HISTORY
1998 – 2005 “A New Beginning”
*This text is complete up through 1999. Starting with the year 2000 it is in a rough draft form. Check for quarterly updates.*
In late 1998, nearly a quarter century after the island was lost to BSA use, a re markable set of circumstances led to the rebirth of Melita Island as a scout camp. Even more re markable, in late 2004, the Montana Council received a miraculous last-minute anonymous donation of one million dollars enabling it to purchase Melita Island in February 2005. Early in this period a group of volunteers formed an independent organization called the Phoenix Patrol which initiated the purchase effort and spearheaded many improvements to the facilities on Melita. Here are some of the highlights of the reincarnation of Camp Melita Island:
1998 – We Scouts are Back
Former Melita Island staffers Chris Roberts and Larry Johnson are camping with Missoula Troop 1904 at the Hands Across the Border campout in Rexford, Montana in September. “What’s going on with Melita Island?” Larry asks Chris. Not knowing but highly curious they decide to seek out the owners and arrange a visit if possible. They hope they can get permission to camp on the island with the troop. When approached with the idea Fred and Harriet Cox are thrilled that "the scouts want to use the island again." While exploring the island on an initial visit in September it was hard to tell who was more excited the visitors or the owners. With the Cox's enthusiastic permission, twenty-five members of troop 1904 visit the island for two nights in mid-October. The visit is one of the first times scouts had been back to the island since 1975. They love it. Melita hooks them all.
“What if Melita Island could become a scout camp again?” That question runs through everyone’s mind as the troop clears six inches of moldering pine needles from the lodge roof and scrapes away years of aged bat guano from the well seasoned hardwood floor. On Saturday night October 17 th a tiny fire crackles in the massive hearth and the troop is treated to Melita tales of the past. On Sunday morning the troop departs paddling mainly by canoe over flat calm waters, however the question which is churning inside most minds is, “Will we be back?”
In December Fred and Harriet return to Montana from their Nevada winter home for Christmas and ask Chris and Larry to visit. The two scouters hope the Coxes will be receptive to their idea of allowing additional island excursions and eagerly accept the invitation.
“Now that we’ve built our home on the mainland we’ve been wondering what to do with the island. Do you feel there is a chance that the scouts might re-establish Melita as a camp again? We bought the island with a personal purpose in mind but things have taken a different track and we believe it may be best to preserve the island in a natural state as much as possible. Having it as a scout camp would do that much better than limiting private homes and many more people would benefit and enjoy it. Would the two of you be interested in helping make that happen? If things went well we’d possibly consider selling the island to the scouts at a reasonable price. What do you think?”
Their hearts beating wildly, energy coursing through their veins, Chris and Larry look at each other, their eyes speaking volumes while their minds try to register what their ears have just heard. “Are you saying that you want Melita Island to become a camp again?” they both stammer. “That’s what we’d like,” Fred and Harriet reply earnestly. “Will you take on this project? Not wasting anytime the two quickly answer, “We promise to do our best and everything in our power to make it happen. This is the ‘what if’, we’ve both talked about for years. We’ll approach the council with your idea but we’re not sure what response we’ll get as they are having a difficult financial time right now. Hopefully they will be receptive and as excited as we are.”
Once out of the door and earshot their enthusiasm bubbles over and the two can’t contain themselves any longer. They grab each other and dance a jig, whooping and hollering in the failing December light. “Did you hear what they said? I can’t believe it! They said they are considering selling the island but only to us scouts, no one else. They don’t want the island developed. I mean I always wished this would happen but never thought it would. All these years driving by the island and lamenting its loss and the memories it made and now we have this opportunity to get it back. Unbelievable! We gotta get going right away, a new year is coming!”
With that eventful meeting the Camp Melita Island ball started rolling and has gained momentum and an amazing energy ever since. Melita Island makes its own destiny.
