Message Regarding KMSR and Camping

Scouting teaches that leadership requires making prudent choices and inspiring others to participate.  The Central New Jersey Council has made an important decision in the best interest of our Scouts, and we are seeking the support of everyone in our organization.

The Council has decided to suspend summer resident camping at Kittatinny Scout Reservation (KMSR) for the 2010 season.  The decision is based on the harsh reality that most Scouts in our Council who participate in summer camping have chosen to do so elsewhere.  We are blessed with 10 excellent summer residential camps outside CNJC, within a roughly 50-mile drive.  Scouting is a worldwide program, and the Councils work together.  Clearly, our Scouts are well served at these other camps.  Despite our best recruitment efforts, KMSR has not attracted sufficient attendance to cover the costs.

Our decision was also driven by financial considerations to be sure.  The spillway of the dam of Lake Ashroe needs significant renovations to meet current state regulations, the septic system serving the Comfort Station and Dining Hall has to be replaced, and the Dining Hall and other facilities require major overhauls.  These projects cannot be delayed and will be extremely expensive.

As leaders, we have a responsibility to exercise responsible stewardship over the Council’s limited funds, which come from contributions by Scout families and charitable donations from both alumni and corporations.  Especially in today’s economy, we recognize that it is difficult for the families and donors to provide these funds.  It is our duty to ensure that their dollars are used effectively.  Rather than subsidizing a local camping program that is lightly attended, the Council should direct these funds into programs that will directly benefit our Scouts.

I and many other leaders have fond memories of KMSR summers and the learning opportunities embraced there by our Scouts.  A lot of money and energy has been poured into this camp, but we have to focus on the Scouts’ future needs rather than the past.

I am grateful for the many individuals who participated in a careful two-year process to study the needs of our Scouting program and assess the viability of KMSR.  Their reports have been diligent and thorough, which you can view here.

Very shortly, we will contact the troops that have already signed up for KMSR camping in 2010 to help them make other plans.  We are confident that CNJC’s future programs will live up to our commitment to the Scouts.

John Smith, CPCU

Council President

Cubmaster, Pack 33

Committee Member, Troop 33