Help Build the Future of Scouting: Camp Lakota Calls for Community Donations

Camp Lakota, operated by the Black Swamp Area Council, Scouting America is calling upon the community to help close a $200,000 funding gap for the new Cooper Lodge with Keith Hubbard Dining Hall.  The state-of-the-art dining facility is now in its first summer of operation, providing a vital hub for Scouts and visitors.  The Dining Hall proudly sits in front of the newly named Armed Forces Memorial Parade Field.  Additional support is crucial to complete the project.

The Keith Hubbard Dining Hall recently received a generous boost with an additional donation from the Keith Hubbard Family Fund, held by the Defiance Area Foundation.  Tom Hubbard presented the check to Scout Executive Marc Kogan of the Black Swamp Area Council, underscoring the family’s continued commitment to Camp Lakota’s mission.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of the Keith Hubbard Family Fund, which has been instrumental in bringing this magnificent dining hall to fruition,” said Marc Kogan.  “The Keith Hubbard Dining Hall is already making a significant impact on the Camp Lakota experience, and we are eager to fully realize the vision for the entire Cooper Lodge complex.  We now turn to our community, including our Scouters and Scouting Alumni, to help us bridge this final $200,000 gap.”

The Cooper Lodge with Keith Hubbard Dining Hall represents a significant investment in the future of Camp Lakota, offering modern amenities and an enhanced experience for thousands of youth who visit annually.  While the dining hall is operational, the remaining funding is essential for the completion of the Cooper Lodge, which already provides additional programming space and facilities.

Opportunities to Support Camp Lakota:

The Black Swamp Area Council offers numerous ways for individuals and organizations to contribute to this vital project and leave a lasting legacy at Camp Lakota:

• Naming Opportunities: Significant naming opportunities are still available within the Cooper Lodge with the Keith Hubbard Dining Hall, starting at $25,000.  This is a unique chance to honor a loved one, a family, or an organization while supporting the future of Scouting.
• Sub-Campaigns: Contributions can also be made through three dedicated sub-campaigns:
  • Adrian W. Kisor Fund: Contribute to the Adrian W. Kisor Fund at https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/449/appeal/7845
  • Charlie Duerk Memorial: Support the legacy of Charlie Duerk by donating at https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/449/appeal/5980
  • Brick Campaign: Leave your mark with an engraved brick at the Camp Lakota Brick Campaign: https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/blackswampbsa

Every donation, no matter the size, helps Camp Lakota continue to provide unparalleled outdoor experiences and character development programs for youth.

For more information about Cooper Lodge with Keith Hubbard Dining Hall, contact Scout Executive Marc Kogan at (567) 208-5012. 

To learn more about Camp Lakota or Scouting, including signing up, visit www.BlackSwampScouting.org. 

About Camp Lakota: Camp Lakota, located in Defiance, Ohio, is the premier outdoor adventure and leadership development center for the Black Swamp Area Council, Scouting America.  For decades, Camp Lakota has provided a transformative experience for thousands of young people, fostering leadership, self-reliance, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.

Scouting in the Black Swamp Area Council began in 1915 when the Scouting program was introduced to the young people of West Central and Northwestern Ohio.  The council serves the counties of Allen, Auglaize, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Seneca, Van Wert and Williams.  The Black Swamp Area Council has two unique and outstanding outdoor leadership centers, Camp Lakota in Defiance and County Camp Berry in Hancock County.

Scouting provides the adventure of camping, hiking, and outdoor fun while using these outdoor educational programs to teach personal responsibility, citizenship, character development, achievement of specific goals and service to others.  The Scout Oath and Law provide the foundation of the Scouting movement.

More than 5,000 individuals are participating in the local programs of Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Explorers, and/or adult volunteers.  They are served by the Black Swamp Area Council living out the Scout Oath and Scout Law one Scout at a time.  For more information about finding Scouting near you, visit www.BeAscout.org or call (419) 422-4356.