Scouts embark on first summer camp

The Boy Scouts of America set up camp for the summer on Melita Island, the first one following seven years of fundraising that allowed them to buy the island last year.

The island is expected to host about 500 eager campers this summer from all over the U.S. This week alone more than 100 campers were dropped off by the boat loads. Granted, it's not the first time Scouts have utilized the island to expand their outdoor recreation skills, however the summer of 2006 is momentous because the boys can officially call the island their own.

"It's our property now," said camper Sean Jubb while stomping the stakes of his troop's pup tent into the ground.

Some scouts hopped off the boats already familiar with the island and all the opportunities it provides, while others stepped foot on Melita for the first time in their scouting careers.

"This is cool because I heard about it on the news and now we're here," said first time Melita camper Cody Drimeyer of Stevensville.

Like all Scouts, Drimeyer came to the island with the goal to advance in rank.

"It's just a good camping experience for them," said Arnold Foust, Scout Master of Troop 1956. "We want to keep them excited about advancement. This is a great place to do it."

Indeed. About 64 acres surrounded by more than two miles of shoreline can provide plenty of activities for boys looking to develop a kinship with nature. Last year, the Montana Council, the governing body of the Scouts, acquired the island for $1.5 million, a price that was "well below its value," said Larry Shadow, Vice President of Administration and Chair of Capitol Campaign.

"It's pretty majestic," Shadow said as he provided a tour of Melita and outlined plans for future developments. Among them are a major dock facility, lodging for staff members, a modern waste system and a covered picnic pavilion.

But none of this is to say the island will become a cushy resort — after all, this is a place were boys are supposed to hone their outdoor survival skills

"Our intent is not to over-develop the island," he said. "We want it to be rustically comfortable."

And in true Scouting spirit, all new facilities will be constructed from trees on the island. Months prior, a barge transported heavy equipment, including a portable sawmill, to Melita. Dead, dangerous and diseased trees have been cut down one by one and shaped into planks.

"All this wood will be used to make the dock facility," said Shadow pointing the stacks of lumber.

So what exactly does it mean to the Scouts that they are the official proprietors of one of the bigger islands on the Flathead? One benefit of owning the island is that the boys can now participate in more advanced activities, explained camper Levi Maughan.

New this year is the Advanced Camper Experience for the 14 to 18 age group. The program is going to take advantage of Melita's surroundings to offer "high adventure activities," explained ACE director Sean McCormick. McCormick plans to guide campers through nearby Wild Horse Island where they'll spot bear, deer and big horn sheep. Plus, older campers can navigate through the "action archery course," a place for boys to sharpen their bowhunting skills.

"We really want to give our younger guys something to look forward to," McCormick said.

Now, coming back to the island year after year is something the boys can depend on. Prior to their acquisition, former island owner Fred Cox allowed Scouts to set up camp on the property, but Scout leaders explained there was always some uncertainty if they'll be granted the same opportunity the following years.

"We're really excited," said Foust. "All of a sudden it's like 'It's really ours. Hey this is real.' It's just now starting to settle in."