1999 – The Ball Starts Rolling
This is a monumental first year but takes deliberate and persistent effort by many to achieve the milestones made. The Coxes are happy that the scouts want to use the island but are concerned about insurance coverage. They draft a “use agreement” requesting BSA insurance coverage for events on the island. Troop 1904’s scoutmaster David Gray presents the agreement to Montana Council for the First Annual Melita Island Invitational campout. This event is conceived to introduce scouts and leaders to the island’s potential as a camp and to build volunteer support in its rebuilding process. May is set for the campout. The event is to be a combination of a “one day” summer camp reenactment and service projects geared to improving the island infrastructure. The First Annual Invitational patch is based on an old Western Montana Council patch. During February and March Chris Roberts and Larry Johnson attend western Montana District Roundtables and Order of the Arrow meetings to introduce people to the potential of Melita Island and recruit supporters and attendees for the event.
The month of April is spent assessing the year’s projects and preparing for the campout. Larry Johnson’s newly carved hearth mantelpiece with the words “The Scout Law Guides Melita” replaces the original which graces Fred’s mainland office. During that First Engineering Assessment discussions regarding the best way to organize volunteers and obtain funds to rebuild the camp lead to the preliminary foundation of the Phoenix Patrol. It is felt that a non-profit organization which is exclusively dedicated to rebuilding Camp Melita Island and supporting it will greatly increase the chance for success and expedite the process. The volunteer group knows Montana Council has pressing financial needs which necessitates focusing funding resources on administrative operations. The volunteers have s been told “there are no funds available for a property the council does not own.” Jim Ramlow, an Eagle Scout and Whitefish attorney specializing in non-profits and insurance issues offers to counsel the group and prepare the necessary paperwork for the Phoenix Patrol to become an IRS recognized non-profit corporation.
During April the Coxes Use Agreement is again presented to Council Executive Ray Chase. He says he won’t sign the agreement without national office approval and expresses doubt that the BSA will grant the level of insurance requested. He also says that Montana Council is not interested in engaging in an effort to purchase Melita Island as “we already have three council camps and are having difficulty maintaining those.” He feels an occasional campout on the island is doable but operating a summer camp on an island would be “difficult and impractical.”
Undeterred by Ray’s hurdles Chris, Jim Ramlow and even Fred Cox himself contact and pursue the national BSA office to obtain what is needed to conduct the event. Even though a long term use agreement is unable to be finalized at the council level a temporary agreement allowing the event to take place is arrived at and National BSA grants sufficient insurance for the Coxes to feel comfortable. The agreement is signed at the wire by Ray the morning of the event and faxed to the Coxes. The 1999 Invitational is officially on.
Over 120 attendees visit the island in Mid-may and are enamored with its charms. Service projects make repairs to the Lodge and further clear deadfall and fire fuels on the island. Old campsites are re-established and the Lodge hosts the Saturday evening campfire due to heavy rain. Boys and leaders from throughout western Montana get their first true taste of Melita’s magic. Due to proper planning and preparation the water crossing takes place without a hitch. Everyone wants to return soon so plans are made to have a second event in September.
On June 11th Chris, Larry and Jim travel to White Sulphur Springs, Montana to meet with Ray at the Millennium Camporee to finalize a one year Use Agreement. Ray stalls again even though he said he would sign it there. Upon their return home National BSA is again approached for advice and aid and refinements are made to the agreement to encourage signing. National was aware of Melita from its past history and encourages coming to an agreement for its use.
The Phoenix Patrol gathers for its first official meeting on the island on June 25 th. At this meeting Fred expresses second thoughts about letting scouts use the island due to delays in arriving at a long term agreement with Montana Council. However he offers to lease the island to the Phoenix Patrol at no cost for five years and states he is willing to sell the island for $3-4 million dollars at the end of that period. He also says a conditional use agreement needs to be signed in order to have more events. Since the council isn’t prepared for such a large undertaking, the Phoenix Patrol Board accepts Fred’s offer and agrees to raise the money to buy the island from the Cox family. The group’s intent is to lease the island it back to Montana Council for use as a summer camp and council events on a very long term basis. In conversations with National BSA Phoenix Patrol representatives have been told the “divestiture of BSA properties is the single most contentious issue in the BSA today.” The board members feel that the Patrol owning the island is a way of protecting Melita from being sold by BSA in the future and losing the island a second time.
