Andy Shaffer and Peter Conklin of Camp Kootaga unload a generator obtained by the camp to replace a unit that is no longer functional. (Photo Provided)

WALKER – A generator donated to Camp Kootaga through the help of volunteers will help prevent the loss of food and operational delays, park officials said.

“We have a volunteer who is from New Martinsville that found out that the old generator we had was no longer functional,” Andy Shaffer, vice president of operations for Camp Kootaga, said.

Volunteers learned a credit union building was closing and a beautiful generator was sitting there, Shaffer said. It took about a year to secure the generator with the help of numerous people, including Delegate Vernon Criss, Shaffer said.

The generator was delivered April 19 and two volunteers who are electricians plan to complete the installation, Shaffer said.

“They are coming to help set it up and make sure everything is connected properly and that it runs well,” he said.

The generator will provide backup power during storms that previously disrupted camp operations, Shaffer said..

“In the past, when we’ve had some of the major storms come through, and we did not have a generator, we lost a lot of food in the coolers,” Shaffer said. “And it sort of delayed or pushed back our operations at the time.”

The Kootaga Foundation purchased Camp Kootaga, which was a Boy Scout camp, and is expanding use of the property, Shaffer said.

“Now that the foundation has acquired the property, we are opening it up to other groups,” he said. “Family reunions, weddings, you name it. We’re open and very willing to have people come in and enjoy this beautiful place.”

People interested in booking the camp can contact the Camp Kootaga Foundation online, Shaffer said. This year’s summer camp will be held June 28-July 4. More info is on the CKF website, www.campkootagafoundation.org.

“We do have a website. It’s the Camp Kootaga Foundation,” he said. “We are also on Facebook.”