Published: August 06, 2009 11:17 pm         

Crossroads Boy Scouts start public fundraiser

Monies will support Scouting, renovate Camp Krietenstein

The Wabash Valley District of the Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America, will directly benefit from a $16 million major gifts campaign, with the public phase having begun Thursday at Indianapolis.

The campaign includes more than $2.8 million of funding that will enhance the Wabash Valley District and Scout experiences. It includes $2.5 million for improvements to Camp Krietenstein, near Poland on the Clay-Putnam county line. The efforts also include $380,000 of support to the Wabash Valley district through enhanced volunteer training, improved council support both financially and administratively, and a growing endowment fund to support capital maintenance projects.

The Camp Krietenstein project will include renovations and expansion for first-time campers and year-round programming. All facilities will emphasize reducing operating costs and lowering energy usage, and be as “green” as possible.

Specific enhancements will include a new dining hall to serve 400 campers and leaders; first-aid facility; two shower houses; three staff housing cabins; campmaster cabin; five program area shelters; camp administration offices; four new campsites; roadwork and expanded parking; ranger residence; and septic fields, electrical wiring and a phone system.

To date, $11 million of the total $16 million goal has been raised from nearly 200 donors, including foundations, businesses and individuals. A $5-million grant from the Lilly Endowment and a $1-million building challenge grant from the United Way of Central Indiana are the campaign’s leading gifts.

The public phase of the campaign began with a kick-off event Thursday at Camp Belzer at Indianapolis. Alvin Townley, an Eagle Scout and author of two books about Scouting, ”Legacy of Honor” and “Spirit of Adventure,” discussed how Scouting is shaping America’s next generation of leaders. Community leaders, volunteers and Scouts explained the benefits of the campaign, and participants added items to a time capsule, which will be housed at the new Scout Education and Program Center when completed.

Brazil native Andrew Bowman, an Eagle Scout from Troop 95 and Venturing Crew 920, participated in the kickoff event at Camp Belzer. The Northview High School graduate will be a freshman at Indiana State University this fall, studying political science. He serves as lodge chief and C-6A vice chief for Order of the Arrow, spent three years on the camp staff at Camp Krietenstein, earned an outdoor bronze in Venturing, and has been involved in Scouting for eight years.

The Crossroads of America Council currently serves more than 33,000 Scouts across 25 central Indiana counties. The Wabash Valley District is one of 13 Districts in the Crossroads of America Council and is made up of Vigo, Vermillion, Clay, Putnam, Sullivan and Parke counties. More than 2,100 Scouts and more than 900 volunteers are involved annually in Wabash Valley District activities, including 674 Scouts who attended a summer camp experience in 2008.



WHAT TO KNOW

• The Wabash Valley District is one of 13 Districts in the Crossroads of America Council and is made up of Vigo, Vermillion, Clay, Putnam, Sullivan and Parke counties.

• The Crossroad of America Council serves 33,000 Boy Scouts in 25 central Indiana counties.

• The Camp Krietenstein project will include renovations and expansion for first-time campers and year-round programs.