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A Productive Week at Great Island Cabin Camp: Volunteers Make Major Improvements

From May 14–18, 2025, Great Island Cabin Camp was the site of an incredibly successful joint work trip, made possible by the dedicated volunteers of the Core Banks Surf Fishing Club (CBSFC) and the Davis Island Fishing Foundation (DIFF). Over five days, 21 hardworking volunteers came together with a shared goal: strengthen, restore, and improve the cabins that so many anglers and families cherish.


Major Upgrades to Cabins #11 and #12

The primary focus of the week was a significant renovation of cabins #11 and #12. The scope of work was extensive, including the complete replacement of windows and the installation of durable Hardie® Plank siding and trim.


Before the new siding could go up, volunteers first removed deteriorated sections of the existing exterior that were no longer structurally sound. Rotted wood around several window frames was replaced to ensure a solid foundation for the new materials. This critical prep work set the stage for lasting improvements.


Under the coordination of Scott McCormick, two dedicated siding crews installed new white 1” x 4” Hardie® trim boards on both cabins. The work required heavy use of ladders and scaffolding, along with careful installation of flashing at all siding joints to ensure proper water management and long-term durability. Teamwork was on full display as volunteers on the ground supplied materials to those working at height, keeping the process efficient and safe.


At one point, progress briefly paused when the crew ran out of stainless steel siding nails for their pneumatic nail guns. Thanks to Ashley’s quick coordination, replacement supplies arrived the following morning, and work resumed with minimal delay. In true island fashion, a few team members made the most of the downtime by enjoying some surf fishing.


New Stairs Across Ten Cabins

In addition to the siding project, volunteers constructed and installed new staircases on ten different cabins. Mike Matthews, Lance Brown, and Ricky Hayes led the charge, fabricating and cutting stair components throughout the week.

Cabins receiving new stairs included:

One notable installation took place at the rear of cabin #16, where Mike Matthews was spotted cutting stair treads as the new structure came together.


Addressing Structural Safety

During a walk-through of the camp, Scott McCormick identified several cabins with loose ledger boards—an essential structural component. The siding crew quickly shifted focus to address these safety concerns, tightening and securing ledger boards where necessary to ensure the cabins remain safe and sturdy.


Fueling the Workforce

No work trip is complete without good food, and this crew was well taken care of. Lance Brown organized and prepared meals for the team, with help from Mike Matthews, Darrell McCormick, and others.


The Core Banks Surf Fishing Club generously treated the volunteers to one evening meal of fried chicken and sides from Fat Fellas BBQ, topped off with ice cream for dessert. Special thanks goes to Joe Gaughran for coordinating pickup and ferry delivery to make it all happen.


A True Team Effort

This labor-intensive and highly productive week would not have been possible without the dedication of the 21 volunteers who gave their time and effort:


John Barbour, Kelly Jones, Mark Jones, Roger Massey, Sonny Renegar, Tony Bunch, William Stewart, Con Grant, Matt Doby, Terry Johnston, Travis Johnston, Wes Hart, Darrell McCormick, Johnny Ray, Lance Brown, Matt McCormick, Mike Matthews, Ricky Hayes, Roy Byrd, Scott McCormick, and Tyler Buchanan.


Additionally, DIFF contracted a professional painter from DOT Construction in Morehead City to apply primer to the cabins newly outfitted with Hardie® Plank siding. This base coat will protect the improvements and prepare the cabins for future painting.


Preserving Great Island for the Future

DIFF extends sincere gratitude to its members and all who contributed to this effort. The work completed during this trip represents more than repairs—it reflects a deep commitment to preserving the Great Island Camp cabins on the South Core Banks for future generations.

Thanks to the spirit of volunteerism and collaboration, these historic cabins are stronger, safer, and better prepared to serve those who love this special place.



 
 
 

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