Climbing tower coming to Camp Kootaga
Trending
WALKER -- Boy Scout Camp Kootaga in Walker will celebrate its 102nd consecutive summer camp season this year.
Coming to the camp this year is a climbing tower.
The footprint for the new climbing tower has officially been marked, with the help of local firm Pickering Associates. Materials are due on-site later this month, with construction to start soon thereafter to be ready for the 2024 summer camp.
Phase 2 of this project will take place in 2025, adding zip lines to the tower.
Numerous Scouts earned their climbing merit badge at Camp Kootaga last summer, becoming familiar with terms like hand jambs, under clings and smears. Taking advantage of Camp Kootaga's natural rock face, they learned the basic skills for climbing and rappelling, about different types of rope, how to properly belay climbers - and that stepping off a 45-foot cliff backwards is not for the faint of heart.
The camp will be adding to the program this year, with the new tower and a bouldering grotto. Both structures will allow Scouts to practice basic climbing moves and work on balance before putting their skills to the test on the natural rock.
The new features will also provide opportunities for any camper to "hit the wall" throughout the week during open climbs and rappels without hiking up to Wind Caves.
Leaders can go to www.buckskin.org to register their unit for summer camp 2024. Summer staff camp applications are also available on the Buckskin website. All units, districts and councils are welcome.
Camp Kootaga, one of the 25 oldest continuous Scout camps in the nation, is open 24/7 for camping and hiking. The camp can be followed on Facebook and Instagram.