Boy Scout Camp Kootaga in Walker, WV, will celebrate his 102nd consecutive summer camp season this year. Camp Kootaga is in the top 25 of the oldest continuous Scout Camps in the nation.
Coming to Camp this year is a new Climbing Tower. On Wednesday March 6, the footprint for the new climbing tower has officially been marked. Special thanks to Pickering Associates and Jeff and Bryce for their assistance in making this happen. Tower materials are due on-site late March with construction to start soon thereafter to be ready for the 2024 summer camp. Phase 2 of this project will take place in 2025 with adding zip lines to the new climbing tower.
Hand jambs, under clings, smears. Terms that may not make sense to your average Scout but familiar to Scouts who took the climbing merit badge at Camp Kootaga last summer. Numerous Scout took advantage of Camp Kootaga’s natural rock face to learn the basic skills for climbing and rappelling. They learned about different types of rope, how to properly belay climbers and stepping off a 45-foot cliff backwards is not for the faint of heart.
But don’t despair if you missed out last year because we are adding to the program for this year. A new tower and bouldering grotto will be finished and available. Both structures will allow Scouts to practice basic climbing moves and work on balance before putting their skills to the test on the natural rock. The new features will also provide opportunities for any camper to “hit the wall” throughout the week during open climbs and rappels without hiking up to Wind Caves.
To be part of these new adventures at Camp Kootaga, go to www.buckskin.org and get your Unit registered for summer camp 2024. Summer staff camp applications are also available on the Buckskin website. All units, districts and councils are welcome!
Camp Kootaga is open 24/7 for great camping and hiking. Follow Camp Kootaga on Facebook and Instagram.
