Adding on at Ross Point
<p>Charis Construction worker Jimie Rodrigouiz, right, takes measurements as Travis Miles works the site of a new section of foundation Thursday at the Ross Point Camp and Conference Center in Post Falls.The camp, run by the American Baptist Churches of the Northwest, is undergoing an improvement project of nearly a $1 million.</p>
<p>KC Reese and Kyle Reese, left, both with North River Construction, work on demolition of an area of Ross Point Camp.</p>
POST FALLS - One load of concrete at a time, the Ross Point Baptist Camp is quashing rumors of development of its prime site along the Spokane River.
Instead, the concrete is for construction on a $1 million, 9,400-square-foot building at the camp that will include a gathering area, offices, meeting rooms and a game room.
The site hosts events for churches, schools and a variety of other groups.
"A lot of camps have closed in recent years," said John Batchelder, camp executive director. "Being able to serve both youth and adults has been a great asset for us."
The new three-story building between the chapel and dining area is expected to be completed by April 1, in time for the busy summer season.
"It's going to be a great addition for us," Batchelder said.
A former building that had a foyer and offices was torn down to make room for the new facility.
The game room in the new building is being built in memory of Adam Metcalf, a Spokane Valley youth who died several years ago unexpectedly due to a heart condition.
"The family has been very involved in the camp for three generations," Batchelder said.
Batchelder said the camp, which has bed space for as many as 250 people, has been able to make other improvements in recent years.
"The camp is doing well financially and has finished well in the black for the past dozen years," he said.
The Washington Baptist Convention of the American Baptist Church, which owns the camp, took out an $850,000 loan for the project. Batchelder said fundraisers will be held in the future to help pay for it.
"We plan to be here for as long as we can foresee," Batchelder said.