In July Ray Chase visits the island for the first time and agrees it is “much larger than he envisioned and that it has marvelous potential.” He agrees to work with Jim, Fred and national BSA to get various levels of insurance endorsements for the Coxes so that the September event can take place. Since the Phoenix Patrol prefers developing the property and not involve itself with programs it is decided that Patrol volunteers who have an interest in programs will form a council recognized Melita Island Programs Committee to host events and activities. This group, which is the predecessor of the current Melita Island Camps Committee, begins planning the Co-District Encampment which is to be the first Montana Council event held on the island. Another temporary agreement is signed to allow the event to take place.
Fred encourages the organization to raise money to make improvements and is impressed with how well the Patrol does so much with so little. Since the Patrol’s non-profit status isn’t fully finalized he donates enough money to the council in September for the Patrol to repair and replace the rotted shingle roof with a steel one. Larry Johnson and Henry Thompson oversee the purchase of the materials and Chris contacts Robert M. Lee owner of Cromwell Island for free use of his barge and crew to transport the roofing materials later in October.
The weather and water are warm enough during The September 10-12 Co-District Encampment event that the committee makes it an aquatics themed activity. Many scouts are introduced to the joys of sailing on Flathead Lake; others canoe, row, fish, swim, and explore the island. Everyone gathers at the day’s end to participate in a youth run island-wide capture-the flag game that will become a Melita tradition. The Larry Burlingame Flag mast is erected and dedicated by his family members and old friends. Larry’s cremains are scattered in four different locations around the island. As “Burly” was an extremely active and effective scout leader in western Montana and served on Camp Melita Island summer staffs in the 60s and 70s the island is a fitting final resting place for him.
In Mid-October the Fall Work Party celebrates the first anniversary of scouts returning to Melita Island. To see the Cromwell Island barge emerging from the early morning mist ferrying a truck loaded with roofing materials on October 16 th is stunningly memorable. The barge beached and the truck rolled to the Lodge’s front door delivering its cargo to eagerly waiting hands of awed scout. Everything is buttoned down for winter; the pine squirrels chatter their dissatisfaction with the disturbance but will have the island to themselves for the coming cold months. Melita Island works its spell; it gets into your blood and welcomes you back. Plans are made to return as early as possible in the coming year. No one is ready to say goodbye.
2000 – A Year of Progress
A use agreement was signed between the Montana Council and the Cox family, enabling the dates of August 12-18, 2001 to be set as the first full week summer camp session to be held on the island in over twenty-five years. The Melita Island Programs Committee presented two peak events, the Melita Invitational 2000 and the Co-District Encampment. Between the two events, 300 participants visited the island. In November, Daryl Butler's Eagle Court of Honor was held on Melita, another first in Melita's recent history.
Thanks is the key word for the year 2000.
Four big accomplishments standout. A use agreement signed between the Montana Council and the island’s owners essentially enables the dates of August 12-18, 2001 to be set for next year as the first full week summer camp session to be held on the island in over twenty five years.
The Melita Island Camp Committee presents two peak events. The first, the Melita Invitational 2000 sets the first weekend in June as its annual date to avoid conflicts with eagle nesting. Due to Montana’s forest fires September’s Co-District Encampment is moved to October and held in conjunction with fall’s Anniversary Work Party. Between the two events, we have 300 participants visit the island. These events re-enact Camp Melita Island, allowing scouts to advance in rank and earn merit badges. We locate a new swimmers waterfront on the Wildhorse side of Melita, take people sailing and motor boating, and further develop camping and program areas.
Electricity returns to the island. Through July and August Phoenix Patrol work crews move a 1500 lb. transformer over a third of a mile of rough terrain and hand dig deep trenches through rock and roots to power the lodge. We have lights, we can renovate with power tools, and an electronic emitter rids us of bats. Flick a switch! So little an action, so big a step.
