Skycroft: Updates and Current Opportunities
While our team eagerly awaits the day we can host groups again, the work we’ve been able to perform at Skycroft during this season of vacancy is invaluable. We continue to work diligently on a long to-do list across our 12 buildings, 40 motel units, and 350 acres, using materials we’ve had on hand for some time. We are disappointed that our recreation fields won’t be buzzing with summer campers this year, but we trust that the Lord is using this season to complete much-needed work which will propel our ministry forward. We give God the glory for all He has allowed us to accomplish during this time!
Skycroft Chef Becki Burtner deep cleans the coffee area in HeBrews Coffee and Snack Shop.
Our staff has been cleaning, painting, and doing some drywall work, repairs, gardening, and other necessary work to maintain the approximately 40-acre property.
Gresham Hall & Western Lodge interior updates
After deep cleaning both dining halls and the kitchen in early April, Skycroft Chefs Becki Burtner and Jo Marin Fernandez spent time this past month painting all the trim, chair rail, and baseboards in the Gresham Hall front dining hall and lobby. The fresh paint compliments the new tile flooring installed in these areas in January 2020 and was much needed after many years of foot traffic and shuffling tables and chairs.
Jo Marin Fernandez paints at Gresham Hall.
Similar to the work we performed in Poplar Lodge in April, Western Lodge got an interior face-lift in May. Western Lodge, named after the Western Baptist Association, is our largest lodge and is in use Monday through Sunday nearly every week of the year.
Completion of the Nelson Steps
In April 2019, New Harvest Baptist Church in Dover, Delaware, sent a missions team to help us replace the exterior staircase that leads down to the Nelson Recreation Center. The treated wood requires one year of time to acclimate and weather before proper application of paints and stains. We were eager to complete this project as the red and white paint actually provides visual depth that allows our guests easier navigation of the stairs, especially in the evenings.
Pastor Keith Aguila of Grace Baptist Church in Cumberland, MD, paid us a visit in April for a personal retreat.
Opportunities available now
Due to COVID-19, our summer camp programs are canceled and restrictions on large gatherings mean a much leaner retreat calendar. Yet, we are determined to think creatively and provide new opportunities to groups that are permissible under changing restrictions.
Please note that there are still some great opportunities for churches to enjoy Skycroft!
- Pool — The popular large in-ground pool now has an allowed capacity of 25 people, providing some great options for small churches, groups, and family rentals.
- Take and Heat Meals — Skycroft’s kitchen staff is preparing to offer pre-ordered “take and heat ‘ family meal packages. We’ll do a trial run of this program on Father’s Day weekend. Depending on the success of this effort, we may continue this in various formats throughout the summer.
- Recreation Days — Consider outdoor recreation days for your small groups. Spend a day outside and use the fun activities offered such as Bazooka ball, paintball, and a campfire.
- Summer Serve Days — For youth or adult groups who are looking to do something in the face of canceled summer plans, these groups can participate in a customized half or full day at Skycroft, doing outdoor missions projects on the property. There’s always the opportunity to combine a half-day of service with a half-day of fun.
- Outdoor worship services — Skycroft can host outdoor worship services for churches that need space to meet.
Please note that, at this time, Skycroft may accommodate multiple groups of ten or less outside as long as they are completely separate on campus. Restroom facilities will be available.
As you know, this is an evolving situation and regulations change. This could alter the scope of the listed offerings above and the number of people and the size of groups that can utilize these services. We are trying hard to do the best we can under the circumstances.
