Monday!

On Monday, we returned to the camps for another busy day. The handicap ramp team came back to find a platform built for the landing at the top of their ramp. Some members of the team working in the batcave were missing so they worked on removing some bathroom fixtures and then helped out in the duplex. In the duplex the teams were happy to have the additional help. There was all sorts of sanding and cleaning accomplished, along with the removal of the bathroom ceilings, and other sections of ceiling that need to be replaced. When we removed the ceilings in the bathroom, we were attacked by falling treasures from long ago when the duplex was a staff cabin (see picture) and had to spend a long time cleaning that up. We were showered again by animal droppings when we pulled out ceiling from other rooms.
If you would like to see more pictures of the project, here is a link to a photo album we're putting the pictures in.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mikesbikester/CabinFeverAtTheEastBostonCamps#

Week Two

After an intense first week, week two went on a slower pace. As an optional work week because of school vacation, many of our workers were away or able to take some time off. Paul Cully worked a lot with a few of the students during the week. Quite a bit was accomplished thanks to Paul's efforts. The foundation of the handicap ramp has been built and painted, the kitchen units have been taken part, as well as tables and chairs for the kitchens in the duplex have been ordered. The walls of the duplex are continuing to be sanded, and the ceiling in one side of the duplex is now completely removed. We are hoping for a very progressive third week with our whole crew back in action. Pictures will follow soon!

Shirts

Tee Shirts

For anyone interested, we will still be holding tee shirt sales to raise money for the camps, based on demand. Shirts are estimated to be 15$ or less and will be manufactured as requests come in. Contact me, Ellen Haynes via email if you are interested in placing an order, at ellenosity@gmail.com. Photos of the shirts will be up soon!

More photos!

a few pictures from week one!

Week One

Quite an intense and successful first week at east boston camps!
Although we're split into different groups based on project goals (the batcave group, 2 duplex groups and a handicap ramp group) we've all been able to work together as a cohesive team, helping each other out when needed.

The week got of to a fast paced start.

In the batcave, we started off by tearing apart the old roof. The shingles were taken off first, then the rotted wood was replaced. We next put edges on and weatherproofed it. It was a great week for roofing! The whole team got involved helping with that project. The batcave group also pulled up a lot of the old linoleum that needed to be replaced. Lots still to do on the inside and the outside!

The handicap ramp is also getting off to a good start. Many holes were dug and the building of the foundation has begun.

The duplex people have been very productive. All the linoleum has been torn out, as well as the islands in the kitchen and the broken appliances. The walls have begun to be sanded, and the plumbing is being replaced. We have taken out the toilets, sinks, and are currently getting a lesson in using the sawsall and the negatives of sawing through fiberglass (it gets everywhere). Proper safety equipment is in use though!

All in all the team is learning a lot this week about power tools, construction, and working together. We've been having a lot of fun though, and everyone agrees that being outside all day working with our hands definitely beats sitting in school. We are all anxious to continue!

Next week will probably be a slower week than this one, as it is school vacation week and many of our people will be traveling. We'll have people in Italy, Spain, China, and France! For those of us non jet-setters, many will present having a sort of low key work week.

Be sure to check out the pictures!