How to Get Involved

Camp Zest will have opportunities for anyone to get involved in this venture.  Our goal is to involve a large and diverse group of people.  The opportunities for involvement will change as the venture progresses.  Initially, the primary opportunity is to help shape the direction of the venture by participating in the concept discussion groups that are being formed as part of the Launch Phase.  As the development sites are identified, more specific opportunities will arise.  There are several ways that you can get involved:

 

Camp Zest Guest/Visitor – Beginning this summer (2008) we will start our natural cottage building at the Makanda Inn (our prototype site).  If you would like to visit and participate in this natural building project, please email us and we will notify you of opportunities.

 

Owner Builder – after participating as a member you may decide to join in a retreat development as an owner-builder.  Camp Zest is primarily focused on serving the owner-builders (so we hope that you will become one).  As an owner-builder you will be a partner in a retreat development.  The total number of partners will vary for each development.  It could be as few as 12 or as many as 150, depending on the size of the retreat and the interest of the owner-builders.  Owner-builders will invest both time and money to the retreat development.  Camp Zest will provide all project management, group decision facilitation, and development of the challenging elements of the project (infrastructure, utilities, foundations, roofs, doors and windows). 

 

Land Owner – if you think you have just the right property for a Camp Zest development, you can register your property as an available site.  Camp Zest would then assist in marketing it to potential owner-builders.  Once a development gets underway the land owner could also choose to participate as an owner-builder.  Please write to us if you have more questions about the opportunities for land owners.

  

Natural Builder – each Camp Zest development will be supported by experienced natural builders who will be onsite throughout the development of the retreat – teaching them the skills and supporting their efforts to ensure quality results.  .  Camp Zest will be hiring natural builders as the venture gets into the development phase.  Natural builders are encouraged to register on Camp Zest and provide their knowledge and insight to the discussion groups and to respond to project opportunities as they arise.

 

Other Professionals - architects, engineers, electricians, plumbers, traditional builders/contractors will also have the opportunity to participate in these projects.  These professionals are also encouraged to register on Camp Zest and provide their knowledge and insight to the discussion groups and to respond to project opportunities as they arise.