The Old Made New: Boy’s Dorm Renovation

Some people see something old and throw it away. Others see through the dust and rust and take the old and make it new and functional.

We are so excited as we watch the transformation of the old boys' dorm in front of the Victorian Hotel. Nearly as old as the hotel itself, it served us well for many years and holds tons of memories of past Summer Staff and lives changed for Christ.

After The Marsh was built to house the summer staff girls and the summer staff guys moved to the Chapel dorm, the Lord directed our leadership to rethink the old boys' dorm in front of the Victorian Hotel. Nearly as old as the hotel itself, it served us well for many years and holds tons of memories for past Summer Staff and lives changed for Christ. Through sacrificial donations, the efforts of many staff and volunteers, and an unwavering commitment to using our facilities to create an environment "Where Christ finds people and changes lives," the old boys' dorm has been overhauled into a beautiful new two-bedroom apartment.

“I and another summer staff alumnus, Matt Pietrak (who is serving as our night-watch person), received an incredible invitation in September to be the first people to live in this new space. This apartment is a great use of resources to provide housing to staff members who are transitioning into the area, missionaries on furlough, and ministry leaders in transition. I am so excited to see how God uses this awesome testament to His faithfulness and the dedication of His people in the coming years. I remember, when I served on Summer Staff (2011-2016). countless conversations out on the boys' dorm porch with now long-time friends about what God was doing and where He was leading us. I'm sure this will continue to be the case for many others in the years to come."

— Josh Handzlik, Guest Service Facilitator and Summer Staff alumnus

We are forever thankful to the volunteers who faithfully served with our maintenance team to rebuild everything from the wiring to the windows. While they worked, they ministered to one another and taught the younger workers life lessons. One group of volunteers is from the Hershey, PA area, and the other is local and made up of Pastor Mike Cacoilo and his congregation's members from Cornerstone Bible Church of Ocean County. The whole project has been a blessing.