Work Parties

Since Indralaya’s beginnings in 1927, its buildings, utilities, and infrastructure have all been created as a labor of love by literally hundreds and hundreds of devoted volunteers.

They have built, or have helped build: thirty sleeping cabins (a few with plumbing); the main lodge, which contains the kitchen, dining room, office, and lounge the Teepee (an octagonal building used for a variety of purposes); the F. L. Kunz Memorial Library; two communal “Necessitoriums” with showers and toilets; the Resident Manager’s Cottage (RMC); the Roundhouse, which sleeps up to twelve people and includes handicapped facilities; a maintenance and storage building; three concrete water storage tanks, septic systems; and untold lengths of water and electrical lines, roads, and paths. We have had occasional professional help, but mostly volunteers have contributed to building Indralaya.

In days of yore, camp manager John Abbenhouse was well known for his oft repeated exhortation, “Work is love made manifest.” This spirit lives on today, though perhaps in different ways than in John’s time. Working together in common purpose continues to be an important feature of camp life.

Much of the work done during the program season, particularly in the kitchen and garden, is done by volunteers and daily staff participants. In addition, several work parties are held in the spring and fall.

The number of participants at these fun and communal weekend gatherings ranges from 25 to 100 people.

A wide variety of indoor and outdoor jobs are always in need of doing, and we invite you to join us. There is no charge, as Indralaya provides room and board in exchange for your time and energy.

We invite and encourage your participation in our work parties. We provide room and board in exchange for your time and energy. The fun begins at 9:00 or so in the morning, after breakfast chores are done. We break for lunch at 12:30 and then come together for another couple hours of work in the afternoon. Evenings are often devoted to informal discussion and entertainment by the fireside. Bring your talents and musical instruments with you!

Or download and print the Work Party Registration Form PDF download (112 kB). Please fill it out and send to us via mail or fax.