subscribesubscriber servicescontact usabout ussite mapBuy a Classified
Fri, Aug 29 2008 

Published: July 18, 2008 09:31 pm    print this story   email this story  

Our Readers Speak — July 19, 2008

Support needed for camp building project





Raleigh County has an overnight camp located in a convenient and private area near Little Beaver State Park. It was developed on property made available by the Raleigh County Commission nearly 60 years ago. Many groups of all ages have utilized it through the years, such as conservation, scouting, 4-H, child welfare, churches, outdoor education, youth opportunity, reunions, political, and business groups.

The camp has been assisted, through the years, in its maintenance and improvements by the Raleigh County Commission and Raleigh County Board of Education.

Many, many volunteers have contributed faithfully much time, energy and funds to the camp’s existence as it has limped along.

Tents were used in the beginning. Later portable buildings, which had been previously used in other places, some as classrooms, were added. Boys and girls used them for sleeping. Three of them were combined to use as a kitchen and dining hall.

None of the buildings had heat or air conditioning. Cinder block rest rooms were constructed separate from the sleeping quarters, which are still in use.

Many of the volunteers who helped with the camp on a regular basis are no longer available to help because of age and health. However, their commitment to work with youth cannot be praised enough. They believe fully in the value of a camping experience. Roscoe Plumley said more than once that it was the greatest character builder for youth available. The late Oscar Hutchinson, Charlie Smith and Larry Cavendish were supporters and were great workers. They are missed.

Through the efforts of many, one permanent girls’ cottage and a dining facility have been constructed. The buildings are not usable the year round, but they are great improvements.

A long-range plan is needed to develop a year-round facility for which a great county such as ours can be proud. Elected officials, or persons with experience writing grants, influencing donations or passing levies, are needed to step forward and begin planning an appropriate camp for our citizens.

Participation in the present campsite has diminished greatly through the years. It is understandable. Groups are going out of county for such activities.

When youths are involved in positive experiences for a week away from home, many for the first time, it affords them the opportunity to begin independence and make personal judgments with proper guidance.

I call upon all parents and citizens with concern and interest to approach our responsible officials and write letters to the editor expressing their support for a camp building project.



John D. Hartsog

Beckley

print this story   email this story  



monster
wheels

Premier Guide
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide

Find a job! Find a Home! Find a car!

Premium Jobs

REGISTERED NURSES
ATTENTION REGISTERED NURSES! Looking for a job that offers excellent salary opportunities, coupled with paid vacation, h...>MORE

MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER
Mechanical Design Engineer. A.L. Lee Corp., an industry leader in underground mining equipment, seeks an experienced Mec...>MORE

REGISTERED NURSES
Registered Nurses. At GVMC, we realize the important role that nurses play in the success of the hospital and the qualit...>MORE

ELECTRICIANS, BELT EXAMINERS, MEO'S & COMMUNICATION CLERK
Pocahontas Coal Company is seeking the following positions: Experienced Underground: * ELECTRICIANS, * BELT EXAMINERS, ...>MORE

SECURITY TECHNICIAN
SECURITY TECHNICIAN. PHILLIPS MACHINE SERVICE, INC., dba Phillips Technologies., an Equal Opportunity Employer, is accep...>MORE

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS Catenary Coal Company has immediate openings for the following positions at its Samples Mine C...>MORE

DENTAL ASSISTANT
New Endodontic office opening in Beckley. Looking for a Dental Assistant. Experience preferred, but not required. Please...>MORE

ENGINEER / CONDUCTOR
Engineer / Conductor. RJ Corman Railroad Company seeks QUALIFIED Engineers and Conductors for railroad operations in Wes...>MORE

INSURANCE CALL CENTER POSITIONS
The right atmosphere. Determination to win. Long term stability. Winning business. That’s what we’re committed to! We’re...>MORE

EQUIPMENT OPERTORS, EXCAVATOR OPERATORS, ELECTRICIANS
Pocahontas Coal Company’s North Star One Surface and High Wall Miner operations located near Beckley, WV is seeking qual...>MORE

See all ads
Premium Jobs

See all ads

© 2008 The Register-Herald
P.O. Box 2398, Beckley, WV 25802
Phone: (304) 255-4400; Email news tips and feedback
Popular Business directory links - Beckley Apartments |  Beckley Attorneys |  Beckley Auto Dealers |  Beckley Auto Parts |  Beckley Auto Repair |  Beckley Beauty Salons |  Beckley Car Rental |  Beckley Dentists |  Beckley Doctors |  Beckley Flowers |  Beckley Hotels |  Beckley Insurance |  Beckley Loans |  Beckley Mortgages |  Beckley Movers |  Beckley Pizza |  Beckley Realtors |  Beckley Restaurants |  Beckley Storage |  Beckley Tax Preparation |  Beckley Travel |  Beckley Featured |  More...

 

Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. • CNHI Classified Advertising Network • CNHI News Service
Associated Press content © 2008. All rights reserved. AP content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Our site is powered by Zope and our Internet Yellow Pages site is powered by PremierGuide.
Some parts of our site may require you to download the Flash Player Plugin.
View our Privacy Policy
Advertiser index