Our new state of the art roll out metal dock system is in place by September 10th. One of the most damaging wind and wave storms in fifty years takes them apart on September 21st. We learn yet again to respect the power of the lake. However being prepared scouts the Patrol purchased docks designed to recover from such a blow. After winter repairs they will be reset in spring to welcome all.
Other major advances include the reworking of our 21ft Larson powerboat Phoenix by Dick Brotherton. The Patrol purchases all materials necessary to renovate the lodge interior, new porches and doors are installed on our outbuildings, continued cleanup in the forested lands and ceremonial grounds and the development of a website.
Our nine months of visitation in 2000 is the highest in a quarter of a century. The first overnighter is in March and our last, Daryl Butler’s Eagle Court of Honor, is in November.
2001 - Melita Island: The Next Millennium, Camp Melita Island is Back “A World Of Its Own”
The big goal in 2001 is to increase youth usage of the island. For this to happen we needed to renovate the lodge and make certain improvements to the infrastructure. The lodge received a new roof and refrigeration through a combined effort of Patrol members and LDS volunteers by the 4th of July Melita Staff/Camper Reunion. At summer’s end we had more than doubled the number of visitors from last year. Two Invitationals, our 4 th of July reunion, a large Spokane contingent, a western Montana wide church/scout group, staff and summer camp weeks, and various maintenance parties attract just over 800 scouts and scouters in 2001. We accomplish our goal in a big way, as Melita Island is once again a resident scout camp. Our second season’s full week camp will be August 11-17th, 2002.
The Cox’s generosity coupled with the Patrol’s energy and drive enable the camp to host over 800 people last summer whose memories of Melita Island will remain forever. The island affects everyone who spends time on it. 2001 summer camp is an operational shakedown. We learn lessons from every group who visits. Some groups taught us more than others. As usage increases so does the Patrol’s understanding and ability to manage the property. We formulate procedures to better protect it and its visitors. We make changes and adjust.
Besides readying the lodge for the Montana Council’s first summer camp we also further develop our island harbor. Since visitors have to cross water to attend Camp Melita Island boat transportation and harbor facilities are a top priority. Under Harbormaster Dick Brotherton’s guidance we repair and reinstall 2000’s storm damaged docks by May.
Stage One of the Ark renovation is completed by Larry Johnson in time for it to be used as transport for the Spring Invitational. This involved sandblasting, installing benches and decks, and developing a towing system. The Ark is used the rest of the summer transporting everything from people to porta-potties. We plan to complete Stage Two by the 2002 season.
In June the Hodge barge clears out remains of the old crib docks and installs three mooring buoys in the OA Bay harbor area and two in the waterfront’s Wildhorse Cove. These moorings are anchored with 30 feet of chain to 4000 pound concrete weights. We are able to increase our harbor capacity by mooring the Ark and both sail and powerboats to these. The Patrol increases its fleet of powerboats to three with the addition of a 17 foot Larson we name Osprey and a 20 foot Larson and trailer we call Goose. A strong July storm taught us that our modular docks needed to be better anchored so the Hodge returns in August to drive steel pilings to which we attach the docks.
Camp Melita Island is well on its way to establishing itself as a scout sailing base. Twenty campers earn Sailing merit badge and many camp attendees enjoy their first sailing experience during excursions skippered by Kyle Boyce and Chris Roberts.
Facility manager Henry Thompson oversees reconstruction of the lodge kitchen area. This involved new rodent proof floors, walls, doors and wiring. A temporary kitchen with camp stoves, refrigeration and food storage is set-up at summer’s end. In September the Patrol acquires a full commercial kitchen, dishwashing system, and walk-in cooler equipment from the Methodist Youth Camp. The hardwood floor is cleaned bit by bit and slowly returns to its former self. We procure an island cell phone and install glass in all lodge windows. The water system is improved under the direction of Charlie Warner by placing two 350 gallon water tanks on the hill and replacing valves on all existing pipes. Our filtration system proves effective and adequate for the camp sessions and is used all season to provide clean water. Hot showers were available during summer camp.
