A New School Year Begins

Well we're back at school after our three week break with an exciting new project in Commercial II class. We will be submitting designs in the 2013-2014 Bienenstock Design Competition. This competition is for a hypothetical sleepover camp for traditional and special needs campers ages 8-14. The camp is situated in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

We are to design a facility that contains a nurses' station, restrooms, storage area, a stage with a prop room, and an open activity area. The building will have a second floor that will house the Camp Director, and will include an executive office, and executive conference room. We will also create the logo and branding.

We will be choosing all furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). We will produce the floor plan, and elevations. These may be computer generated, or hand drafted and rendered. The design will meet all minimum space requirements. The design will be ADA compliant, and meet LEED standards.

We will submit no more than seven design boards (digital), and a Concept Statement with a Project Overview Summary.

Last week we visited Victory Junction in Level Cross, N.C. This is a similar camp began by the Petty's (of racing fame) for severely ill children. What an amazing place! They are equipped to handle anything that may come up in such a facility. They have the capability to administer cancer treatments to the campers, as well as any other medical treatment needed while at camp. The camp can accommodate all forms of challenges, allowing each camper to experience all activities. This was a moving and inspirational visit. I encourage anyone who can to tour this outstanding facility and see the difference it is making in precious young people.

I am looking so forward to this project, and to seeing what my peers produce for it.