Clayton Russell talks about connections to Camp
Alumni and Friends gathered at Canyon Camp on Sept. 12 to hear Clayton Russell talk about the personal connections each of us have to the natural environment and to begin construction on a new Staff cabin. About 40 people gathered for Clayton’s presentation, including friends from the Natural Land Institute, long time Scouter’s and alumni. Clayton encouraged us to think deeply about how we recognize the natural beauty of Canyon Camp and how we can see ourselves as a part of the living, breathing entity that is in fact Canyon Camp. All of us are intimately connected to the plants, animals, soil, water, wind, and to each other through our associations with the Camp.

New Staff Cabin under constructed
Work has begun on a new Staff Cabin. Heavy dew on Sept. 12-13 prevented us from completing the construction but the Alumni and Friends of Canyon Camp made huge strides towards erecting the first new Staff Cabin in many years. The living quarters in this cabin are needed since the old Health Lodge was torn down to make way for a new all weather pavilion. John Wurtzel and Gene Nott are coordinating construction of the new cabin. Check the Camp web site (http://www.canyoncamp.org/) for some in progress photos of the new cabin. When completed, the cabin will have a plaque that indicates it was “Donated by the Alumni and Friends of Canyon Camp.” Many thanks to all who contributed their time, talents, expertise, and financial resources to this project.

Old Health Lodge torn down
The old Health Lodge went down without much of a fight during the Spring OA Conclave. The demise of the old Health lodge was caught on video and can be seen on U-Tube at: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrOwjg-Prs8). Work continues on this site to remove debris and cap the old septic system. Looks like the foundation for the pavilion will be poured yet this fall. Do you have some special memories of the old Health Lodge? We would like to collect your recollections of times you spent living in or using the services at the Health Lodge. Send your recollections to Mike Beeth (beeth@uwosh.edu).

New Pavilion project starts in earnest
The pavilion project is moving ahead near the site of the old health lodge. The structure will be open on all sides, have a concrete floor and provide much needed space for scouts and Wednesday night visitors. Funds are still being sought to support the construction of the pavilion. If you or someone you know would like to make a contribution contact Ron Spielman (spiel335@tds.net).

2008 Staff Scholarships
At the annual closing dinner for members of the 2008 Canyon Camp Staff, Camp Directors Dick Reynolds and Lee Binkley announced seven recipients of the 2008 Spirit Scholarships. Mark Costello (Kishwaukee Community College) received the Troy Larson Spirit Scholarship; Brian Norby (Milwaukee School of Engineering) received the Dennis W. Pratt Spirit Scholarship; and Jason Buss (Millikin University) received the Lee I. Binkley Spirit Scholarship. Four additional staff members received Spirit Scholarships: Michael Moore (St. Louis University); Eric Plantenberg (UW Eau Claire); Andy Campbell (UW Platteville); and Matt Galusha (UW Platteville). Congratulations to these individuals who demonstrated the Spirit of Canyon Camp as members of the summer Camp Staff.

The Spirit Scholarship program for Canyon Camp staff members began in 1992. With the presentation of the seven scholarships presented in 2008 a total of $22,550 has been awarded to 77 recipients. The Spirit Scholarship program is supported by contributions from staff alumni and friends. Contributors can receive up to eight Spirit prints created by Monroe Artist Elaine Bethke. Two new Spirit Prints have been completed by Elaine Bethke and are now available from Ron Spielman. The new prints are of the Hess Barn back by the pines and a new view of the Rawleigh Headquarters Building Questions regarding the Spirit Scholarship program should be directed to Ron Spielman (spiel335@tds.net).

1948 Photos found
Matt Binkley recently discovered some black and white negatives that included views of the barn the year the farm was acquired by US Grant Council, 1948. No pines, no trees...nothing but open fields above and behind the barn. These 1948 photos will be posted to the Canyon Camp Website soon.

Woodcutters Ball Oct, 18
The next event at Canyon Camp is the 30th. Annual Woodcutters Ball – October 18. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy the fall weather, and breakfast and lunch will be served in the Dining Hall. You can participate in any level of work projects that suit your physical abilities or just come for the fellowship. We will be cutting trees and moving firewood to the cabins and painting, patching or repairing something that needs a little attention. We use this opportunity to prepare Camp for the winter season. The Monroe Kiwanis Club has generously sponsored this event since it began.

Planning for 2009 Camping season
Lee Binkley and Dick Reynolds, Co-Camp Directors, are already engaged in planning for the 2009 camping season. Lee and Dick are constantly involved with our events, Council meetings, promoting Camp, recruiting Staff, ordering food and a multitude of other issues. We thank them for all they are doing to maintain the Spirit of Canyon Camp.