On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene paid a visit to western North Carolina—with wind, rain, and even more rain. The Upper Mountain Research Station, just four miles away from Laurel Ridge, recorded over 17 inches of rainfall in our area.
Ashe, Wilkes and Allegheny counties, along with much of western North Carolina—the area surrounding Laurel Ridge Camp, Conference and Retreat Center—were hit hard. Highway 18 and Darnell Woodie Road, which leads to our property, suffered massive landslides. Blair Osborne, facilities manager and Tres Fordham, Laurel Ridge director have been busy assessing damage from the start.
At Laurel Ridge, the storm left behind downed trees, debris and significant water damage to both the summer camp and Higgins Lodge. Power outages and lost income added to the challenges. Structural damage was discovered at the dam supporting the summer camp lake, and a sinkhole in the Pines cabin area revealed a failing septic system—now in the process of being replaced.
Before Cleanup
After Cleanup
Preliminary damage assessments and expense forecast estimates surpass more than $100,000 loss from Hurricane Helene. This includes $76,000 in lost revenue from cancellations at Higgins, Geminhouse, Tise Lodge and the Friends Cottage (either by guests affected personally or due to Camp’s three-week closure that resulted in the cancellations of 22 groups during Laurel Ridge’s peak reservation season); $7500 in food loss due to power outages, $15,000 in damages to the Bahnson roof and $25,000 in large tree removal. We were able to submit an insurance claim for many of these items.
A community in action
Almost immediately, people began reaching out, asking how they could help both Laurel Ridge and the surrounding community. One of the first calls received was from Rev. Chris Thore at Clemmons Moravian Church, who wanted to know where to take food and supplies for those in need in Ashe County. That conversation led us to connect with Freeborn’s Eatery nearby, which provided contact information for someone in Lansing, N.C., who needed assistance.
Scarlett Dowdy, program manager at Laurel Ridge, passed the information on to Chris, who quickly began organizing volunteers to help on weekends. Their first job ended unexpectedly when the homeowners decided not to rebuild. However, while there, Chris connected with another family in need and helped clean out a severely flooded house.
Chris continued making connections, which opened even more opportunities to serve. Ultimately, he took the lead on a full home rebuild in Lansing. Reflecting on these efforts, Chris reminded me of an important truth—God was at work through each of us, guiding us to the people who needed help the most.
When disaster strikes, Moravians step up. The Moravian Board of World Mission in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania reached out within a day, asking how they could help. Since then, both Moravians and non-Moravians have come together to assist in cleanup efforts at Laurel Ridge and the surrounding community. So far, we’ve welcomed:
- 10 college students from Notre Dame
- Eight Methodist youth from the Raleigh/Cary area
- A Scout troop from Friedberg Moravian Church in Winston Salem
- Volunteers from Fries, Home, Union Cross, Clemmons, Calvary, New Philadelphia, Advent, Macedonia, Moravia and New Beginnings Moravian churches
- 77 youth and adults from a non-denominational church in Thomasville
- A team of six from First Moravian Church in Dover, Ohio
- A team of six from Hope Moravian Church in Indiana
- The Friedberg Moravian high school youth group
- Schoenbrunn Community Moravian in Ohio
- Ripon College in Wisconsin
“Looking ahead, we have additional work groups scheduled through June 2025 to continue disaster relief efforts,” said Scarlett. “ Butch Sawtelle (Friedland Moravian Church) has taken on the task of coordinating all the worksites in Ashe County through the Board of World Missions Moravian Disaster Relief.”
“As we clean up and rebuild, we are committed to helping the local community as well. With the support of the Board of World Mission, we are hosting displaced families at Higgins Lodge, providing them with a safe place to stay during recovery,” says Scarlett.
Current challenges & plans
Dam repair—Engineers are currently conducting core sampling and developing a repair plan and timeline. While fundraising efforts are underway to support this essential project, the total cost of repairs remains uncertain. In the meantime, the lake has been partially drained to reduce pressure on the dam. Donations to assist with dam repair can be made at www.laurelridge.org/donate.
Ice storm—In February, Laurel Ridge was hit by a major ice storm that once again brought down trees and power lines. Some of the power lines we had previously repaired were disconnected from several cabins and lodges. Additionally, the unusually low temperatures caused water pipes in the summer camp well to burst. While the well has since been repaired, some electrical work remains incomplete, preventing us from restoring power to two of our cabin groups.
Impact on summer camp—With dam repairs currently on hold, we’ve invested in a commercial-grade water slide—a fun and lasting addition to our camp programming that doesn’t rely on the lake. We’re also planning tubing trips on the New River to keep the adventure going. Power should be fully restored soon, and we’ll be ready to welcome everyone for summer camp. We’re looking forward to a spirit-filled season on the mountain!
Thank you for your prayers, support, and willingness to serve. Together, we are rebuilding and strengthening our community—one step at a time.
Scarlett Dowdy is program manager at Laurel Ridge Camp Conference and Retreat Center in Laurel Springs, N.C. Those interested in volunteering to help the camp’s efforts can contact Blair Osborne, Facilities Manager, at [email protected].
