The new climbing wall at Camp Kootaga where the new camp Kootaga Foundation is seeking contributions to acquire the 500-acre Scouting camp at Walker. (File Photo)

PARKERSBURG — A foundation established for the purchase and future operation of the 103-year-old Camp Kootaga, a Scouting camp in Walker, is seeking contributions, officials said.

The Camp Kootaga Foundation was created to acquire, maintain and operate the camp, James Bennon, president of the foundation, said.

“The Camp Kootaga Foundation is committed to ensuring that this historic camp remains a thriving, year-round haven for outdoor adventure,” Bennon said. “Our mission is to preserve the camp’s rich Scouting legacy, providing a place where young people can develop leadership, character, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.”

The Buckskin Council, which merged in 2018 with the former Allohak Council, is selling off assets, Benon said. The Allohak Council was created in 1990 with the merger of the Kootaga Area Council and the Central West Virginia council.

The Buckskin Council in November approved a strategic plan that included the sale of the 377 acres at Camp Kootaga, Buckskin Scout Executive Jeff Purdy said. The council operates three camps, Kootaga, Arrowhead in Ona, W.Va., and Cherokee in Kentucky, he said.

The property has not been listed with a real estate agent, Purdy said. Offers can be made through him and he’ll take them to the executive board of the Buckskin Council.

The property has been appraised at $1.1 million and includes substantial acres of standing timber and a new lodge that add to the park’s value, Purdy said.

Offers that include the continued usage of Camp Kootaga as a camp may have an advantage, according to Purdey.

“The executive board would look very favorably on that,” he said.

The foundation is arranging financing through local banks and has $400,000 for the purchase of the camp, Bennon said. Contributions are being accepted and actively solicited for the remainder of the amount needed to acquire the property, Bennon said.

“We’re going to have to make up $600,000 or so,” he said.

Contributions would be refunded should the effort to purchase the camp is unsuccessful, Benon said.

Camp Kootaga is located on W.Va. 47 about 20 minutes southeast of Parkersburg near the Hughes River.

The property became a Scout camp in 1922 when the land was purchased by Don Lowe. The camp was named Camp Kootaga, which means “good friends” in the Kiowa Indian language, in 1929.

For information about making a contribution to the foundation, contact or text Bennon at (304) 482-7161 or go to the Camp Kootaga Foundation Facebook page.

The foundation is recognized as a non-profit organization by the state of West Virginia.

Jess Mancini can be reached at jmancini@newsandsentinel.com.