Just heard some sad news.
The Greater New York Councils Camping Committee has voted not to operate Camp Kunatah for the summer of 2008.
This decision was largely based on the recommendations of the Ten Mile River Task Force. The Task Force was formed to review all operations at Ten Mile River and develop a plan to streamline operations to offer better facilities and program opportunities for the Scouts of New York City. Quality of program, facilities, capital needs, quality of staff, attendance and overall layout of the reservation were reviewed.
The Greater New York Councils and the Jewish Committee on Scouting are finalizing plans to offer Kosher meals prepared off-site and served in Camp Keowa Dining Hall and Kosher raw food and equipment for patrol cooking at Camp Aquehonga. Dietary needs will be accommodated and religious services will be provided for former Camp Kunatah campers at these sites. The Council stands dedicated to serving all Scouts from New York City with a high quality outdoor program.
This was a very difficult decision to make, but we firmly believe it is the right decision for the Scouts of New York City and for the future of Ten Mile River Scout Reservation.
The Task Force will continue to evaluate all programs, facilities and operations at Ten Mile River. A long-range plan for the redevelopment of the reservation should be drafted by late spring and will be shared to leaders and staff this summer at Ten Mile River.
Via the GNYC homepage.
April 27th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Sad day,
This is sad news. Rock Lake without Scouts on it! My father went to camp there in the 30’s. My four brothers and I went there in the 60’s at Chappagat and for the 70’s and 80’s at Kunatah. It was always nice to be away from the other camps. Off in the more hilly terrain along the Delaware. I went back there in 2005 with my wife and went by the camp. It looked great then. We asked permission and they let us go up to the Indian Cliffs. So does Kunatah go the way all those other camps around there have gone? I remember the Chappagat open-air mess hall. They showed films at night on a 16mm projector. WC Fields! Time was so endless there. I was there as a scout or a leader from 1972 to 1985 and I can still smell the place. I remember that old mess hall up on the Indian Cliffs that had been abandoned for years when I saw it in the 70’s.
It’s really a special place, the woods are really dark and deep around there. I can’t imagine the Scouts losing their connection to the Indian Cliffs and the Delaware river.