mabloodhound

I've been in touch with the CSE about this and not really encouraging news. I think more pressure/support needs to come to bear before the council takes positive action, otherwise a sale is imminent.

Chesterfield is different and I have been in touch with GOAL who use the camp every summer for Junior Conservation camp. They are working hard to preserve camping at Chesterfield for their group, but this still doesn't open it to scouts.

Hope many others in W.Mass. can get on board to save these camps.

What disconcerting news. I just happened upon this news while searching for places to sell my Scout patch collection, many of which include HA Moses patches.

I spent many years at HA Moses SR as a Scout, a Scoutmaster with my troop, and a District leader. I completed my Woodbadge at HAMSR. Because I lived over the hill on Birch Hill Rd. I was very familiar with the camp and its history.

Furthermore, Boy Scouts and this camp were a large factor in my development and career. I spent 33 years in law enforcement and the ideals from Scouting were always present with me. The loss of this camping experience to thousands of boys in the future is devastating. Horace A. Moses left his property to the Scouts to be used in perpetuity for the character building of the youth of the Council.

He did not expect that the management would NOT be prepared! Or should I say mis-management. He is turning over in his grave at this news. To think of this gift made to the BSA being turned into the possible sale of the property is barely understandable. I am now retired but live in Eastern Mass., but if I were there, I would be fighting daily to keep this camp open.

Now Scout Troop leaders must find ways to not only pay for summer camp for their Scouts, they must find transportation to camps further away. The 1600 acres at Moses SR is one of the best in New England in my memory. And it was right at the doorstep of so many Scouts. With the merger of the councils, it would seem there would be more boys to take advantage of the camp. So now any moneys will be going to the outside council camps for their operations and nothing left for WM Council.

I wish everyone the best in their fight, and it will be a fight, to keep this camp open. When I win the lottery, my first donation will be to the preservation of HA Moses SR and the memory of Mr. Moses. I will be following this closely to see if there is any other option that I can participate in.

David M. Mason(This message has been edited by mabloodhound)