Camp Glen Brook Hosts Barn Raising Weekend

Marlborough, N.H. - May 23, 2011 - During the 18th and 19th centuries, rural communities throughout America often celebrated barn raising events where the community would come together to assemble a barn. Considered by many as an inseparable part of farming, barns were essential structures for storing hay and keeping horses and cattle warm and safe from the elements.

This past weekend, Camp Glen Brook hosted its own Barn Raising Event. Numerous friends and families from the Waldorf School and Glen Brook communities were in attendance and represented a wide range of generations. “Barn Raisings are a quintessential part of the old American experience, as well as a highly social endeavor,” said Glen Brook Director Twain Braden. “Many of our volunteers were delighted to see Steve Yardley, Glen Brook’s former operations manager as well as my predecessor James Madsen.” The group was joined by many parents and friends and numerous students from the junior and senior classes at the Waldorf School of Garden City were also there. The new barn, designed by Waldorf parents David Resnick and Iwonka Piotrowska, was built on the site of the original barn and nearly doubles its space.

Volunteers of all ages worked alongside local carpenters and workers from Bergeron Construction Company of Keene, New Hampshire. “This beautiful wooden structure includes a gambrel-style roof with a full complement of animal stalls, an expansive hayloft above, and a look-out from atop the Glen Brook campus with sweeping views of Mt. Monadnock,” said Braden. To raise funds for the barn, the Waldorf School of Garden City organized a raffle for the barn’s construction. Over 460 raffle tickets were sold in less than 30 days drawing on the support of the immediate current parents, alumni, alumni parents, campers and many friends of the School and Glen Brook.

During this past weekend, over 70 volunteers converged on Camp Glen Brook to assist in the barn raising event. Volunteer carpenters, painters, and masons – as well as cooks and musicians – took part. “We wanted anyone who could get in the spirit of bringing this beautiful new building to life,” said Braden. After a full day of work, the volunteers gathered inside Glen Brook’s “Rec Hall” and enjoyed an evening of music and dancing to a live band.

“On behalf of the Waldorf School of Garden City and Camp Glen Brook, I want to thank the community for supporting this important effort and for making it possible to have this project completed in such a timely manner,” said Braden.

With only minor touches left to be made, Glen Brook’s new barn – as well as recently refurbished kitchen and dining room – are ready for the arrival of summer campers!