Major facility and infrastructure updates at Camp Cherry Lake are planned for the coming years. These updates will include replacing most of Camp Cherry Lake’s cabins with climate-controlled lodging that is more accessible. One original cabin will be retained to share the history of the camp and area with visitors.
For many camp alumni, Camp Cherry Lake’s original cabins hold great sentimental value. Because of this, some of the old cabins will be available for purchase to the public. UF/IFAS Facilities has secured a contract with a company that will receive seven cabins in exchange for moving the other seven. One cabin will be relocated on-site, and six cabins will be available to the public for bid. Minimum bid is $500.
The cost of the cabins will cover expenses incurred to safely remove the cabins from their sites. Buyers will need to provide their own transportation to move the cabins off the camp’s property. The largest cabins are approximately 24 by 12.5 by 12.5 feet, so an oversized/overweight load permit will be required to transport.
“We’ve had over 30 families already reach out to express their interest in reusing the cabins. For many adults who grew up going to Camp Cherry Lake or parents who have sent their children to the camp, the cabins are a reminder of the profound impact 4-H camp can have on someone’s life,” said Erin Mugge, state 4-H camping and environmental education coordinator.
“Other folks recognize the historical significance of these cabins and want to preserve a piece of history. For all these reasons and more, we want to ensure the cabins have another opportunity to be used in the future,” Mugge said.
Those interestedcan view available cabins in-person at camp on June 12 from 1-3 p.m. and June 13 from 9-11 am, prior to bidding. Cabins will be available through a UF Surplus auction that will open on June 9 and close on June 15. Families can bid on the available cabins, and the highest bidder will receive the cabin. Cabins must be picked up either June 26 or 27 and will be coordinated in advance.
Camp Cherry Lake is not responsible for any damage incurred during the lifting and removal process and can’t guarantee all cabins will remain intact during this process. For more information on costs, payment details, sizes and pictures of cabins, and more, please visit the UF Surplus website: https://tinyurl.com/4HCherryLakeCabins. Those interested can also contact Erin Mugge (erin.mugge@ufl.edu).
4-H is the youth development program of the land-grant university system and Cooperative Extension System. The program provides hands-on educational programs and experiences for youth ages five to 18 with the objective of developing youth as individuals, and as responsible and productive citizens. In Florida, 4-H is administered by University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University. Learn more at florida4h.org. If you are interested in investing in the future of 4-H camps, contact Caylin Hilton at grow4H@ifas.ufl.edu.
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