Last week, our team had the incredible opportunity to attend Pond Camp in upstate New York. Despite the cold and rainy weather, it was an unforgettable experience filled with learning, collaboration, and hands-on project building.
The highlight of the camp was contributing to a meaningful project for the Sawyer Mason Foundation—an organization close to our hearts. From working with historic materials to collaborating with top industry professionals, the camp offered lessons that will help us better serve you, our customers.
Rebuilding a Fountain Steeped in History
One of the most rewarding parts of Pond Camp was working on a historic fountain for the Sawyer Mason Foundation. This wasn’t just any fountain—it was a reconstruction of a piece of history over 100 years old.
Using the original stones from the former fountain, we carefully rebuilt a water feature that once graced the Borden Estates. The historic setting, with its breathtaking architecture and aged buildings, brought a unique energy to the project. There’s something incredibly special about preserving the past while creating something new for future generations to enjoy.
This project reminded us of why we love what we do. Water features like ponds and fountains can connect us to history while enhancing the beauty of outdoor spaces. The attention to detail, precision, and teamwork required made this fountain build both challenging and rewarding.
See the footage of the fountain project on our Facebook Page to get a glimpse of the work our team put into this inspiring project.
Why Experiences Like Pond Camp Matter to Us (and to You)
At every opportunity, we attend workshops, industry events, and hands-on seminars like Pond Camp. These experiences are invaluable for several reasons:
- Learning New Skills: Staying up-to-date with the latest techniques allows us to improve our pond and water feature builds.
- Team Development: Exposing our team to new challenges helps them grow into more skilled professionals and well-rounded individuals.
- Collaboration with Experts: Working alongside top professionals in the pond industry gives us fresh ideas, tools, and approaches to apply in our work.
When we invest in our team, you benefit directly. The skills we acquire and the projects we contribute to help us deliver better results, whether we’re building a koi pond, designing a waterfall, or maintaining an existing water feature.
Key Takeaways from Pond Camp
Here are the top lessons and experiences we brought back from Pond Camp:
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Reconnecting with Purpose Through the Sawyer Mason Foundation
Participating in a project with the Sawyer Mason Foundation reminded us of the profound impact well-crafted water features can have. Rebuilding the historic fountain gave us an opportunity to combine craftsmanship with purpose, and it was an honor to be part of such a meaningful project. -
The Beauty of Historic Restoration
The Borden Estates, where the camp took place, was a stunning reminder of the beauty and character of older architecture. Bringing back a 100-year-old fountain using original materials allowed us to preserve a piece of history while delivering a functional and visually stunning water feature. -
Collaboration Creates Excellence
Working alongside other pond professionals highlighted the power of collaboration. Sharing ideas, problem-solving together, and building something as a team pushed all of us to be better. These lessons will continue to guide how we work together—and with you—on future projects. -
Growth Through Challenge
The weather at Pond Camp was far from ideal. Cold temperatures and rainy conditions could have slowed us down, but instead, they brought out the best in us. Overcoming challenges together helped strengthen our team’s skills and bond.
How This Helps Us Serve You Better
When we attend events like Pond Camp, it’s about more than improving our own knowledge—it’s about bringing that value back to our customers. Here’s how:
- Better Craftsmanship: From historic fountain restoration to modern pond designs, we continue refining our skills to create features that exceed expectations.
- Innovative Designs: Collaboration with industry leaders sparks creativity, allowing us to deliver cutting-edge water feature solutions.
- Attention to Detail: Whether rebuilding a century-old fountain or installing a backyard koi pond, we apply the same precision and care.
- Improved Maintenance Services: Learning new techniques means we can offer smarter, more efficient pond maintenance and repairs.
By investing in growth, learning, and teamwork, we can provide higher-quality services and ensure your water features are built to stand the test of time.
A Commitment to Our Customers and Community
Our time at Pond Camp reinforced the importance of giving back—both to our customers and the larger community. Every project we take on is an opportunity to share what we’ve learned and make a lasting impact.
From custom pond builds to fountain restorations, we’re not just creating water features—we’re creating spaces for reflection, relaxation, and connection with nature. The lessons we learned at Pond Camp will help us deliver more thoughtful, sustainable, and stunning designs for your outdoor spaces.
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
If you’re dreaming of a backyard pond, a beautiful waterfall, or a historic fountain restoration, we’re here to help. The expertise and inspiration we gained at Pond Camp are already being put into action, and we can’t wait to bring those skills to your next project.
Let’s create something extraordinary together. Contact us today to get started!
Stay Connected
Follow us on Facebook to see more behind-the-scenes footage from Pond Camp, including our work on the Sawyer Mason Foundation project. Stay tuned for more updates, inspiration, and tips on building and maintaining stunning water features.
