Camp Killoqua gets more room for kids
Published 10:40 pm Thursday, July 3, 2008
STANWOOD — A rugged youth camp north of the Tulalip Indian Reservation is getting a face lift.
Three new buildings at Camp Killoqua already are finished. Two more are planned.
Donors have pledged $1.9 million. Camp Fire USA hopes to raise $800,000 more.
“We’re doing all this because of growth,” said Toby Brown, capital campaign manager for Camp Fire USA Snohomish County. “What we’re trying to do is prepare to serve all these children.”
When forecasts showed the county’s population growing nearly 40 percent between 2006 and 2016, Camp Fire USA was propelled into action.
The camp is on 185 acres north of Lake Goodwin near Stanwood. Camp Fire USA leaders avoid publicizing the camp’s exact address, a practice designed to protect campers. The acreage includes forest and waterfront. Camp Fire USA first bought land that became the camp in 1941.
Since the capital campaign began a year ago, Camp Fire USA has built a shower house, a covered welcome area and a multi-purpose pavilion.
The Stillaguamish Indian Tribe donated $250,000, and is expected to name the multi-purpose building, Brown said.
Local businessman Phil Johnson of Cascade Coffee has also donated $250,000, she said. Those donations are the largest the organization’s Snohomish County chapter has ever received.
“This is our first connection with the Stillaguamish,” Brown said. “They have such a concern about youth, as well as a respect for elders, as we do. It’s a symbiotic relationship.”
All the capital campaign projects are scheduled to be completed next year, in time for Camp Fire USA’s 100th anniversary in 2010.
Reporter Krista J. Kapralos: 425-339-3422 or kkapralos@heraldnet.com.
Camp Killoqua
Construction at Camp Killoqua includes:
n A new multi-purpose pavilion.
n A new covered welcome center.
n A new boys shower room.
n Upgrades to the lodge kitchen
n Repairs to roofs, restrooms and wiring.
An Open House at Camp Killoqua is scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m Saturday. To get directions to the camp or donate to Camp Fire USA’s capital campaign, call 425-258-5437.
