Friends of Northwoods, Inc. P.O. Box 356 Leslie MI 49251

The Friends of Northwoods Inc. was started in 1990 when the Chief Okemos Council of the Boy Scouts of America began to consider selling the camp to relieve a large debt it had incurred. When the volunteers heard of this action they did not want the property sold so they volunteered to assist with the maintenance of the camp. Since that time the council has managed its financial problems in such a way so as not to have to sell the camp property; even though United Way contributions have continued to decline. Though the councils budget problems have eased there is still a need for improvements and maintenance to the buildings on the property. The Camp: Northwoods Scout Reservation is owned by the Chief Okemos Council in Lansing, Michigan. The camp itself is located in Ogemaw county, 17 miles North-East of the city of West Branch, MI. The property is comprised of 640 acres of north woods and an 80 acre private lake. There is also access to two other lakes that adjoin the camp. Scouts camp in wall tents that sit on wood platforms that accommodate army cots and mattresses. Boys can cook meals on their camp site or eat in the dining hall. Scouts normally spend 6 days in camp at a time. The camp has received top awards for its management and programs for the past 15 years. Normally the 8 week summer camp program is attended by 700 or more scouts. The camp also is open all year around for groups to use, except for firearm deer season. Friends Accomplishments: Since we formed into an organized group we have been able to buy new tents, replace wood tent platforms, build docks and new latrines, paint buildings, replace shingles, repair plumbing to bring up to code, build staff cabins, provide materials for the repair of the camp fire bowl, bathrooms, waterfront stairs, changing station and many other repairs. Most recently we researched and drew plans for a new dining hall and kitchen and pressurized sewage system for the main area of camp, both of which are finished at this time. A new shower house with well water supply with a pump and gas water heater and gas generator was built. Most of our past fund raising has been with working concession stands at Michigan State University football and basketball games. We also have co-sponsored a Scout Auction in the fall with proceeds going to buy tents. Although our fund raisers have not been large we have been able to arrange for businesses and individuals to donate items for the work at camp. Future: We have a five year plan of projects to do at camp. Yearly we do many little things to get the camp ready to open. Larger projects down the road are replacing the old staff cabins, divide the sewage system into small increments and try to get one or two of the segments done each year. Other projects include the replacement of the camp telephone system. The upgrading of the radio communications system so as to better be able to handle emergencies. Providing an activity field with a pavilion. Replace the row boats, canoes and sail boats and needed accessories. Some Immediate Needs:We need books in the areas of tree identification, animal identification, reptiles, plants, astronomy and management of the ecology. Binoculars need to be acquired for nature study of birds and beaver and loons. We need to buy or rent a positive pressure resuscitator for the health lodge. Yearly we need to replenish first aid equipment and supplies for the health lodge. The kitchen needs hot and cold thermos jugs for delivery of refreshments in the field. The kitchen also needs paper products. The scout craft area needs new ropes and twine each year to teach lashings and camp crafts. The rifle range needs a battery operated public address system for safety on the range. Purchase 2 or 3 ceiling fans for the dining hall. Run a water line down to the scout craft area for the ease of cooking and cleanup. Purchase 2 to 4 handi-talkie radios. Picnic tables and canopies are needed for the camp sites. Wall tents, tent platforms, and mattress covers are also needed. 22 caliber ammo, bows and arrows, leather and soft wood for carving Some Big Ticket Items: A water slide for the waterfront. 17' canoes, 12' row boats, 14'-16' sail boats. A water softener. Olympic stain (Oxford brown or Navaho red) Although the above list is current it will change from time to time. For example the camps well needs to be replaced so this will be placed high on this years list. About the "Friends of Northwoods, Inc." We are all volunteers with an interest in keeping our summer camp property in good shape. We are incorporated by the laws of the State of Michigan (Act 162, Public Acts of 1982) and are designated as a non profit organization with a corporation identification number of 730-797. This was filed on June 11, 1993 with the Michigan Department of Commerce (Corporation & Securities Bureau). We are registered with the Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury and have a Federal I.D. number of 38-3113592. (IRS 501 (c)(3)) We are registered with the Department of Attorney General for the State of Michigan (Charitable Trust Section) with a File Number of: 9300880. Membership: We solicit members from the community, inside and outside of the scouting program. Membership is $10.00 per year for adults. Click here for membership application. Officers of Friends of Northwoods are: