Cloudy with a Chance of Brotherhood
A September of Service in the Sunshine State
Gray skies hung low over Land O’Lakes, Florida, as 33 Pi Kappa Phi brothers from six chapters gathered in the Sunshine State, proving that even the rainiest forecast couldn’t dampen their spirit or their determination to serve. Over one weekend at Camp Idlewild, they rolled up their sleeves to participate in an Ability Camp, transforming cabins, playgrounds and flower beds, and turning a stormy forecast into a weekend filled with teamwork, purpose and brotherhood.
Each month, brothers of Pi Kappa Phi travel across the country for these Ability Camps, weekend service projects hosted by The Ability Experience that bring volunteers together to build, repair and enhance facilities serving people with disabilities. These weekends are part construction, part connection, as brothers blend hard work, problem-solving and laughter to create accessible spaces for campers, while strengthening the bonds of fraternity.
This September, the work was centered at Camp Idlewild, where undergraduate brothers and alumni from Alpha Epsilon (Florida), Alpha Chi (Miami), Zeta Zeta (North Florida), Eta Alpha (Concord), Eta Psi (Central Florida), Iota Upsilon (Florida Gulf Coast), joined facilitator Rob Raesemann, Zeta Zeta (North Florida), for a weekend of service that left its mark on both the camp and our volunteers.
The group tackled everything from flower beds to fences: cleaning, painting, pressure-washing and landscaping their way across the property. They hung new blinds in all four cabins, covering a total of 32 windows, and when the rain rolled in, the brothers pivoted indoors without missing a beat, just one example of the cooperation that defined the weekend.
“The guys did an excellent job of taking ownership of their projects and getting things done,” said Raesemann. “When it rained, they worked together to switch gears, finishing projects that could be done indoors with a little adjustment. Once it cleared up, they all jumped back outside without hesitation.”
The teamwork wasn’t lost on the brothers, many of whom were attending their first Ability Camp. For Maxwell Barnes, an associate member from the Eta Psi Chapter at the University of Central Florida, the experience was about much more than checking tasks off a list.
“I’ve volunteered for a long time, but this has been a really unique opportunity,” Barnes said. “I got to meet brothers from other schools who I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise, while completing a variety of projects. It was a really enjoyable experience, and I look forward to coming back next year.”
Truman Daschle and Danny Spierer, brothers from the Alpha Chi Chapter at the University of Miami, said their favorite moments came not from the work, but from the people.
“It was great to be able to meet some of the campers and get a firsthand look at all the fun activities they take part in,” said Daschle.
Spierer added, “We enjoyed helping the camp with projects, but the best part was spending time with campers like Ethan. I know my brothers and I really enjoyed our time here, and we’ll definitely be back.”
For campers like Ethan, the weekend was full of smiles, new friends and favorite pastimes.
“This weekend, I got to go fishing and do arts and crafts,” he said. “I caught my first fish here, down at the lake. And I love spending time with the dogs, Dixie and Bella. I’m a big dog person.”
Camp Idlewild Director Wendy Neal said the brothers made a lasting impression, a feeling she hopes is mutual.
“It takes a lot of hands and a lot of help, and these guys were fantastic,” said Neal. “They were polite, wonderful and really a super group. We’d love to have them come back. I hope that from what they learned here, one day, when they have a home of their own, they can do these projects for themselves and their families, too.”
Before heading home, the brothers left a tangible reminder of their visit, using a wood-burning tool to etch their names and chapter designations into a post outside the lodge.
“Hopefully we had an impact on the camp, but I know for certain the camp had an impact on these Pi Kappa Phi brothers,” Raesemann said. “Years from now, that post will be filled with names of brothers who’ve come here to serve.”
By Sunday afternoon, the rain clouds finally lifted, and sunlight poured across freshly washed cabins, fresh mulch and through new blinds. Another month of Ability Camps had come to a close, leaving behind a refreshed camp and a lasting reminder of the impact Pi Kappa Phi brothers can make together.
