Unprecedented flooding at Crystal Lake, repairs needed

From recent news reports, you may know that Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee delivered unprecedented levels of rainfall during the last few weeks to many areas of Pennsylvania, causing extensive flooding all through the Susquehanna river system and to our very own Crystal Lake Camps.

As the flood waters rose, swelling the camp’s streams and lakes so they completely overflowed their banks and dams, the camp staff, trustees and a Christian Science Practitioner united in prayer. We were so grateful that the advancing flood waters stopped short of all the camp buildings and the dams held.

The following day water was flowing 2 to 3 feet over the top of the Wild Rice dam. Crystal Lake and the Game Field were one single body of water. The stream down the back way swelled (kayaking down this trail was entirely feasible!) and the flood water came up to Nossoni’s foundations. An area of the ceiling in the office in Laughlin Lodge collapsed under the weight of water.

As the waters retreated over the last week, it is clear that CLC’s road system suffered greatest damage. The main camp road has been washed away in parts. The bridge that links the boys’ camp to the rest of the camp and the road to the barn are heavily washed out and in need of repair to make them car-friendly again . Some of the trails have been seriously damaged including a 20 foot length of culvert that has been displaced.

CLC needs to start work repairing the roads and bridges before the ground freezes in two months and we hope that you will help us purchase the necessary supplies and rent the heavy equipment needed to complete this work. Flood damage like this is not covered by CLC’s insurance and is an expense that we could not have anticipated. If you would like to make a donation to help us in rebuilding, you can easily do so online by clicking the yellow “donate” button in the upper right hand corner of this blog. Or you can donate by mail: 1676 Crystal Lake Rd. Hughesville, PA 17737.

On behalf CLC’s trustees, staff, and campers, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your consideration of our current situation and for all your past support of Crystal Lake Camps.