Administrator's Corner – Fall 2019

Here’s just one example from this summer: the speaker at July Eliot found out mid-week that his sister had entered hospice care and had only a short time to live. Clearly, his family needed him more than we did. Board Rep Elisa Wells released him from his contract, and our amazing deans, Anita Osterhaug & Ward Ramsdell, quickly stepped up, collaborated with their staff, and presented much of his planned material. Campers rolled with the flow, and if there was any grumbling, I never heard it.

I also feel honored to serve on the Seabeck Board as they undertake a vital building project. Old Pines will soon be replaced by New Pines. Our trusty old Pines, which has served the Eliot and Seabeck communities since 1962, continued serving a community role even after the last camper moved out. Nearly all the fixtures were harvested by Habitat for Humanity, so very little had to be landfilled. Then, the Kitsap Fire Department and local SWAT teams used the buildings for training. Did you ever imagine that a crazed criminal was hiding under your bed?  Well, the SWAT team did too, and they took ‘em out!  Any of you out there resort to climbing into your Pines room via a window?  Well, the firefighters did that too!  But they got to use axes and chainsaws.

 July, August, and Creative Arts Eliot will experience all that is New Pines next summer. The capital campaign is on-going, and we still need your contributions and pledges. Currently we have about $1.7 million given or pledged by individuals and organizations that use Seabeck. The Seabeck board is waiting to hear the status of grant proposals to foundations, and expect between $800,000 and $1,000,000 to come in that way. That still leaves us shy of our $3 million goal by $300,000 - $500,000.

The Seabeck Board took a leap of faith and approved the New Pines project, knowing we know we could count on all the folks who love Seabeck (especially Elioteers) to step up and help fund this important project. If you haven’t yet made a pledge or contribution, please do that now. And if you have given, consider increasing your pledge.

What are you doing for New Year’s?  I’ve said it a million times by now, but the very best way to bring in the New Year is at Winter Eliot. Fight the cold and gloom in the warm embrace of your Eliot community and bring in the New Year in style. Deans Rick Duncan and Grace Jones are planning a most amazing camp experience – don’t miss out!  Our theme speaker is the Rev. Fred Small, a singer-songwriter and climate advocate. Check out his music on Spotify.

 Currently we have a waitlist for July Eliot, and space available for Winter Eliot, August Eliot, and Creative Arts Eliot. Registration for summer camps and Winter Eliot is available online. Click on the big blue button to register, and you're on your way!

-Bev Hesterberg, Eliot Registrar