Area festivals provide spark for Tuscazoar and maple syrup

by Byron Roubanes

    "Let's look toward the light," says a passionate volunteer while holding up the Vermont Maple Syrup grading scale to a bottle of Camp Tuscazoar Maple Syrup for curious spectators. Then comes the taste.
You mean to tell me this was made here in the hills of Tuscarawas County?" asks someone who is still licking the remaining syrup from a swizzle stick dipped into a sample. "Yes, and did you know…?"

Visit the Camp Tuscazoar Maple Syrup display at Christmas in Zoar, December 4 & 5. Hours for the event are Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.zca.org/xmasinzoar.html

    From the 9th annual Forrest Heritage Festival to the Wilderness Center Naturefest and the Zoar Appelfest, folks young and old have stopped by and learned about the syrup operation, the renewable forest resource and why we embarked on this endeavor. Our maple syrup display offers an introduction into what Tuscazoar has to offer.
    Many visitors mention memorable experiences they had camping and hiking the hills at Camp Tuscazoar. Former camp staff members have shared experiences and memories. Family members of past and present campers recall what the effect of Camp Tuscazoar has on them and their loved ones. Former and current Scouts and Scouters recall their involvement in the construction of cabins, trails, and other camp icons.
    Our maple syrup has brought together experiences from a man who camped in the 40s with a lady who worked as a teenager in the dining hall kitchen in the 50s. A mountain biker shared a common taste with our Amish friends. A young boy and his great-grandfather shared tales of the same winter lodge. From those who’ve made their own maple syrup to those who have never tasted it, both have demonstrated overwhelming approval.
    The maple syrup offers a new opportunity to highlight our camp to current and future generations. We passed out as many as a thousand fliers for the 2005 Maple Days Festival. In addition, all who saw the display and tasted the maple syrup learned that Camp Tuscazoar is open to them and has a variety of things to offer.
    How far can we take our Camp Tuscazoar Maple Syrup? To everyone everywhere! Our syrup has made its way to several Eastern and Midwestern states and to Canada, England, France, Germany, Kosovo and Brazil. Most important is the efforts of those involved in the setup, production, distribution and promotion of this new resource. We are pleased to help "kindle a new flame" for Camp Tuscazoar!