The waterfront in Wildhorse Bay receives a thorough makeover from the summer camp staff with the creation of a driftwood fenced path and the cleaning of the cabin and grounds at St. Omer’s. A generous scouter built and installed a lifeguard tower during his week on the island and the old floating docks are converted into a swim platform. A barbecue, campfire and evening swim is enjoyed by the entire Council camp on the last night. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful waterfront with its protected, graduated beach, gentle warmer water and views of Wildhorse Island and Big Arm Bay.
The last quarter of the year was taken up with island acquisition issues. In October, the island is offered to the Montana Council for purchase instead of the Patrol. This unsettles many Patrol members as it had been our original intent to protect island from ever changing hands by purchasing it and giving the council a long term low cost lease. However the Coxes are concerned about the Phoenix Patrol’s ability to raise money to purchase the island versus the Boy Scouts of America’s fundraising reputation. Meetings are held and it is determined that the Patrol needs the council’s support to raise the purchase funds. At a November meeting representatives of Montana Council acknowledge they also need the Phoenix Patrol’s volunteer base and support to make the Camp Melita Island project work. We are asked to team up and assist Montana Council’s purchase of the island. We respond that it is our basis wish for the island and the overall vision of camp Melita Island be protected for perpetuity. We also add the Patrol would like to function as caretakers of the island and be involved in the ownership process. It is agreed by those present that this is understood and beneficial to all. Contingent on the perpetuity protection the Phoenix Board passes resolutions to support the Montana Council in their purchase attempt and shift our energies in that direction.
Our initial fundraising groundwork and contacts are very encouraging. After gathering together experienced fundraisers in September for a feasibility meeting we feel we can raise a substantial amount of money on behalf of Melita Island and the scouts who will use it. First, we can raise money to conserve the land as an undeveloped property on Flathead Lake. Second, we are able to raise money and material to develop and support a world class scout camp. We suggest the formation of an effective fundraising committee to gain experience, expertise and sufficient finances for the challenges ahead. It’s in our best interest to continually offer assistance towards the island’s purchase and improvements. The Patrol feels constant involvement in the overall process guarantees a voice for volunteers and that the island’s needs have a better chance of being met because of this involvement.
Members of the Patrol join the newly re-organized Montana Council Camping Committee. We are asked for input and develop a five year program mission. Over the next couple of months we work up infrastructure needs and costs to aid the Montana Council in their planning. A council capital campaign begins its formulation stage.
The Patrol sets the following priorities for next season:
• Install the lodge’s commercial kitchen and develop a lodge septic system.
• Further improve and add to our water transportation fleet and harbor facility.
• Complete Stage Two of the Ark Transporter.
• Increase the number of operational outhouses.
• Expand and improve the water system.
• Improve/obtain mainland access.
• Roof and recondition St. Omar’s Cabin and improve outbuildings.
• Obtain a heavy duty wood chipper to decrease impact of trails and campsites.
• Develop an archery range.
• Develop a tipi camp with tipis and poles etc.
• Organize and schedule our first Melita Island Regatta.
Since our founding in 1999, Patrol members are motivated by the vision of Melita Island becoming a world class scout camp and boating center while being protected and preserved for scout use in perpetuity, never to be lost again. The Phoenix Patrol continues its growth and numbers over sixty members and twenty associates. Besides Montana, this year’s reunion draws attendees from Missouri, Texas, California, Colorado, Washington and as far away as Europe. Work gatherings help us achieve our goals, but more importantly they strengthen our bond with the island and each other.
Joining together in the lodge for meals in front of the hearth we brainstorm and fantasize, discuss policy, formulate plans, and get to know each other better. We become a big family. Shared mornings, evenings, nights and meals make great memories. These gatherings become mini-retreats. Wonderful ideas, enthusiasm and energy emanate from our combined efforts. Our batteries recharge while Melita Island works its magic and relaxes us. Together we make it happen and show the world how special Melita Island is.
2002
Montana Council contracts with National Community Development Service (NCDS), a well known fund raising organization from Atlanta, GA. They conduct a feasibility study and determine a capital campaign can attract enough donations to purchase Melita Island and make improvements to Melita and other council camps. These positive indicators help council leaders to decide to begin a three year $3.1 million capital campaign in 2003. Scout activities on the island included two Invitationals, an alumni gathering, work week ends and a week of summer camp in August.
