Showerhouses

It’s been a long journey, with more than a few unexpected twists along the way … and we SO appreciate the support of our community and the flexibility our campers, staff, families, and visitors have shown throughout this process. 

The new buildings replace facilities that were built in the early 1970s (more than 50 years old!) and were beyond the point where routine repairs could keep them working properly. And, while the new construction primarily addresses a critical functionality concern, the new buildings presented a great opportunity to update the facilities so they will meet current and future needs of our community and camp programs.

There is a lot that will be similar in the new showerhouses: They are simple, they are shared spaces we will work together to care for, and they will remain a centerpiece of life on the Sides.

The new buildings are… 

• Inclusive - They provide the privacy, flexibility, and accessibility a diverse community needs.

• Social - While the showers and toilets are more private, the new buildings have a large central shared space around the sinks where people can socialize.

• Waste-Reducing - All the fixtures will consume less energy and water and the buildings will require less paint, chemicals, and materials to clean and maintain.

• Program-Supporting - With showerhouses that are not in constant need of emergency repairs due to clogs, leaks, and broken fixtures, we’ll spend less time wondering when we’ll be able to shower or use the restroom and more time enjoying Camp life.

• Better Storm Shelter - The showerhouses serve a dual-purpose on the sides, also acting as our emergency storm shelter. With storms becoming more severe and frequent each year, more space to shelter everyone securely and comfortably will make a big difference to camp life.

• Hygienic - More sinks and showers, and designed with effective drying, cleaning, and sanitization in mind. 

Funding:

Thank you to the Tyson Memorial Fund, the SNAVE foundation, Newtown Monthly Meeting, the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Quaker Building Programs Fund, the Daley Family Fund, and to other donors for supporting this project!

Earlier construction photos.