Work Continues - Nov. 26

My son Jason and I were out at Lowden on Wednesday to cut and move more of the trees that were aleady downed.

The septic tanks have been installed and will be covered after the excavation is done.

No Digging Yet.

UPDATE: Permit issues are causing headaches and the usual delays, but will certainly not stop the project. We expect to be digging this week or next week. Stay tuned.

Comments Update

We absolutely appreciate comments and feedback on this site. Please keep them coming. Feel free to click on "comment" and leave your thoughts at the end of any post.

Unfortunately, however, we have now learned that allowing anyone to publish comments without signing-in just amounts to a bunch of advertising spam. So, sorry, but you will now need to sign in with a Google account to publish your comments. (It was going to happen someday, so just click on comment, get an account, sign-in and get it over with!)

Clearing The Area Continues

Most of the larger trees were cleared from the construction area on November 8th. Help is still needed to finish cutting up the trees that were taken down.

Well, another work day on the lodge.

Today, Donn Vitek, Steve James and myself continued to clear trees and brush from the site. Also, Don Reis worked on the ceiling in the Wienke building. Please thank these friends of ours for the help on this and other projects.

I had meeting with Melanie (from Dixon) the kitchen designer, to fine tune some things. Mickey Tate the septic contractor removed some stumps, delivered stone and took delivery on the peet tanks. He should have the septic done in the next couple of weeks. I also met with Joe Tracey, our general contractor, He completed the lose ends and is securing the Bradley Kiosk to concrete today. He will also cleanup the mess he made, (oh is that a better thing). He laid out the location of the building for excavating.

On the way home the was a small opportunity with the permit so Thursday: Joe, Duane and Phil McCreary are working on that. Hopefully it will be worked out and they will move the machines over there late in the day to start digging Friday morning.

Keep the faith it is starting.

Dave Savone

The Committee at Work

Selecting the best location for the Boeger Leadership Center was an arduous task. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Many locations were considered before Camp Lowden was chosen. Then, without rest for the weary, the process of selecting the location within camp required multiple visits and consultations. It was worthwhile; the resulting location is perfect.

Pictures from June 4, 2008.

Test holes being dug at the Boeger location on Oct. 25.

Dave supervises the digging of test holes around the area on Oct. 25.

Clearing begins at the Boeger location on Oct. 25.

Lodge Doorway for Leaders

When Jim Boeger made this leadership center possible, he explained that he had observed a lodge at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico with a program that inspired young people to become great leaders. From his description of the lodge at Philmont, the doorway of the Boeger Leadership Center lodge has been designed with a message for all who pass through the doorway.

We hope the message becomes clear to participants in the training programs.

Leadership Training in a First Class Lodge

The Boeger Leadership Training Center Committee has endeavored to build an excellent facility for the Scouts, Scouters, school children, teachers and community volunteers who will call this lodge home for a few days. The look is constantly evolving, but the goal is clear: Perfect for the intended purpose with comfortable elegance and a Western Philmont Scout Ranch feel.

(Click on the photo to see larger version.)

Building Plans Approved By Committee

After a lot of thought and with unequalled dedication to bringing this project in on-time, on-budget, and on-mission, the Boeger Leadership Center committee settled on a set of plans which are now under construction.

(Click on the plans to enlarge them for easier viewing.)

It won't be long now before Scouts are living and learning in an A-1 facility reminiscent of Philmont!

Moving the Bradley Nature Kiosk

The photos below show the moving of the Bradley Nature Kiosk from the future site of the Boeger Lodge to its new location about 100 yards up the road - to a new location just off the main parking lot - closer to the center of camp.

Boeger Leadership Center - The Beginning Blog

Friends,

Dave Savone has accomplished so much with his spirited dedication to the successful construction of the Boeger Leadership Center that I thought we ought to start recording what has been accomplished before we forget the details.

My apologies that this blog will look and sound rough. If I waited until I could make this look professional, well--it would never get done. I thought I would just get started and see what happens as this blog grows and develops.

In keeping with my belief that Scouting accomplishes the most when everyone has a say in the outcome, I have set this up so that anyone who visits the site can comment on it. Probably only our little team will be looking at it for now, but we'll see what happens. If it gets out of hand---I would be surprised. Probably pleasantly surprised.

(By the way, am not a blogger, but this seemed like a good way to share our progress and learn something new. Your suggestions are welcome and encouraged.)

Enjoy, and thanks for all you are doing to make Scouting better for the kids.

Bill