Cabins don’t stain themselves, and the wiring in a camp this loved doesn’t fix itself either. That is the pitch behind the Seven Mountains Hammer Crew, a volunteer group now recruiting Scouts, Scouters, Friends of Scouting, alumni and neighbors who want to give back with their hands.
Skilled tradespeople are welcome. So are willing helpers who simply want to learn. Either way, organizers say, the work goes directly toward the upkeep of camp for the next generation of campers.
Who Is the Hammer Crew?
The Hammer Crew supports the Seven Mountains Scout Camp Ranger Crew with facility maintenance, design and development projects. The work is wide-ranging: staining cabins, repairing electrical work, troubleshooting everyday problems, and assisting with new construction.
The Schedule
Crews gather weekly, typically on a fixed day of the week. The specific day has not yet been set; it will be announced shortly based on survey results from interested volunteers.
| Arrival | 8:30 a.m. for coffee and planning, in the Dining Hall or Kriner Lodge |
| Work hours | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., including a 30-minute lunch break |
Come When You Can
Organizers stress that there is no weekly commitment. Volunteers are invited to show up when it fits their schedule, travel plans or stage of life. Even a partial day is a real help, and if a project wraps up early, so does your day.
What to Bring
Camp supplies all necessary tools and project materials. Volunteers are welcome to bring personal tools if they prefer.
Organizers recommend bringing:
- Work gloves
- Eye and hearing protection
- Sunscreen
- A long-sleeve shirt to protect your arms from debris when power saws are in use
Get Involved
Interested in joining the crew? Watch for the announcement of the weekly workday, which will follow the volunteer survey results.
Alumni who have ever stained a cabin wall, patched a porch or fixed something at Seven Mountains with whatever was in the shed know exactly why this crew matters. Share your own camp-maintenance memories with the Alumni Association, and we may feature them in a future Stories & Memories post.