Melita Island Scout Camp receives new facilities

The Melita Island Boy Scout Camp is celebrating its 110th anniversary with a major makeover.

Over the past few weeks, workers aboard the Dayton-based barge S.S. Hodge have shuttled multiple bathroom and shower units across Big Arm Bay for installation onto the 64-acre island.

Peter Jones, chief program officer with the Boy Scouts of America, said the facilities come as part of a multi-million dollar improvement plan to revamp the historic camp.

“It’s all very basic, but very nice,” he said.

Construction included the installation of a new plumbing system and grease traps for the kitchen, as well as the addition of multiple cement platforms for wall tents.

Proctor resident Steve Lackey caught a ride on one of the barge trips with crews from the Creekside Construction company. He said watching workers hoist the units, one of which weighed 46,000 pounds, from the vessel and onto their foundations was an impressive sight.

“Everything went very smoothly,” Lackey said.

The improvements come just in time for the start of the summer season, Jones said. Beginning June 8, the island will house about 250 people including campers and staff members for its five-week season.

Jones said scouts spend a week immersed in a range of water sports, from sailing to scuba diving and snorkeling.

“Just about everything you can think of,” Jones said.

Boasting pristine water and perfect temperatures, Jones said Melita Island is consistently rated as one of the Boy Scouts’ top 10 aquatic-based camps.

“We get scouts coming from all over the world to Melita Island,” he said.

With the addition of new facilities, Jones said he expects the camp to continue its legacy long into the future. Jones said cooperation between county, state and tribal agencies made the project possible.

“We appreciate the support,” he said. “It’s been a community effort to pull it together.”