Last Updated on October 14, 2022 by ReTurf
Nate Horne, a faithful husband, soccer dad, and camp director is one of ReTurf’s many happy customers. It took him just under an hour to tell me everything he appreciated about this company, and its fearless leader, Pat Underhill. Needless to say, there was a lot to discuss.
Project: Valley Haven Camp and Retreat Center in North Carolina
Nate’s job is directing Valley Haven Camp and Retreat Center in Catawba County, North Carolina. This is no ordinary summer camp, though. Underserved children are invited to spend some of their summer here, sponsored by various partnerships, churches, and schools. The kids can enjoy time with other children, adults, and mentors from the community. Camp attendees are also given Bibles and taught about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. This past year, the camp had around 150 sponsored kids attend, which is the most they’ve ever had. These are middle and high school groups coming from challenging backgrounds, and being given the opportunity to be kids, and hear the Gospel.
The other side of this camp’s ministry is hosting gospel-centered groups in the fall for various types of retreats. There are usually around 60 ministry retreats happening at this camp each year with local ministries, churches, Christian schools, homeschool groups, Lenoir-Rhyne InterVarsity groups, Young Life, etc. It is a popular spot for Vacation Bible schools and youth retreats as well. There have been men and women’s retreats hosted here, where marriages have been reconciled and saved. This camp is constantly being used, year-round for so many positive things.
When you have so many people coming to a camp each summer, there cannot be any “wasted” or “underused” space. Every square inch matters. Each available space is necessary and can be used to its full potential IF it is set up in a proper manner.
Pat may want to take credit for the start of this amazing friendship with the Horne family, but it was Pat’s wife who originally contacted the camp about a possible cross-country meet. After this initial contact, conversations started between Nate and Pat until they became friends and co-laborers.
One afternoon while Pat and Nate were at the camp, Pat noticed an outdoor area that was not being utilized. It was an old basketball court, close to the lodge and was in poor shape. In essence, it had become a wasted space. Pat suggested revitalizing the area by installing some used turf and turning it into a small soccer field. A few years and volunteers later, this idea evolved and ultimately came into fruition.
ReTurf and UDC Sports had sponsored some children to come to camp and now they were helping create another outdoor space for people of all ages to enjoy here throughout the year. This was an opportunity for ReTurf to serve the local community and make a difference in the lives of children of all ages.
The turf used for this project was being recycled from some soccer fields in Asheville, North Carolina. Returf donated several supplies and product management (aka Pat’s leadership) for this project. Sunbelt offered their equipment to roll out the turf, and Nate procured around 40 volunteers to come volunteer for three Saturdays.
These volunteers made sure the fences were taken down, and that the ground was leveled and made ready for the turf to arrive. Throughout this entire process, Pat was coaching Nate and the others on how to carry out this type of project. He taught them how to install the turf, and how to take care of it. He was imparting his knowledge to this team so they wouldn’t be lost on the field without a coach once the project was completed. He also provided them with extra infill and glue for keeping the turf well maintained.
Nate said, “Now we have this incredible attraction used for soccer, and other summer games. It has provided another space right next to the lodge where the kids can play a quick game of soccer before dinner. The proximity to the lodge and dining hall is perfect.” The camp’s website shares how this turf space is used for other activities such as dodgeball, tag, football, kickball, and other team sports.
After the field was laid, there was turf left over, which was kept and stored at the camp until the next project came to mind. There was unused space by the pool area, and it desperately needed an upgrade. Since Pat had taught these men how to install and take care of the turf, Nate and some others were able to install this portion on their own. Now this is a fun space used by the campers to play cornhole.
There are so many ins and outs of this type of project, but Nate felt confident (and relieved) that Pat took care of all the details from start to finish. This even included making sure the bridges on the route to the camp could hold the weight of the turf. The camp’s board of directors and the community were all very impressed with how this entire project was handled from start to finish. Nate said, “Pat is super approachable, down to earth, and supportive…[he] has a ton of vision and is very authentic.”
It has been 4+ years since this project was completed, and the turf is still in the same, great condition in which it came. The only thing that has happened was a mishap admittedly by Nate himself. There was a recent cut on one of the corners caused by a mower’s low deck. The wonderful thing is that since Nate was taught how to take care of the turf, and left with supplies, he is confident he can patch up this 2×2 edge in about ninety minutes by himself. This is evidence of all the vital teaching and education that comes along with working with ReTurf and UDC Sports.
All in all, Nate says that “there was no point in buying brand new turf”, and that would have been too costly anyway. ReTurf has “brought life to a dead space.” It is used every single weekend, every single day. He is very grateful for Pat’s vision and follow-through with this project.
We left no stone unturned in this conversation, and I think it’s safe to say that Nate would recommend ReTurf and UDC Sports to anyone, any day of the week.