WASHINGTON D.C. - The House of Representatives Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands held a hearing today to discuss legislation introduced by U.S. Congressman Dan Boren. The HALE Scouts Act, H.R. 2675, would allow Indian Nations Council Boy Scout, Inc. to expand the Hale Scout Reservation (Camp Tom Hale) through a land purchase. The land purchase would provide an additional 140 acres of U.S. Forest Service land located in the Ouachita National Forest immediately adjacent to the existing Camp Tom Hale facility.
“I am honored to have introduced this legislation on behalf of the Scouts,” Boren said. “For 41 years, Camp Tom Hale has served as a summer adventure camp for thousands of scouts. The programs at the camp provide youth with important life and leadership skills while teaching them outdoor activities, wilderness training, and nature conservation.”
The hearing highlighted the history of Camp Tom Hale, the increased demand for the camp’s services and programs, and the expansions the Indian Nations Council has enacted since 1997.
The camp first opened in 1930 to serve Boy Scouts in the McAlester, Oklahoma area. It was originally located at what is now Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton, Oklahoma. In 1963, the Indian Nations Council completed a transaction with the State of Oklahoma and the Forest Service to acquire 480 acres of the Ouachita National Forest to establish Camp Tom Hale.
In 2007 attendance was 110 percent of the participation levels in 2006. Last summer, over 6,300 scouts attended the camp during its eight sessions. Nearly 20,000 merit badges were earned in 2007, and over 1,300 rank advancements were completed by scouts attending the camp.
Beginning in 1997, the Indian Nations Council Board adopted a strategic plan that included a major $3.5 million expansion and renovation of the camp, including “bricks and mortar” improvements like horse stables, a new dining facility, a leadership training center, facilities for nature training, a 28,000 gallon water storage and delivery system, a complete waste disposal lagoon system, and many other program enhancements.
In a statement to the Subcommittee, Boren stated, “It is now critical for camp growth that the boundaries be extended to include more area for camping programs and training services. This legislation will allow the Scouts to continue the expansion of outdoor and leadership training for youth living in the Central Southwest and bring additional usage and enjoyment of the Ouachita Forest to thousands.”
The hearing also highlighted cooperation between Boren’s office, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Indian Nations Council, Inc. of the Boy Scouts of America.
“We have worked closely with Congressman Boren’s office as they drafted H.R. 2675, and would like to thank his office, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Subcommittee,” said Indian Nations Council President Chip McElroy. “We have also worked extensively with the U.S. Forest Service over the last four years to coordinate this effort and to consider this opportunity.”
According to Indian Nation Council’s testimony, funding of more than $400,000 has been approved by the Indian Nations Council Board for the purchase. They have also planned the immediate construction of infrastructure and facilities to camp 180 additional scouts per week once the acquisition is complete. Further funding is anticipated in the near future for additional camping and program facilities.
The House Natural Resources Committee has scheduled a full committee vote on Boren’s HALE Scout Act on March 12th.
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