THE SALE OF CAMP TOMO CHI CHI KNOLLS – A MILESTONE

 

On June 13, 2006, the Des Plaines Valley Council reached agreement with the Kane County Forest Preserve District for the sale of Camp Tomo Chi Chi Knolls for a little over $8.5 million.  We are pleased to report that on August 31, 2006, the sale of Camp Tomo closed and the proceeds have been deposited in the Council’s Trust Fund, where they will earn a substantial interest of almost 5 percent.  Former Council President Bob Lannert, a well-regarded expert in financial investment, is working on a proposed portfolio to maximize future earnings.  He will present his recommendations for consideration at a future Executive Board Meeting.

 

In the near future $2.4 million of these funds will be used to fulfill our pioneering and historic agreement with Three Fires Council to develop a Cub Scout Resident Camp near Rochelle, Illinois, the first such Joint Venture in Scouting.  Plans for this new facility are moving ahead with architectural design support from National.  Details of these plans will be shared with you in the near future and your comments and feedback will be welcomed.

 

As previously reported in the March Camping Opportunities Committee Update, the remaining proceeds from the sale of Camp Tomo will be set aside in the Trust Fund for our Council’s use and will remain available to address other Council needs and priorities, as should be determined by the Board.

 

What’s next for Camp Tomo?  Our Council’s Units will be able to use Camp Tomo as usual until the end of October.  We will begin moving out our Council’s equipment and supplies and expect to complete the move in December.  We also expect to be able to use the facility in Rochelle, IL, for many of the training and other activities formerly carried out at Camp Tomo.  Additionally, we understand that the Kane County Forest Preserve may make former Camp Tomo available for camping and related activities in the future.  We will keep you informed on these developments and any other adjustments required by the sale.

 

As part of the Joint Venture Agreement, our Council is also joining Three Fires Council in a fund-raising campaign to support development of the new Cub Scout Resident Camp.  While our planning for this campaign is moving forward, Three Fires has already made substantial progress, with commitments for several substantial contributions, including that of $1 million from Tom McCann of the Three Fires Executive Board.  This fund-raising campaign will be important to the success of our new venture.  Our Council has many challenges that will require the wise and careful use of our assets to meet both new and on-going financial needs, including decisions about the development of our Boy Scout Camping Program and our Wisconsin properties.

 

The sale of Camp Tomo marks an important milestone in meeting these challenges and our ability to rise to embrace new opportunities.  Our heartfelt thanks and congratulations are due to our Camping Opportunities Committee under the leadership of Ross Johnson, and in particular to Bill Sarther of the Committee, who managed the sale, for taking on the lead for a project of such magnitude and bringing it to such a highly successful closure!  We could not have done it without his knowledge, hard work, patience, and sharp negotiating skills.   Council President Bill Seith and our professional staff also played key and sometimes vital roles.  Thanks are due to all those involved for a job well done in the interests of our Council and our youth.

 

We will continue to keep you informed as we move ahead on these issues.

 

If you would like to see a draft of the design of the new Cub Camp go to our website at Camp Design to look at a preliminary map.