Construction has begun on the newest effort to continue meeting the needs of Camp Fontanelle visitors. The newest project, a storm shelter/Restroom facility near the corn maze, is projected to be complete by BBQ 2012.

While all campers were in a safe place during the summer storms of 2012, which included a small tornado in Fremont, the camp board of directors and staff determined that an underground storm shelter was needed closer to the petting barn. Summer campers spend a great deal of time in that part of the camp and this means that campers are nearly 1/2 mile away from the safety of the basement at the Main Lodge. While all campers made it to the safety of the lodge in the past, the board decided that closer facilities were needed.

Restrooms will be at the ground level of the all concrete storm shelter, which will alleviate the problem of campers needing to run to the Main Lodge for restrooms or the use of Port-A-Potties. These restrooms will also be enjoyed by guests at the pumpkin patch and corn maze in the fall. The storm shelter area will be underground and will be used for severe weather and storage.  
Phase 1 of the project began with ground breaking prior to Thanksgiving and footings being poured on Monday, November 28, 2012.  Exterior walls and floors were poured, plumbing was roughed in, and dirt was backfilled prior to Christmas.

The contract bid for Phase 1 was $164,000. However, with volunteer labor, it is hoped that the project can be completed for $130,000. As of January 12, 2012, $93,000 has been donated/pledged. If you'd like to support Phase 1 of the Storm Shelter/Restroom Facility, donations can be made to "Camp Fontanelle" @ 9677 County Road 3, Fontanelle, NE 68044. Write "storm shelter" in the memo line.

Phase 2 of this project will include a large picnic shelter adjoining the restrooms. A kitchen/serving area with serving windows, refrigerator, stove, sink and plenty of counter space for many roaster and crock pots for family reunions and church picnics is being planned for this phase.  The plans also include a 2 way fireplace that can be enjoyed from within the picnic shelter or from a patio on the outside. Sliding doors will allow the blocking of strong winds or can be opened to enjoy the fresh country air. A playground is also projected to be built near this facility.