Planting for the Future

Our Central Texas region has been seeing a LOT of growth lately with the opening of the Ridge and many other renovations—all intended to bless thousands of campers for many years to come. As of this summer, there will now be some growth of a more leafy kind. That’s right, we’re talking about trees!

Through a generous donation from long-time Crier Creek campers Curtis and Mary Ann Glueck, more than 700 trees and shrubs have been planted throughout Crier Creek, Silverado, the Outback, and the Ridge! 

After losing some trees to drought, camp renovations, and even some storms, Central Texas has needed some extra shade and landscaping.

When a particularly devastating storm this summer uprooted more trees, the Gluecks decided to help. 

Mary Ann says, “We are incredibly grateful for the gift of Pine Cove. From watching other families grow in faith and love to our children learning about Scripture and sharing their stories of faith with others, we are the gifted ones! To have the examples of Pine Cove counselors bless our children each and every summer is a most precious gift from God. We could never give back enough to a place we hold dear in our hearts.” 

The Lord has placed the Gluecks in a perfect position to bless other campers through their own business. The donated trees are from their own nursery and tree farm, Lucky Landscape Supply in Katy and Lucky Tree Farm in Cat Spring, Texas. 

The Gluecks know that trees are an important part of the natural beauty of the landscape of these camps. Because of the large amount of plants donated, as they continue to mature, the landscape of the four camps will completely change. 

Jeff “Rawhide” Olchesky, Senior Director of Operations in Central Texas, says a gift like this has never before been given to Pine Cove. We’ve received various items from donors over the years such as vehicles, horses, and stonework, but this is the first time someone has donated various species of plants. 

He also emphasized that the camps will look drastically different as the trees begin to grow and provide much needed shade and better landscaping to the property.

Olchesky says that this is a gift that could impact campers for nearly one hundred years. Mary Ann adds, “They far outlive us!” What a blessing! 

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalms 1:3