Whether they're renovating Stone Lodge, building an amphitheater or just hanging out with campers, Push America volunteers are donating their time to helping Touch of Nature in Carbondale.

Nineteen members of the nonprofit program through Pi Kappa Phi spend six weeks of the summer traveling from camp to camp working on construction projects and mentoring campers. Fraternity members will be in Carbondale until Friday.

Vicki Lang-Mendenhall, director of Camp Little Giant, said the members have made a huge contribution in their time at the camp.

"These guys are so professional and provide such a positive image for Camp Little Giant," Lang-Mendenhall said.

Work for the members included finishing construction on an amphitheater, installing new paneling and a ceiling to Stone Lodge and making repairs at the arts and craft building.

Kyle Johnson of Willowick, Ohio, is a recent graduate of Ohio State University and is working with the program for the first time. He said as fulfilling as the work is, it's not the best part of job.

"The best part is hanging out with the campers," Johnson said.

Nick Druar of Franklin, Mass., a graduate of University of Massachusetts in Amherst, said throughout the week, they have been able to build a bond with the campers.

"After a week, we don't want to leave and they don't want us to leave," Druar said. "It's just been a great experience. I loved every minute of it."

Project manager Adam Van Treese of Sidney, Ohio, a graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, said he would love to come back in about 10 years and see what their impact was.

"It's just unbelievable because we get to leave a lasting impression on the camp and the campers themselves," Van Treese said.

Each of members raise money for the project and the group donates $5,000 to each camp to help cover the cost of construction materials. The group has made a stop at Touch of Nature for the last six years. Lang-Mendenhall said Push America is a great help to Touch of Nature and hopes they continue to take a week out of their summer to lend a hand.

"I'd love to see it continue for years to come," Lang-Mendenhall said.

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

618-351-5804