Posted by: billvann
Camp Owasippe might be sold - 09/30/02 10:14 PM
From time to time, topic of scouting has come up on this forum as several of us were scouts in our youth and several are still invilved as Scouters (adult leaders). I have just learned that the scout summer camp I went to and worked at as a youth might be sold. The Chicago Area Council's Executive Board is going to recommend at it's next meeting that it's summer camp, Owasippe Scout Reservation (OSR), be sold becasue they have continually been running the camp at a $200,000 annual loss. <br><br>This news saddens me deeply as this is where I grew up. I consider it home.<br><br>Fortunately, the boards has agreed to allow a committee of volunteers raise money for an endowment fund. If successfull, the camp would remain open. But it is a daunting task. The fund would need $10 to $15 dollars by June 1, 2002. The Board will review progress this January to see if reaching the fund's goal is realistic.<br><br>Please pass along this news to any former scout or scouter that may have camped at Owasippe. Or to anyone who may be interested in helping. Too many scout camps are being closed these days, and once gone, they can never return. Owasippe is unique as it was America's first and oldest camp. It should be viewed as anational treasuse. Generations of young men have learned leadership, citizenship and reverence in it's green forests and clear lakes. My father camped there when he was a scout. I have taken my son there. And I hope he can take his there someday too.<br><br>There's not much information as the news just broke Friday. More information will be available on the Owasippe Staff Association web site.<br><br>Thanks.