TeePee/Trading Post Project
Building “On Purpose” for the Next 125 Years
Pop Tibbitts founded CAMP-of-the-WOODS so families could “vacation on purpose.” Now it’s our turn to build with the same purpose—for the next century of Christ-centered ministry.
For generations, the TeePee has been more than a building…
It has been a place where chapel conversations continued long after the service ended. Where grandparents bought sticky buns for their grandchildren. Where friendships deepened over coffee, laughter, and late-night conversations overlooking the lake.
Long before it became a landmark, it was part of a larger vision: to create a place where people could “vacation on purpose” — stepping away from the noise of everyday life to encounter the Lord, strengthen their families, and build meaningful Christ-centered community.
As we look toward the future, we believe that God will weave together a plan far superior to our own. This is not our project — it is His.
Men’s Retreat | Morning Devotions
So, why now?
Over the years, the TeePee has served countless families, retreat attendees, and staff members well. But as the ministry has continued to grow and expand throughout every season of the year, the limitations of the current space have become increasingly clear:
The existing facilities were never designed to fully support the year-round ministry opportunities taking place today. Seasonal limitations, seating constraints, accessibility challenges, and operational inefficiencies have made it harder to create the kind of welcoming gathering space we believe this community deserves.
At the same time, we know this project carries something deeper than construction plans. For many families like yours, the TeePee represents memories, traditions, and meaningful moments that shaped their faith and family.
Our goal is to preserve the spirit of this place while preparing it to serve current and future generations well. With that vision in mind, here’s how we believe this space can better serve ministry, fellowship, and future generations in the years ahead.
What will this new building enable us to do?
Year-Round Fellowship
Create warm, welcoming gathering spaces that encourage meaningful conversations, connection, and community throughout every season of ministry.
Stronger Hospitality
Better serve families, retreat attendees, staff, and future generations through improved accessibility, seating, comfort, and operational functionality.
More Space for Discipleship
Provide spaces for prayer, mentorship, Bible study, retreat gatherings, and Christ-centered conversations that often become among the most meaningful moments at CAMP-of-the-WOODS.
Looking Forward
As we look toward the future, our goal is not simply to build something new for the families who are here right now. We’re building something that will serve generations of families who haven’t arrived yet:
Children who haven't been born. Teenagers who haven't heard the Gospel. Couples who don't know yet that a week in Speculator, NY, is going to change their marriage.
The building will stand and serve for generations to come. That is not a small thing. That is a legacy.
Here’s the campaign progress:
We’re excited to share that we have 84% of the project funded, with an updated schedule to begin in the Fall of 2027.
This revised design still fully incorporates all of the ministry and program needs that support Camp’s future growth, while maintaining the identity that makes Camp, Camp.
We trust fully that this is God’s providence and His leading — and that allows us to do what we love most: focus on the ministry as a whole and the lives being transformed here.
Your questions, answered
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This project recently changed in May from a two-story to one-story building.
During this process, our posture has been, “We’re going to watch where God is at work and join Him in it.” After hearing from you — our guests — and bringing those voices before God in prayer, we went back to the drawing board with one goal: to honor the ministry without compromise.
This revised design still fully incorporates all of the ministry and program needs that support Camp’s future growth, while maintaining the identity that makes Camp, Camp. At the same time, the Board and staff were intentional that this new direction would not place CAMP-of-the-WOODS in a financially precarious position. The result reflects both commitments: strong long-term ministry capacity and responsible financial stewardship.
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The new building will have less square footage with one floor instead of two, which is a good thing. What we're building is exactly the size this ministry needs right now. The new design puts every square foot to work. It will feel intentional, warm, and most importantly, like Camp.
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The sticky buns, ice cream, and penny candy will all be there — don't worry about that. Additionally, the new facility will include a full-service kitchen, which will be a tremendous blessing as we minister to groups in the conference season and serve as a reliable backup when the Purdy kitchen eventually needs attention.
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Absolutely! Kids will wander in exactly the way they always have, with sandy feet, sunburned noses, and all. That part of CAMP-of-the-WOODS can't be found in any blueprint. It's in our DNA, and it's not going anywhere.
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In the near future, we’ll be sharing additional design details with you so you can see this vision with your own eyes. We believe what God has guided us to design will feel less like a construction project and more like a testimony. In the meantime, if you feel led to be part of what He is building here, we would be grateful. Every gift, no matter the size, is an act of faith in what God is doing through this ministry. We trust fully that He will provide everything this project needs. We simply want to give you the joy of participating in it.
Be Part of the Legacy
We’re inviting you to join us in building on the legacy that shaped your story so others can experience the same life-changing moments for generations to come. This is more than a construction project. It’s a commitment to the next 125 years of God’s work at COTW.