In October we informed you of the progress made with the swimming pool fund that was officially established in April 2025. At that time, the initial rough estimates for the project placed the cost around $150,000-$160,000. The thought was that if $50,000 could be collected via the swimming pool fund, we would match that amount from reserve monies designated toward a major project, with the final $50,000 coming from a loan through Stewards Foundation. At the time of that last update, $29,000 had been collected toward the swimming pool fund.
Since then, we have sought out multiple quotes, with the best all-around quote at the moment being for $168,860 for the pool itself, with additional charges of $4,500-$5,000 for the pool water, $7,900 for the electrical portion, $29,900 for the decking, and not including the fencing/final grading/backfilling (still to be quoted). That brings the cost of this entire project north of $212,000. Though this official quote is higher than the initial rough estimates, we have received many generous gifts in the past few months which help as we continue to seek making this project a reality.
The total amount collected through the swimming pool fund to date is now $71,667.08, and the decision to set-aside $50,000 from the major project fund was officially made. All these monies have been set-aside in U.S. treasuries and money market funds by the Finance and Investment Committee and have incurred an additional $313.92 in interest. This currently gives us a total of $121,981.00 toward this project, with the hopes of receiving an additional $50,000 via the aforementioned Stewards Foundation loan.
After some talks with Stewards Foundation, they have expressed that they would be happy to work with us. We were informed that due to the amount of the loan, there would be some necessary legal work that has to be done, and a number of documents will be required before they can approve us for a loan. If we indeed pursue a loan of $50,000, a title policy and full legal documentation (i.e. a mortgage or deed of trust) will be needed. The legal work cost is estimated to cost between $1,500 and $2,000, and the title policy and other associated closing expenses would also come at a cost. In the event we are approved, we would be at a total of $171,981.00 for the project.
The board of trustees is currently working on pushing this project forward. That involves working with Stewards Foundation on obtaining a loan, obtaining more competing quotes, and scheduling a Facilities Committee meeting to discuss next steps.
We’re excited to keep you updated on this project and thank all of you who have contributed towards making this idea a reality at camp. As the board of trustees work on the next steps, we appreciate any additional prayers and support given to camp. We hope to have more big news to share with you in the near future regarding a pool at Camp Iroquoina!
For those interested in helping support the swimming pool fund, you can give online and select the “Swimming Pool Fund” under “Please direct my support.” Checks mailed to Camp can also go toward the fund with “swimming pool fund” in the memo.
