Perry, FL (SYP) – July 12 – 18, 2026

This was the fourth week of the 2026 SYP in Perry, FL.  Leadership team: Lowell Peachey, PD; Rita Peachey, OM; Val and Lynn Kipfer, Head Cook and Assistant Cook, respectively; and Lukas Houben, Christopher Stoltzfus and John Glick, Crew Leaders, and Laverne Delp, who returned for a couple of weeks as Construction Supervisor. Once again, two groups who came for the week: a group of Old Order Amish young women from Iowa and Kentucky and a group of Old Order Mennonite young women (plus two sponsor couples) from Virginia. There were six active job sites during the week: one that started and completed on Thursday, and two started on Friday.

The house belonging to Curtis and Teresa was nearly completed, the primary tasks were finishing installation of LVP and exterior siding.  Materials to complete the kitchen countertop should arrive on Monday with a part day required to finish.

Linda’s home was the number two job. The crew completed installation of LVP, floorboard, paneling, windows and an exterior door along with some drywall touchup. An outside contractor completed a new roof.  Remaining tasks include some finish work and installation of new soffit material.

Bonnie’s kitchen remodel continued by raising and strengthening the smashed rafters, installing insulation and drywall in the kitchen, installing LVP, and building an exterior ramp to the front door using owner provided materials.  Remaining tasks are final finish on the ramp and replacing the front door.

Owens’ home was slated for some drywall repair and LVP in the living area.  A crew worked for one day cleaning out the rooms where the work was to take place.  However, there turned out to be major insect infestation, and it was deemed to be beyond MDS’s ability to complete with incoming youth.  The LTRG plans to bring in additional resources to help stabilize the home and perhaps this project can be revisited with the fall MDS effort.

Machelle’s site (starting on Friday) involves renovation of a small porch addition that sustained significant roof damage from falling branches. The tasks include roof repair, subfloor and LVP, drywall and a new exterior door.

Jerry’s job site (started on Friday) involves replacing screen on the front porch, some minor wood repair, and replacing the screen door.

Theme of the week once again was safety (including hydration), learning something new, and have fun! The cleanup job at Owens’ was especially impactful due to the need for hazmat suits, masks and gloves.  This job would not have happened with a traditional youth group of minors and even with adults it probably would not have been possible.  Yet this group clearly had willing hearts to at least help the couple make a start at getting things cleaned up.  As the group was reflecting on their experiences this week this was one of the more memorable and meaningful.