For many 14-year-olds, summer is synonymous with sun-soaked beach days and movie marathons with friends. However, Ellie Etter from Williamstown, West Virginia, had a unique summer experience. She dedicated her vacation to the remarkable task of restoring a 1974 camper she acquired with her hard-earned money.
Ellie stumbled upon the camper in a local magazine, listed at a mere $200. Armed with $500 she had saved from birthday gifts and babysitting gigs, she decided to channel the rest of her funds into reviving this neglected gem. Ellie’s mother, Lori, disclosed, “It had seen better days, having served as a camping and hunting trailer, so it was in dire need of attention. It was quite a project.”
Ellie and her family reside on a sprawling 60-acre property, and her vision for the camper included situating it close enough to the main house to enjoy modern amenities like electricity and Wi-Fi. However, to realize this dream, they had to disassemble the camper entirely. With interior trim removed, Ellie embarked on a journey of replacing the flooring, re-carpeting, and giving the interior a fresh coat of paint. Ellie had a dedicated team in her family, with her dad, mom, grandpa, and grandma all pitching in to bring the camper back to life.
Throughout the summer, Ellie collected an array of vintage and retro-inspired items, skillfully incorporating them into the trailer’s décor. She even added a touch of whimsy with old mannequins and vintage fans. Ellie’s radiant and creative personality shone through her design choices.
So, what does Ellie have in mind for her newly transformed camper? She envisions it as a tranquil sanctuary for spending quality time with friends, reading books, and strumming her ukulele. Through this project, Ellie is learning the values of hard work and teamwork, skills that will undoubtedly serve her well in the future. Bravo, Ellie!
After the initial $200 investment in the camper, she devoted another $300 to complete its charming decoration after stumbling upon a sale at a craft store. Her grandfather wielded his carpentry skills, her father took charge of the roofing, and her grandmother contributed by sewing curtains and cushion covers, making it a true family endeavor.
Lori remarked, “I hope she sets her sights on achieving goals over the summer rather than spending all her time on her phone, as her friends did during the vacation.” Ellie wholeheartedly agreed, emphasizing, “This is my space—it’s a haven of positivity where I can hum show tunes or study in tranquility. That’s why the walls are adorned with uplifting words, twinkling lights, and books.”
The accomplishment of this project didn’t come as a surprise to Ellie’s family. However, they were taken aback when her transformation project garnered international attention. “My mom posted a photo on Facebook, and it immediately went viral, with stories being shared worldwide,” Ellie recounted. “It even became the fourth biggest story on Yahoo!”
As Lori’s friends shared the post, the family’s inbox began flooding with messages from sites like DIY Network and Country Living. Larry Etter, Ellie’s father, reflected on the sudden fame, saying, “It was quite the unexpected turn of events. This was just a project our family embarked on, but others found it fascinating.”
“But it was an absolute blast for us, especially since it was Ellie’s brainchild. She’s always been creatively unique,” Lori added. Such is the camper’s popularity that they are now contemplating converting a second one.
Nevertheless, for the moment, Ellie’s plans for the camper include expanding the outdoor space. “Next summer, we want to lay down some grass and set up a screen between the trees,” Ellie revealed. “We’d love to invite friends over for movie nights here.”
Currently, the camper resides near the front of the Yates’ home, well within Wi-Fi range, and connected to electricity via an outdoor extension cord. Ellie’s 16-year-old brother, Isaiah Yett, humorously recalled, “When she first brought it to us, we were hesitant to have it in the front yard. It looked a bit ragged at the time, but now it’s undeniably cool.”
Ellie’s summer adventure has transformed a neglected camper into a charming “glamping” haven, proving that with creativity, hard work, and a supportive family, even the most modest of spaces can become extraordinary.
image source : itinyhouses
