christian Retreat will open its newest venue, Wilderness Village, to the public June 1.
Since the facility could not officially open without a working bathhouse, the project was stalled until sewer line work could be completed.
Executive Director Ross Knecht plans to celebrate the completion of this last step with a ceremonial flushing of every toilet in the bathhouse.
Delays were caused by the enormous amounts of storm damage to the Wilderness Village site.
Seven covered wagons have been constructed and are set up to simulate pioneer families stopped for the night while making a cross-country trek. In addition, seven 24-foot-tall
tepees have been constructed and are arranged nearby to mimic a Native American village.
Each wagon and tepee sleeps up to eight campers, which makes it a great venue for family getaways, reunions, small-group retreats and camping trips, Knecht said.
“It’s unique,” he said. “It gives groups a place to connect and follows the mission of the church.”
And it provides another, affordable place where visitors can commune with God and deepen their relationship with Him and each other.
Knecht said pricing is $10 per person, per night. Group pricing is available depending on the size and needs of the group.
Campers looking for a more authentic camping experience will benefit most from the Wilderness Village, which will be offered at a lower cost than staying in the lodge or in one of the
bunkhouses.
The experience is closest to tent camping, but campers can either cook over an open fire or eat their meals in Country Lake’s dining room.
Groups can bring their own food onsite, or have the Country Lake kitchen staff ready supplies and food for outdoor grilling at the campsite.
“They can order food from us and still cook it themselves,” he said.
Simple menu options provided by Country Lake include hot dogs and hamburgers with condiments, chicken, chips and S’mores.