Beaver Lake Clean Up 2013

Every year, thousands of campers converge on the shores of Beaver Lake for one of the highlights of their year – a one to two week stay at the amazing Camp War Eagle. Cabins are filled with students from all over Northwest Arkansas. Campers from Farmington meet campers from Bentonville, Springdale kids become friends with other kids even as far away as Eureka Springs. The bonds they form are inseparable and unexplainable to those who have never been to camp. Cabins share traditions, such as the quest to become a “Superduck” or claiming identity as the “Mystery Cabin.” Several times a year, Ozone hosts all-city events, in which campers can reconnect with camp friends from other cities and relive their favorite camp memories. Some of these events also allow students to earn community service hours, thereby helping fulfill requirements to attend camp the following year. What better place to serve together and reconnect than the very lake where Camp War Eagle is located – Beaver Lake.

In partnership with the Corps of Engineers, Ozone brings together all four major cities in Northwest Arkansas for the event Beaver Lake Cleanup. Beaver Lake Cleanup is family-wide, allowing all CWE students from every city to help clean the shores of the lake with their families by their sides. Fayetteville sophomore Ashley Wilson enjoyed the camaraderie of her camp friends: “I LOVED seeing all of my friends. Not only were there my friends from Fayetteville Ozone, but the other cities were also there! We could also bring our friends, which I did!”

Ashley and her friends also appreciated the chance to clean the lake and preserve its beauty. “Nature is beautiful,” Ashley said, “and let’s keep God’s creation that way!” During the event, groups of students, parents, and leaders cleaned various portions of the lake, ranging from Monte Ne in the North to the 412 Bridge in the South. Although the groups had cleaned these sites last year, they were again full of trash. Students made quick work of the mess, stuffing trash into bags and scouring the area for any other loose items. In the end, several sites were left spotless, allowing others to truly appreciate the natural beauty of the lake.

Following the cleanup, the groups enjoyed lunch and games together. Campers further developed their relationships with one another, families became immersed in the year-round program, and leaders spent quality time with students from their small group. The event proved successful on many different levels, and students and parents alike enjoyed the experience. Says Ashley, “It was a blast!”