Cross Connections has new location in Wilkes

As the year 2007 came to a close, leaders of Carolina Cross Connection (CCC), a mission-based organization, were searching for a base of operations for its summer campers. The search came to an end recently when officials with the Wilkes County school system agreed to house the campers at West Wilkes Middle School.

Search for a new site began in the latter months of 2007 following an announcement that Camp Elk Shoals, located in West Jefferson, would not be able to accommodate the organization in 2008 "and possibly not in the foreseeable future." The Methodist camp had housed CCC campers since 1991.

The cause behind the announcement was the indoor kitchen that was then being utilized by CCC would not meet new requirements set forth by law effective Oct. 1, 2007.

At the time, Ed Adams, who served as the chairman of the board for the camp, explained, "To bring it up to the new code, it would cost thousands of dollars. We have plans to tear down the kitchen and replace it with an outdoor setup that meets the new code."

In a recent interview, Edwards stated the kitchen was torn down during the winter months. It has since been converted to an area conducive to outdoor cooking.

The Rev. Peter "Pete" Parish, director of Camp Elk Shoals, explained in a November 2007 interview, "As the director of Elk Shoals, I have an obligation to do what is right for Elk Shoals and not what is convenient for other people's programs. The right thing to do is to tear that area down."

In addition, at the time Parish added while the area formerly used by CCC was condemned, the remainder of the camp was "in working order," which included a 98.5 health rating.

These days, Camp Elk Shoals is working on a cluster of four buildings designed for handicapped campers, which will include a combination meeting, kitchen and mess hall.

Meanwhile, churches and groups such as the boy scouts continue to utilize Camp Elk Shoals, setting tents up near the river on the property.

"Everything is continuing like it always has been," Adams noted.

Change for CCC

According to a press release from CCC, Executive Director David Andrews expressed gratitude to the Wilkes County School System for allowing the organization to use West Wilkes Middle School as a home during June and July.