Previously, we shared a mid-project update on a one-of-a-kind initiative with Valley Youth House: the construction of the Carter Family Center at Camp Fowler in Orefield, PA. Now, with the building nearing final completion and beginning to welcome summer campers through its doors, our team is honored to reflect on what made this project so meaningful for Penntex, our project partners, and the community it serves.
The new building offers a dedicated gathering space for youth at Camp Fowler, directly supporting Valley Youth House’s mission to empower young people through education, connection, and care. From the outset, this project represented an exciting departure from our team’s typical work. As Project Manager Kristin Moeser explained, “We’re used to building large, complex facilities that power major operations, but this project was different in a way that made it especially memorable. It allowed us to step into a very personal kind of build, one that will directly impact kids and families for years to come.” The building features characteristically residential-style construction, with standout elements, including a sweeping wraparound porch, grandiose floor-to-ceiling fireplace, and exposed timber trusses that create a stunning focal point in the central lobby.
A Wonderfully Unique Challenge for the Penntex Team
When Penntex joined the effort, the project had already spent several years in design. With generous donor support and clear momentum from Valley Youth House, the vision was well established. However, the execution would demand a construction partner ready to navigate the unique complexities of a donor-funded build, challenging site conditions, and an active summer camp environment. Narrow access roads (and even a partial roadway collapse at one point) created obstacles to overcome while coordinating construction activities around parent and bus drop-offs during summer camp in 2024 required constant communication and flexibility. On more than one occasion, construction also paused to accommodate helicopters landing on campus.
Working hand-in-hand with camp staff, Penntex continuously updated schedules, communicated site activities, and prioritized the safety of children and visitors. Project manager Julia Kropf, who supported the project’s financial oversight and sequencing, noted, “We had their entire camp calendar and updated it weekly to plan around their needs. Some days, 10 cars would show up—other days, 100. Our job was to make sure concrete trucks and campers weren’t arriving at the same time, and we kept a safe flow of vehicles.”
The structure itself brought additional challenges. The design features a full basement instead of the slab construction Penntex typically works with and a soaring 35-foot-high lobby ceiling. To safely access the ceiling for rough and finish work, our team brought in a scaffolding contractor, coordinating months of detailed work within tight timelines to control rental costs and maintain project momentum while keeping safety at the forefront.
Designed with Purpose and Generosity
Built to harmonize with the surrounding camp cabins, the Carter Family Center was designed by NORR to blend seamlessly into its environment while offering modern, multi-functional features. Highlights include two bright classroom spaces with foldable glass walls, each dedicated in honor of leading donors, and comprehensive ADA-compliant access, including precision elevation work that aligns walkways, parking, and drop-off areas. “We lovingly called it the bomb shelter because it’s built to last,” said Kristin with a smile. “It’s designed to serve as a safe haven. The building is not just beautiful—it’s extremely resilient.”
That resilience extended to our behind-the-scenes approach as well. Under Julia’s direction and detailed financial tracking, the Penntex team collaborated closely with Valley Youth House’s CEO, CFO, and operations staff to monitor every donated item, expense, and timeline adjustment, ensuring nothing was overlooked and every gift was properly honored. It was a process rooted in partnership and reflective of our commitment to open-book transparency throughout every phase of construction.
“Working with their team was a great experience,” said Julia. “We tracked everything down to the penny, and it was truly a collaboration from start to finish.”
Construction reached substantial completion earlier this year, though final permitting steps remain in progress, including DEP approvals for the water treatment system. Once complete, the building will officially open for full use by campers and program staff.
Even before the final sign-off, the impact of the space has already been felt. Valley Youth House hosted a grand opening celebration in April, welcoming donors, partners, and state leaders to commemorate this milestone. The enthusiasm that filled the building that day made it clear: this is more than just a facility. It’s a cornerstone for connection, learning, and growth for generations to come.
As we conclude our work at Camp Fowler, we do so with deep appreciation for the many hands and hearts that made the Carter Family Center a reality. To the donors who gave so generously, the tradespeople and partners who contributed their time and materials, the Valley Youth House team who championed every detail, and the youth who will gather, grow, and thrive in this space—we thank you. It’s been our privilege to be part of this extraordinary project.