Headlines from the hills

      The Camp Tuscazoar Foundation is currently seeking an accounting firm willing to prepare our 2008 tax return. In the past we have used a local company, but the rates are becoming more than we can handle. We would be willing to talk about our needs with you. Please contact Nancy Schoenbaum if you would be willing to help us out with the Internal Revenue Service.

   Commemorative bricks are still a hot-selling item at the camp and we are looking toward constructing a new display area for them this spring. We intend to brick in the entire front of Kimble Hall using the leftover plastic lumber from the Zoarville Station Bridge decking for the frame and lots of sand and gravel to lay the bricks on. If you can help, please let us know and we will keep you informed as the work dates are scheduled. As always, bricks are $30 each and would make a wonderful gift for your favorite Scout or Scouter.

Eight days of Ike was enough

By Dana Powers – Camp Tuscazoar Ranger
 

   By now, everyone knows Ike. When he blew in that September afternoon, the lights went out for eight days. A falling limb - a flash of light - and the power went out. And still the winds blew. Then trees fell and electric wires came down on Boy Scout Road. Power poles broke off and hung from their wires. There they stayed for days as crews worked to restore electricity to thousands of area residents. The entrance to camp was littered with pine trees from Ike’s wrath. Not a road in camp was spared. We had plenty of trees and limbs to cut up and drag away. With no power, our stored food was lost. Communications were left to the few older “corded” phones and the … inter-who with E-what? Tools for the week were water jugs, a generator, mowers for mulching, blowers for debris and CHAIN SAWS of course!

   No buildings were lost, save one. The latrine at Arrowhead campsite was turned into splinters by a big Beech trunk. Finally, on Sunday a flurry of tree trimmers from Michigan (fresh from two weeks in the gulf), linemen from Ontario, Canada and others from Indiana and Columbus took turns removing limbs, cutting trees and repairing lines. Around 6 p.m., a squeal of glee was heard as lights came on, the water flowed, toilets flushed and computers buzzed. I’d to offer a special thanks to a Scouter with the crew from south of Columbus for his diligence in getting us back on line. The problem-solving was greatly appreciated. And kudos to the guys who crawled in the briars, cut limbs and dragged wires for their hard work. For eight days, we were a Scout camp where you didn’t need electricity to show spirit and determination to get the job done. Thanks to all! On the trail,

                                                    Dana

Plan a reunion at Tuscazoar

   “I saw my old Scout buddy in the store yesterday. We talked so long, I was late for work!”

   Why wait until a chance meeting at Dairy Mart? Gather your friends from Scouting (or family) and bring them to Tuscazoar - the place where so many memories were created. Rent a cabin for the weekend and make an outing out of it. Have a campfire and tell old stories. Pull up a few logs, sit around and enjoy your favorite recipes. Finally, lay down at night exhausted, not from work but from the renewed memories and friendships.

   With a reasonably priced Camp Tuscazoar Foundation membership, you can come with your friends for a weekend. Why not rent one of Tuscazoar’s lodges? You can have them drop in as time avails them. Is a full weekend too much? Then rent a cabin on a weeknight (maybe your troop’s old meeting night). Invite your friends come from 5 p.m. until whenever they have to leave. Plan an old mock meeting; show pictures; have a feast or maybe just snacks.

   You won’t be the only one participating. “Willie and the poor boys” spent fun evenings at Tuscazoar for more than ten years. Other troops have been having reunions on weekends and weeknights right here at Tuscazoar. Do it fancy or keep it simple. The camp takes reservations up to a year in advance. We’ll take your call or email. Visit our website at www.tuscazoar.org for reservation details.

Tuscazoar slide show a Blue & Gold option

   We continue to receive requests to present the Camp Tuscazoar slide show at scout meetings, Lion's Club meetings, and other group events. Why not schedule a showing for your Cub Scout Blue & Gold banquet or crossover ceremony this year? This 20-minute program offers a look back at Tuscazoar's storied history and includes dozens of rare and outstanding photos. If your group is interested in seeing this presentation, please contact the camp and request a showing well in advance of your event. A donation for this free showing would be appreciated to help cover our costs. "We will take the memories with us!"

Museum volunteers needed

   Want to get out of the house and be with people? Want to be close to the outdoors? Great! We need folks age 25 and up in the W.C. Moorhead Museum. The museum collects and exhibits photographs, books, uniforms, artifacts and other objects depicting the history of Camp Tuscazoar and area scouting. Set your own time on Friday, Saturday or Sunday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Come for an hour, come for an afternoon, or come for a morning to watch the museum as visitors come and go. There is rarely a crowd. Pass on your stories and meet old friends and make new ones. You are entrusted with the safety and care of the artifacts of the museum. Dust or clean only if you want. We will open and close for you. Now that you're interested, CALL TODAY at 330-859-2288 (Ranger) or 330-493-1386 (Nancy) to set up a time! We'll be glad to show you the ropes.

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