Camp Ponderosa

"Its about how we treat our veterans every single day of the year. It's about making sure they have the care they need and the benefits that they've earned when they come home. It's about serving all of you as well as you have served the United States of America"

Why Camp Ponderosa?

Who we servce and why they matter.

Why Here?

According to the Veteran's Health Administration's 2017 report, Montana has one of the hightes per capita Veteran populations in the United States.

Montana's Population

About 1 in 10 residents in Montana are veterans (98,386 individuals). In the Kalispell area alone, there are almost 6,000 veterans enrolled in VA Health Services.

Community

Stigma surrounding "asking for help" in veteran communities is a large barrier to recieving much needed services. At Camp Ponderosa, we will normalize assistance through community and fellowship.

Housing

A safe, stable enviroment is a protective factor that can improve resiliency and is a social determinant of health. On site housing will keep our veterans fed and sheltered, freeing emotional currency for growth.

Therapeutical Programs & Social Services

Our goal is to improve veteran access to resources and other social services by having a space for on site professionals.

Job Training

We aim to help reduce Veteran unemployment, teach technical and professional skills that can translate into paychecks.

PHASE ONE: Start Up

Initial phase includes renovation of Administration Building, creating RV and campsites, renovate the Dining Hall.

PHASE ONE: Admin Building

Offices

Space for planning and development, administration, check-ing, programming, and support services.

Lodging

Designate a few offices in the administration building into dorm-style bedrooms to house volunteers during renovation. (Will revert to offices later)

Library & Lounge

Provide calm, welcoming area for greeting new residents, service providers, and community partners.

PHASE ONE: Dining Hall

Clean Up

Begin cleaning industrial grade equipment, work areas, and dining area. (Seats 80)

Repair

Determine which equipment can be repaired and reused. All appliances are propane.

Replace

Salvage equipment for pieces, replace equipment as necessary. (Needs: freezer, cooler, hot water tank)

PHASE ONE: Campground

Create

Establish 15 campsites with full hookups, a handful of primitive campsites, and host camp spot.

Establish

Add a gasebo, horsehoe pits, volleyball court, interpretive hiking trails, and benches.

Invite

Open this area to the public to help brin in revenue to fund camp renovations and operations.

PHASE TWO: Expansion

Second phase of camp renovation focuses on the lodge, common areas, bathrooms, and gym.

Lobby

Comforting communal space for conversation, relationship building, and small group activities.

Bathrooms

Renovate communal bathrooms into private, more personal washrooms.

Gym/Basketball Court

Large scale meeting room for recreation, events, trainings, and job/resource fairs.

Dormitory/Sleeping Quarters

Accepting proposals and ideas for renovating this space into private housing options.