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Campground offers safe haven for youth

Staff reporter

Carl Harris and other members of Santa Fe Trails Council of the Boy Scouts have been busy preparing a camp site for an annual camp-out.

A camporee is planned Friday through Sunday for Boy Scouts from Marion, Harvey, McPherson, and part of Chase counties.

More than 200 boys, ages 11 through 17, will converge on a rural Marion County area for the event.

"We were so blessed when this area (14 acres) was donated to us," Harris said.

Formerly a family retreat for three Harvey County families for 50 years, the site has two cabins and a storage building.

According to Marion County appraisal records, the cabins were built in 1940 and 1983.

"There's a lot of work that needs to be done," Harris said. "We've already spent more than 150 man hours in cleaning up."

A large walnut tree was cut down and removed, brush cleared, seven-foot tall grass cut, and buildings cleaned out.

Harris is president of a non-profit corporation, Cottonwood Scout Camp, Inc., which operates the facility.

"We didn't want this to benefit only one unit," Harris said for the reason the corporation was formed.

The units within the Santa Fe Trail Council share the responsibility of maintaining the facility.

Proceeds from an annual chili feed and duck races in Newton benefit the camp.

"Basically, our expenses are liability insurance and minimum charges for electricity and water," Harris said.

A rural water district serves the cabins.

The camp, located southeast of Marion, is not visible from the road. Located on a dead-end road, an old farmhouse is located at the front of the property. The campground is behind the farmhouse and trees.

The farmhouse and surrounding property are privately owned by an individual.

"We have a really good relationship with him," Harris said.

Campers are allowed to use the driveway to the campground. A fence and gate will be erected by the weekend to restrict traffic and use when the grounds are vacant.

A path driveway takes campers to the campground.

Fence runs on one side with the Cottonwood River and a meadow on the other sides.

A path takes campers to the river from the cabins, with both cabins having a clear view of the river.

The corporation owns the land along both sides of the river bank and a quarter of a mile of river.

A meadow has been cleared and manicured to be used for tents, pitched by campers this weekend.

A pile of drift wood and washed out trees provide a clear reminder that the ground is in a flood area.

"When it floods, water comes right up to the cabins," Harris said. "We'll have to keep an eye on that when events are being held."

The cabins will be used for administration and first-aid, Harris said.

"They also will be used for winter camping," Harris said, adding he was excited about the possibilities.

Finding suitable public areas for youth to use for camping and exploration is becoming difficult.

"Going to a public campground doesn't always work," Harris said. "There might be parties going on next to you or other activities" inappropriate for youth.

Willing to share their good fortune, the campgrounds are available for youth activities. Policies are being established by the corporation to make the site available.

"This area is ideal for younger campers," Harris said, because it's enclosed by trees and fence.

For Harris and other adult Scout leaders, this project is more than a campsite.

It's providing a safe, natural experience for Scouts and youth — today and in the future.

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