How was Wooten Woods built?


Since hosting our first Bass/Nature Camp over 10 years ago, we‰¥?ve dreamed of someday owning our own location to run these and other camps. In 2008, we purchased a wonderful piece of land and began the process of transforming it into our dream home. There was no way for us to know or even believe the amount of help we would immediately receive.
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Former (and future) campers, friends, and strangers contacted us offering many of the necessary pieces that allowed it all to come together. Everything from ideas, construction help, furniture, and financial support seemed to just ‰¥?show up‰¥?. Thanks to the help of these and other friends, Wooten Woods Retreat was born.
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In April of 2008, after the final B/N Camp was held at Montgomery Bell State Park (our original location), many of those students, along with some former students, friends, and family joined together for the first of several Wooten Woods Weekends.
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On that first weekend, about 130 people, from as far away as Asia and Europe, gathered at the newly purchased location to break ground and begin construction. Buildings seemed to spring up out of nowhere. A two-story classroom/dorm, a 1,018 sq. ft. dome shaped classroom, walking/hiking trails, a beautiful yin yang shaped herb garden, fire pits, and an outdoor amphitheater built into the hillside, were but a few of the projects initiated.
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The reality of all of these people taking time out of their lives to work together towards a common goal created a magical experience that could be felt by all. When the dome frame was complete, about 50 of us, including my 75-year-old mother, joined together to lift it onto the newly constructed platform. Cheers and screams of joy echoed through the hills as the frame, which perfectly fit the platform, was fitted with the dome covering (which was also a perfect fit). That special moment will be treasured by all of us for a lifetime.

In the end, many tears were shed and shared, strangers had become best of friends, good food was accompanied by great music, and wonderful everlasting memories were etched into our hearts.
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Among the many unexpected weekend bonuses was the discovery of a wonderful former BNC student (who also happened to be a construction expert) who agreed to relocate to Wooten Woods and oversee all of the projects initiated and many more to come. From nothing to this in less than 72 hours - Believe it or not!!!
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Since that initial weekend, with the continued help of those special people and more, Wooten Woods Retreat has continued to flourish. It is ironic and fitting that the first camp at this new location was held in April 2009, almost a year to the day from when we first broke ground.
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Thanks to all of you, Wooten Woods Retreat is ready and serving its purpose. We look forward to sharing it with you.
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Peace,
Victor and Holly