Justin Blasko Volunteers to Rebuild Tall Timber Cabin

Dr. Justin Blasko, Ed. D. recently showcased his commitment to community development by volunteering extensively in the rebuilding of the Snohomish cabin at Tall Timber Ranch Camp. His significant contributions, along with those of many dedicated community members, have culminated in a facility that will benefit campers for years to come.

The Snohomish Presbyterian Church always held a vision of constructing a cabin at the Tall Timber Camp. This dream began to materialize in June 2021 when, during a men’s retreat, the decision was made to rebuild the original Besselman cabin. By the end of that month, the old structure was demolished, paving the way for a fresh foundation and an enlarged space to incorporate a bathroom.

“It’s been an honor to lend my time and heart to this project,” says Dr. Blasko, Director at Vista School. “Witnessing a community come together, brick by brick, board by board, to create a sanctuary for future campers is a testament to what we can achieve when we unify for a noble cause.”

Throughout the latter half of 2021, the cabin’s construction progressed steadily. By December, a metal roof was installed, encapsulating the work done on the floor joists, walls, and ceiling joists. Despite the winter chill, the internal work continued, breathing life and warmth into the structure.

One of the standout features of the new cabin is the custom bunkbeds, painstakingly crafted in Snohomish, WA, at Bill Wanser’s workshop. By June 2022, the cabin’s exterior was adorned with custom milled siding sourced locally from Paul Gray’s homestead, a stalwart supporter of Tall Timber.

Dr. Blasko’s involvement was pivotal in various stages of the cabin’s completion, contributing to the exterior roof teardown, milling of the rough-cut siding, crawl space insulation, and interior cedar finishing. Blasko also took on responsibilities such as ceiling fan installation, interior staining, exterior siding finishing, and the challenging high ladder exterior siding installation.

The result of these collective efforts is a magnificent cabin that stands as a testament to community spirit and dedication. 75 individuals, predominantly from the Snohomish Presbyterian congregation, gathered to celebrate the cabin’s dedication earlier this year in May. Since then, the new cabin has welcomed campers, offering them a comfortable and beautifully constructed space to enhance their experience at the camp.

Holding an education doctorate (EdD) from Seattle Pacific University, Justin Blasko, with his 10 years of experience as an elementary school principal and an additional 12 years as a central office leader, has cultivated a reputation as a fair-focused educational leader. As Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and HR Executive Director, he has used his love of education and commitment to inclusivity to enhance learning outcomes and nurture fairness within educational institutions. Justin’s prowess in curriculum design, HR management, and analytical strategies ensures balanced opportunities for students.

For more news and information on Dr. Justin Blasko, Ed. D., please visit his LinkedIn profile.