Blooms, Butterflies & Beehives
The sounds of laughter, the hum of golf carts touring the campus, and melodies drifting across Juniper Pond could only mean one thing: Summerfest had returned to Greencroft Goshen.
On July 14, residents welcomed family and friends for an afternoon of discovery. Some set out on foot while others climbed aboard six-passenger golf carts for guided tours through the woods, gardens and scenic pathways that wind across campus.
Along the way, every stop offered something new to discover.
Walking paths wound through the woods while butterfly habitats and native plantings showcased the work of resident volunteers. Visitors paused at scenic overlooks, enjoyed pontoon rides across Juniper Pond and explored the campus at their own pace.
Near the gazebo, a familiar Summerfest tradition continued. Since Summerfest began, residents Jay Morris and Sam Troyer have welcomed guests with brief reflections on God’s creation while Sam played his harmonica. This year, the campus chaplains helped continue the tradition, inviting visitors to pause, reflect and appreciate the beauty surrounding them.
Nearby, resident Karl Birky shared his passion for beekeeping. Educational exhibits also highlighted pollinators, native plants and conservation efforts taking place throughout the campus.
Another stop invited visitors to explore the largest resident gardens across all Greencroft Communities campuses, where gardeners shared stories, answered questions and welcomed guests to experience the gardens firsthand.
“This outdoor tour really showcases the creativity and beauty of Greencroft. My wife and I are impressed to see residents bringing lifelong experience in beekeeping, native grasses, trees, flowers and landscaping, then sharing that so generously with the community,” said Whispering Pines resident Nelson Kraybill who attended Summerfest with his wife Ellen, just one week before moving into their new home.
What visitors experience during Summerfest began with a simple idea. Several years ago, residents Gene Yoder and Don Yoder realized many people living at Greencroft Goshen had never explored all the natural beauty surrounding them. The Greencroft Goshen Environmental Committee embraced the idea, and residents quickly volunteered their time, talents and expertise to bring Summerfest to life, creating an opportunity for residents to spend time together outdoors while enjoying the campus.
Today, that same spirit can be seen throughout the campus. Through the work of the Environmental Committee, resident volunteers and campus support, trails, gardens and natural spaces continue to flourish.
Resident volunteer Dale Way has watched that spirit grow year after year.
“This past year, we had 60 volunteers working on different things throughout the campus, making it beautiful so people have a place to come out, take a breath in the woods and enjoy it,” he said.
Many of these projects are supported by Greencroft Goshen residents who donate to the Environmental Fund, established through the Greencroft Communities Foundation. In 2026, resident donations to the fund provided the required match for an Elkhart County Community Foundation grant that funded three major trail enhancements in the Woodlands.
One of the biggest changes in recent years has been making Summerfest more accessible for residents in assisted living and healthcare. With support from team members, volunteers and family members, along with ongoing accessibility improvements such as the newly enhanced Shoreline Trail, more residents using wheelchairs and scooters can experience the natural beauty of the campus during Summerfest and throughout the year.
Whether exploring the campus for the first time or revisiting favorite places, Summerfest offered every resident an opportunity to experience the beauty of Greencroft Goshen.
For resident Gene Yoder, that’s what makes the event especially meaningful.
“When I see people enjoying the campus and enjoying what we’re providing, that’s what Summerfest is all about.”
As the afternoon came to a close, golf carts returned guests to their homes while conversations lingered around the pavilion. For many, Summerfest had been more than an afternoon outdoors. It was a chance to discover new places, spend time together and share in the beauty of God’s creation.
For resident Eileen Saner, who has helped shape Summerfest since its earliest days, the event represents something even larger.
“To me, it’s a story of renewal and hope,” she said. “There are so many things in this world we can’t control, but we can contribute to the repair of nature.”