During spring break, many students struggle with how to make the most of their free time. Some choose part-time work, while others attend summer camps or go on family vacations. But Ellie Yetter, 14, of West Virginia, had a very specific vision for the summer. He was determined to turn an old campground into a cozy place to spend quality time with friends. The end result of that project surprised everyone.
In the summer of 2016, Ellie Yeater, just 14 years old at the time, embarked on an ambitious project: the complete restoration of a 1974 camper. She financed this endeavor using her birthday money, transforming the camper into a delightful personal retreat.
Restoring the interior was a formidable task, given that all the furnishings had remained untouched since the 1970s. According to Ellie’s mother, Lori, quoted in Woodcraft magazine, “It needed a substantial amount of work.” However, Ellie was undaunted and began the project by meticulously refinishing the floors. Fortunately, she had the valuable assistance and guidance of her father and brother, both experienced renovators.
After the laborious process of floor restoration and removing decayed materials, Ellie turned her attention to interior decoration. Her first priority was altering the camper’s color scheme to reflect her own style. She chose a vibrant and captivating shade of blue known as “mystic sea.”
With the exterior successfully repainted, Ellie shifted her focus to the interior. She adorned it with a peachy color palette, complemented by aqua-blue accents. The outdated 1970s tiles were replaced with fresh, wood-patterned flooring.
Ellie then embarked on decorating her revamped camper. Even her grandmother got involved at this point, assisting with the creation of curtains, towels, and pillowcases. In the span of a single summer, Ellie completely transformed the camper into her own private sanctuary. The before and after photos from the camp are stunning, showcasing this 14-year-old’s incredible feat. It is truly a remarkable feat.
Throughout her project, Ellie received guidance and support from her loved ones, all eager to contribute to her summer undertaking. Naturally, they were warmly welcomed to visit Ellie in her newly renovated camper.