Sitting high in the Sacramento mountains at an elevation of 9,000 feet, Aspendale Mountain Retreat overlooks a scenic valley populated by deer, coyotes and elk. Owned by the El Paso Baptist Association, the mountain getaway has long benefited from a special relationship with Texans on Mission. Years ago, TXM volunteers built the camp’s large dining hall.
Recently, a team of about a dozen volunteers made the 700-mile trek back to Aspendale for the third year in a row to continue that tradition of service, tackling critical repairs on existing cabins and building a few new ones.
During their stay, the TXM Camp Builders focused on three major projects: Constructing tiny cabins featuring kitchenettes, bathrooms and porches; renovating an existing cabin’s bathroom; and completing a meeting room with fresh cabinetry and updated plumbing.
“We save camps millions [in expenses],” said Larry Quinn, Camp Builders leader. “In the camps and the churches and places we do this work, they provide the materials and we provide the labor.”
For Builders volunteer Hank Suenkel, who also volunteers with TXM feeding, serving at Aspendale provided a meaningful way to put his faith into action.
“It’s a huge blessing to the camp owners because they’re so strapped for resources,” Suenkel said.
Because many camps operate on tight budgets, TXM volunteers use every resource efficiently. When supplies run low, volunteers get creative. Beverly Quinn, leader of the Camp Builders women's group, noted that volunteers have even repurposed materials from scrap piles to finish jobs.
“They know it needs to be done right, and they do it that way,” Larry said in agreement, a proud nod to the team's resourceful self-starters.
The work extends well beyond heavy construction, Beverly said. The women’s group crafts everyday items for camps and ministries. On this year’s Aspendale trip, the women sewed baby quilts and Bible bags, which the camp can sell in the gift shop and use as door prizes for campers.
“We usually try to check with the camp if they need anything made,” Beverly said. “We make curtains. We make seat cushions. We even make bean bags for cornhole.”
For volunteer Cheryl Schaller, the camaraderie among the women is a highlight.
“Our women’s sewing group is a very cohesive group with a genuine love for each other,” Schaller said.
Much like the men on the Camp Builders team, she emphasized that everyone is welcome to contribute, regardless of skill level.
“There is something somebody can do, even if it's ironing,” she said.
Larry said volunteers range from complete beginners to licensed electricians and plumbers who serve as mentors, teaching newcomers to use tools safely and master new trades.
The ministry also offers a unique level of scheduling freedom. Operating while summer camps are out of session, from August to April, the program lets volunteers choose projects that fit their schedules. Volunteers like Suenkel, involved in disaster relief, can easily serve in both roles.
“It's a lot more flexible than some of the other volunteer jobs,” Larry said. “I always encourage people, go where God calls them. You may have appointments or families, occasions where you’ve got to go back home. When that happens, we just say, ‘see you down the road,’ and it’s no problem.”
Get involved today
Whether you are a seasoned contractor, an avid DIYer or someone who has never picked up a hammer, there is a place for you on the team.
Join the Camp Builders on an upcoming trip, become a member of a welcoming community of faith and help support ministries across the region. Read more stories about the TXM Builders and sign up for your first project!