Since assuming ownership of what is now known as the Freedom Center in June of 2004, we began a process of making various and necessary improvements to the buildings and structures on the property.We have torn down buildings too deteriorated to be rehabilitated; made immediate stopgap repairs to others to prevent a further worsening of conditions; cleared and removed tons of trash and abandoned cars; and identified other problem areas that were in need of immediate improvement.This was all done so that we could get a true visualization of the state of the land and develop a strategy to bring the entire property back to usable condition. All of this was occurring while the Master Plan for the Freedom Center was being developed.We needed to identify how the diverse uses we were anticipating would be able to fit into and onto this land.It is vital to us that the natural beauty of these 100 acres be maintained while we put to full use the land that God has entrusted to our care.The next step in this process will be the inauguration of Furnace Mountain Camp in the summer of 2011.This children?s day camp is geared to 7-12 year olds, and will be limited to 70 children during each one-week session.To add to the camp and retreat experience here at the Freedom Center, low and high ropes challenge courses are in the process of being developed, we are also considering putting in a fitness course and weight loss camp.The use of these types of activities have been shown to greatly enhance team-building exercises as well as to expand individual confidence through conquering fear and increasing strength.Restroom and shower facilities have been completed for the comfort of those using the outdoor activity areas of the property. The Hartman and Liberty Lodges are complete and are available to house conferences and week long and weekend retreats. With the addition of the Chapel meeting space, we can accommodate 50 overnight guests and upto 100 for meetings and conferences. Construction and rehabilitation of the Bardin Lodge will soon be started. This will be a "family" style retreat building that will enhance what our other lodges offer. Planned is the addition of a commercial kitchen and dining facility, as well as a multipurpose field house, which will provide indoor physical development as well as the occasional event. We have taken on this project in order to allow people to meet God in the midst of His creation.Team and relationship building, increasing knowledge and understanding in a wide range of disciplines, forging new friendships, playing games, exercising both mind and body, and learning about nature in a natural setting?all with a Christian perspective and based upon biblical values are what the Freedom Center is about.I encourage you to contact us and take a tour of the property.Come and see what the Spirit of God is building.
