Perry, FL (SYP) – July 19 – 31, 2026

This report covers the fifth and sixth weeks of the 2026 SYP in Perry, FL. There were some leadership changes during week five due to unexpected deaths in three families: Val and Lynn Kipfer left one week early to attend a family funeral; Rita Peachey left for a few days in week five due to the end of life for a grandchild; Crew Leader John Glick and his family also left three days early to attend a family member’s funeral. The final week’s leadership team was as scheduled: Lowell Peachey, PD; Rita Peachey, OM; Emily Ropp and Joan Kulp, Head Cook and Assistant Cook, respectively (one weekly volunteer, Frances Zarata, also volunteered in the kitchen); and Lukas Houben, David Zarate and Rod Hagar, Crew Leaders. The fifth week saw a youth group from Blossom Hill Mennonite Church near Lancaster, PA, and week six we hosted an Amish Mennonite church group from Montgomery, IN. There were four active job sites during week 5 with three that completed; there were five active jobs in week six and five were completed.

The houses belonging to Curtis and Teresa, site one, and Linda, site two, were completed and the youth group participated in house dedication ceremonies for both homeowners. Bonnie Perry’s job was also completed as was Jerry’s.

Machelle’s job site was progressing when a possible leak was discovered in a part of the house roof that was outside the scope of the MDS job card. This job will be held over until the RV program begins again in October.

Week six jobs included Sam – replace sliding door, repair subfloor and install LVP, and repair and paint ceilings; Charles – repair and repaint sheetrock in several rooms; Terry – install new ceiling panels throughout the house, rebuild wet subfloor and flooring in the kitchen, repair and repaint exterior siding and replace and paint soffits; Denise – replace storm door that blew off; and Sonja – replace exterior French door unit and repair/repaint ceilings throughout the house.

We continue to focus on safety (including hydration), learning something new, and having fun with the work! Much of the week saw the volunteers working without A/C in sweltering conditions. A theme that was revisited during the week was the notion that we should be thankful for what we have and the example we have from our families and communities for how to live and serve.

All jobs were finished save but one which will be held over until the RV group arrives.