Under the Federal Homestead Act, Orlin Lett received one of the last federal land grants in this area. In 1930,he had to leave college and begin clearing the forest in order to claim his land. It was during this time, as he was burning huge piles of fir trees to create fields that his vision formed; a vision of a place where people could come for healing and spiritual growth. He acted upon his dream and in 1936, in conjunction with property owned by his parents, William Adolph Lett and Millie Ann Lett, he donated this land to the Church of the Brethren to be used for a youth and family camp. That was the beginning of 63 years of ministry.

Orlin and his wife, Alma, have loved and nurtured Camp Myrtlewood throughout this time. Even during the depression years, when Orlin worked as a logger, fire fighter, and road grader to support his wife and two daughters, getting Camp ready for guests was always a priority in his life. As cabins, a cook house and eventually a dining hall were built, the usage of camp increased. Other churches and community groups discovered what a beautiful place this was. Orlin and Alma served them with the same hospitality. Because Orlin loves a big warm fire, campers were always assured of an ample supply of dry firewood.

Not only did Orlin blaze trails up to Vista Point (known as Orlin's Freeway) and Sunset Point but also every spring he was seen climbing the trail with a lawnmower on his back, a chainsaw in one hand, and a gas can in the other. His boundless energy was frightening to somell Yet, Orlin is a very modest and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor. All the campers loved him, even if he did put signs on the trail that said, "Springs Ahead" or "Water Pump Ahead." However, all the kids found were some old bed springs and a dry pump nailed to a tree.

From 1962 to 1973 Orlin and Alma lived at Camp Myrtlewood and were the official managers. Orlin was not only the groundskeeper, repairman, and assistant dishwasher, but also a trusted friend and quiet teacher to the many volunteers and campers. Even the deer came when he called them to eat apples out of his bucket or the deer feeder!!!

During the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in 1993, Orlin was presented the Outdoor Ministries Association "Camping Volunteer Award." Without Orlin Lett there would be no Camp Myrtlewood! Thank You, Orlin!

As a true Brethren, Orlin lives a simple and nonviolent life, a life of constant service to others. He has quietly stood his ground against war, even when popular opinion went the other way.  He understands that in order to be whole we need to live in love and harmony with our Lord Jesus Christ and His creation, and that we come to camp to find a closer relationship with both.

We call Orlin "The Lorax" because he has planted and nurtured thousands of trees (actually he says, it is just atonement for the many he burned when he was young!) Some might call him 'Mister Mower,' because he mowed and groomed the central part of Camp until it looked like a park. The people up and down the valley might call him "Mister Giver," because he is always giving away vegetables, vitamins, energy bars, or whatever else he can find. The present Camp manager calls him his "Wise Mentor," because Orlin has been gently passing on his experience for years. Orlin teaches by example, not by mere words.

God might call Orlin "Faithful Steward" but if the truth were known, God probably just calls him "Old Friend," because they have been walking and talking together for a long time!

APRIL 2009

Orlin would be 102 years old now. He left this earth when he was 96 years on December 10, 2003, Now, 6 years later, the growth of Camp Myrtlewood continues Orlin and his daughter Joan Darlene Lett Hainey had purchased a nearly 33-acre plot of land adjoining the Camp property several years ago, nurturing and rehabilitating the land, in the way only Orlin could imagine doing. In the winter of in 2009, Darlene and her husband Bill Hainey, gave the Camp Myrtlewood Board of Directors an opportunity to purchase the land and its developments. The Board purchased that land from the Hainey’s and has great hopes of extending the ministry that Orlin envisioned many years ago. Orlin's spirit lives on!