An ode to Camp Easton

On the thirteenth of August on the shores of the Lake,

Word came to the people a big change they would make.

Just WHO was in charge of this massive decision,

To take a tradition and make such a revision?

The powers that be had a tentative deal,

To disrupt thousands of people with their greed and their zeal.

CAMP EASTON, the beautiful camp on the Lake,

Had become now a project for DISCOVERY to take.

Only the latest in their quest for more growth,

To provide one more playground for a handful of folk.

"The Boy Scouts" they said "can be moved over there,

To the ridge on the bluff, after all we don't care."

"Just think of the money to be made from this deal;"

So they wrote up a contract to make it all real.

But the new place was beachless and trees were so thin;

"Where will we hike and where will we swim?"

The questions ignored, they fell of deaf ears.

For the deal was set - had been worked on for years.

Each party involved in this ugly decision

Were told to keep quiet regarding revisions;

Word leaked out amongst all the people who care,

About what is right, what is good and is fair.

Those who had donated much time to this cause,

Those who had worked for the Camp took great pause.

Those who had given the millions in dough,

Now questioned this action by powerful foes.

How could CAMP EASTON, a premium camp

Be so easily closed down, like a bulb in a lamp?

The thousands of boys who had memories so dear,

Were now hearing a message that came loud and clear.

CAMP EASTON is history, it's a decision that's made.

You'll get over it soon, the memories will fade.

Though the words of the Boy Scouts place tradition real high,

And telling the truth is preferred over lies;

Those with the money do the real talking here,

The decision is made, now get rid of the tears.

The Council has made their decision quite firm,

To let ethics and trust slide away like a worm.

CAMP EASTON will fade to more homes for the rich.

The community's pride has been thrown in a ditch.

If this is the pathway our youth now will learn,

It scares one to think of the future concerns.

BEV TWILLMANN

Harrison