Camp Tanadoona Master Plan by Marnie Wells
Our Program on April 24th was a presentation by our member and director of Campfire USA – Minnesota.
Camp Tanadoona, the 103-acre park-like camp area owned by the organization, has been in existence for 88 years, and is due for a major revitalization. The camp last year served just over 1500 kids with day camps, overnight camping experiences, and nature days. All of the buildings are in need of repairs, and the ground-use plan is 88 years old. Using the services of an architect and a landscape designer, and with many meeting involving the stakeholders (kids, parents, camp staff, etc.), a new plan for the area was drawn.
The new plan is set in several stages, and the first stage has a price-tag of $1,500,000. Among the improvements and changes are the following: change of the entry by making pickup and drop off on one-way roads, moving the campers and kids to a pathway system removed from vehicle traffic, and adding outdoor living classrooms, Many of the present buildings will be moved or removed, and those remaining will be outfitted for year-round use.
Camp Tanadoona is the campground closest to the inner cities, and has been voted best camping experience by Sun Newspapers for the past two years.
To get the fund drive, which ends next June, started, an anonymous donor has posted a $750,000 challenge grant, so they’re already 50% to their goal.
Marnie has invited any of our club members to tour the facility; just call her in advance.
(Story by Tad Shaw and photo by Steve Frazier)