Devoted campers rebuild campground

BECKET, Mass. (WWLP) - The flooding from Tropical Storm Irene left behind a lot of damage in Franklin County. In Chester, a beloved summer camp was destroyed. But, its campers aren't letting it stay broken for long.

Elizabeth Myrick told 22News summers at Walker Island Camp in Chester were like paradise. "It was much worse than I could have ever imagined. It makes the biggest difference in the world, its the difference of us rebuilding and us giving up"

Just 6 days after the storm, more than 50 former campers came back to Chester to rebuild their camp. Some came from as far away as New York.

Still, they say it's the least they can do for a camp that gave them so much. Laurie Deyette says she's shocked by the destruction. "Its a 10 foot wide creek how can something that small grow to something so enormous and cause so much devestation?"

The campgrounds were swept away by raging waters. Even the road leading into Walker Island was washed away with ease. But, these campers told 22News it will be fixed eventually, one volunteer at a time. "I'm really liking the fact that everybodys coming up to help," said Zachary Fielder.

Although most of these people are not related they consider themselves the Walker Island Family.