Lanza Secures $200,000 For The Boy Scouts Of America

STATE SENATOR ANDREW LANZA ANNOUNCES

$200,000 IN FUNDING TO THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

FOR A NEW STATE OF THE ART CABIN FACILITY

First new cabin to be built in William H. Pouch Scout Camp since 1966

Staten Island – State Senator Andrew J. Lanza (R-I, Staten Island) announced today that he has secured $200,000 in capital funding for a new state of the art cabin facility to be built at William H. Pouch Scout Camp in Staten Island.

The new cabin will be the first new addition to the Boy Scouts of America’s beautiful camp system in the heart of the Greenbelt, since 1966. In 1966, the Boy Scouts of America built “Four Pines” – a set of four cabins. Today, after numerous fires, only two remain.

“Scouting remains one of those activities in life that is enriching to the mind, body and soul. Here on Staten Island, in Pouch Camp, we are blessed to have perhaps one of the most beautiful scout facilities in the country.”, Senator Lanza said. “Just minutes from the Manhattan skyline, young people can escape to a pristine, country setting. It has been more than 40 years since cabins have been built at Pouch Camp and I am happy to work with the Boy Scouts of America and to have been able to secure this funding to bring brand new cabins to Staten Island.”, Lanza continued.

“The addition of this cabin will enhance the opportunities for youth attending our day camp programs in the summer. Additionally it will expand the ability to serve Scout units with additional year-round camping facilities and outdoor educational day trip programs for the young people of New York City.”, Bob Madsen, Director of Camping, Boy Scouts of America said.

The new cabin will house approximately 30 young people, according to the Boy Scouts of America, and include a kitchen and bathroom facility. It will be located east of the Camp-O-Ree field.

On Friday, August 1, 2008, Senator Lanza toured the site where the new cabin is slated to be built and met with families, young scouts and scouting officials. William H. Pouch Scout Camp is New York City’s only Scout Camp, approximately 143 acres and utilized by tens of thousands of children and families throughout the year, from across New York City and New Jersey.

Mike Mahon , Assistant Director of Development or William Kelly, Council Spokesman for the Boy Scouts of America can be reached at (212) 242 1100.

# # #