A major component of delivering quality Scouting programs is having quality Council facilities and program features. This has been a key focus for the Sagamore Council during my tenure as Scout Executive.
The above header image shown on this page is of the newly-completed family restroom and shower facility at Cary Camp in Lafayette, IN. The old structure was built in the 1950’s with YMCA-style showers and open restroom stalls, which did not provide privacy for youth and adults. The new structure features twelve individual shower/restrooms for greater privacy.
New pool, Cary Camp, 2013
Aquatic activities are an essential part of the Sagamore Council’s summer camp experience. Shortly after becoming Scout Executive in 2012, I was faced with the difficult decision to close Cary Camp’s 60+ year-old pool as it was losing nearly 10,000 gallons of water a day. We were forced to close the pool just as the summer camp season was beginning. The Board and I immediately went to work on plans and fundraising efforts to replace this essential program feature before the 2013 camping season. Almost a year to the day of closing the old pool, the new pool was opened for Cub Resident Camp in June 2013.
Eagle Scout Plaza and Chapel, Black Warrior Council Office, 2012
The Eagle Scout Plaza and Chapel is now a signature feature at the office of the Black Warrior Council in Tuscaloosa, AL. This beautiful outdoor venue was constructed to help raise awareness of Scouting in the community. Every youth who achieves the rank of Eagle in the Black Warrior Council (past and present) has his name inscribed in granite on the pillars within the plaza.
Climbing Tower, Camp Horne, 2010
Quality program attracts and retains more youth. The Board of the Black Warrior Council shared this philosophy and demonstrated its support in numerous ways including the construction of this new climbing tower and low ropes course at Camp Horne in 2010.
Blob and Blob Dock, Camp Horne, 2011
New and enhanced program features at camping properties are essential to keeping youth and adults excited about coming to camp. A Blob and tower were program features that were added to the waterfront at Camp Horne in 2011.
Additional Capital Project Experiences:
- New council office roof and windows.
- Council-wide technology upgrades (hardware and software.)
- Replaced multiple camps' groundskeeping equipment.
- Replaced all camp trucks.
- Currently working with architect and builder to design and construct a new 14,000 sq. ft. Cub Scout program facility with storm shelters at Cary Camp.
- Secured commitment to fund construction of a high-ropes course and climbing tower for Camp Buffalo slated for 2018.