Valley Youth House has announced the completion of the camp cabin renovation project valued at over $1.8 million at Camp Fowler, Orefield.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, all seven cabins that house the youth and staff attending overnight camps were completely rebuilt over the last two years.

The entire project was made possible through the support and philanthropy of local companies including Kay Builders Inc., Majestic Realty Co., Commerce Construction Co. L.P., Brooks Development Group, Livengood Excavators Inc., and many other businesses and individual contributors.

A committee of volunteers led by Rick Koze, owner/president of Kay Builders Inc., Richard H. Brooks, president of Brooks Development Group, and Eric R. Scheler, vice president of Construction at Watson Land Company, began the cabin renovation project with the shared vision of ensuring Camp Fowler would continue to serve youth in our community for the next 100 years.

“My company was proud to help see these cabins built for the good of the children who will come to this amazing place in the many decades to come,” Brooks said. “This camp provides a public service for children who otherwise may not have ever had or will have the chance to benefit from all they do here.”

The camp cabins were initially built 80 years ago and had finally exceeded their usable life span with uneven and damaged flooring, leaking roofs, rotting wooden siding and no insulation, which caused uncomfortable summer nights and the inability for use during the fall and winter.

Now, at the completion of the project, Camp Fowler has six new sleeping cabins, as well as a two-story cabin with staff offices, sleeping quarters and a sensory room.

All of the new cabins for campers feature heating, air-conditioning and indoor plumbing, which expands the possibilities for year-round programs.

Additionally, the camp’s basketball courts have been refurbished and an archery range is in the process of being built.

“As builders first, we know the value of creating communities of promise, where families and businesses know that their futures are secure and bright,” Sceler said. “We are honored to be devoting time and resources to help Valley Youth House build cabins for the young people served.”

Valley Youth House owns and operates Camp Fowler, a 43-acre property.

Camp Fowler’s programming provides outdoor therapeutic recreation and promotes healing and growth through adventure-based activities and experiential learning.

This includes low-income children and youth, youth in foster care, and homeless youth, many of whom have experienced significant trauma in their lives.

“As the nation continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important now than ever for youth to be able to attend summer camp,” Tom Harrington, president and executive director of Valley Youth House, said. “With Camp Fowler serving vulnerable youth in the community that typically would not have access to summer camp or enrichment programming, it is exceedingly important to have youth attend summer sessions after a year of isolation, virtual learning, and overall uncertainty caused by the global pandemic.”

Koze said he was happy to be involved with the improvements.

“My wife, Andrea, and I are excited to be involved in this meaningful project,” Koze said. “We do not have children, so we see this as our opportunity to positively impact the lives of young people in our community.

“Camp Fowler is a special place and all involved in this project are ensuring that it will be around for another 100 years ...”

Valley Youth House hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in July to celebrate completion of the camp cabin renovations.

For a list of supporters and to learn more, visit valleyyouthhouse.org/camp-fowler-cabins.