2003
The summer camp season is extended to two weeks plus a staff week, with a total attendance of about 300 campers. The sailing program is expanded substantially by the addition of three volunteer captains and their sail boats. Invitationals and work weekends continue to improve scout usage on the island and improvement of its facilities. The capital campaign begins early in the year, but a number of set backs occur to NCDS personnel, which results in an unsuccessful fund raising effort for the year.
Notes;
Wilgus Co. sets deadline of December 31, 2004 for purchase. Less than two years are left to accomplish task
CR is asked to be on Council Camps Promotion Committee
Improvements to Infrastructure
Sawmill set up and tested, proves highly feasible
Outhouses and completed and set
We had showers this summer.
Waterfront area improves
Lodge completely brought to code in September
Big Spring Invitational
Smaller unprogrammed Fall event. July 4 th Reunion attracts many.
Camp Melita Sailing/Boating Program a big success, very popular. Camp makes $17K in profit
Ark gets motorized, does duty. Phoenix boat gets new engine
Plans for Coming Year
Help find money to buy island. Continue to build Water craft and transport and program capabilities. Mainland Access. Build Scholarship fund
2004 – A Very Scary Miraculous Year - The ailing patient doesn’t die
Melita Island’s camp season is again expanded. In 2004 there are three weeks plus a staff week for summer camp with a total attendance of about 400 campers. Sail boarding proves to be a popular addition to the aquatics program, especially among the older boys. Invitationals, work weekends, etc. continued their success in attracting scouts to Melita. In July, the NCDS contract is terminated due to lack of performance. Larry Shadow volunteers to chair the capital campaign and Doug Anderson is brought on board to serve as executive director for the remainder of the year. By December 2004, just over $300,000 has been raised, but an anonymous donation in mid-December of $1 million dollars put the acquisition of Melita within sight. In the last two weeks of December, Doug brings in the last $200,000 needed to secure the island, just in time to meet the deadline of Dec 31.
NEWS FROM MELITA ISLAND - 2004
Melita Island’s 2004 4 th of July Gathering is a very pleasurable, un-hurried weekend. Those who attend have a most enjoyable time.. Joe Stamper, his wife Cathy Hill and her sister Mary Hill come from Missouri (again). Robert and Janice Guenther (who met each other on Melita thirty some years ago) visit for the first time since the 1970s. Larry and Janie Shadow bring over their son Greg and daughter-in-law Sonja from Darby for their first visit to the island. Regulars Larry and Mary Johnson are the first on the island and provide boat transport. Roger and Wanda Wendt improve the kitchen some more. Mike Simons and his son Harry paint the KYBO's.
Dusty Deschamps, who helps spearhead the capital campaign, also visits the island for the first time in over thirty years. He walks around the island and remembers, reminisces and recharges internal energy for the push to purchase the island.
The island is still lush and green as rains are been a bit more regular this year.
The capital campaign receives a major contribution from Gary Gallagher. Thanks are due Gordon Rubard and Dusty in getting the donation finalized.
A dedicated band of volunteer scouters have organized into the “Western Montana Working Group” to lead the campaign to a successful completion. Larry Shadow agrees to head up this group.
A reflection over the past five years since Melita Island returns to scout use indicates how much positive change has happened in Montana council.
First, Camp Melita Island exists again sine the 1970s with a dynamic and unique program that will eventually attract scouts from all over the world. The word about this one-of-a-kind scout camp is spreading fast.
Two, the Melita Island project has served as a catalyst for positive change within the council administration. Council volunteers knew that change needed to happen within the professional ranks to create an effective and well run administration. This change had to happen before Melita Island could even begin the purchase process. In the past year, Melita has both directly and indirectly influenced these changes. Gordon Rubard replaces Ray Chase with vitality, drive and a desire to improve our council’s functioning. Changes are made in the professional ranks for the betterment of the council. The membership roles are being cleaned up and better reflect our actual numbers. We are moving towards program based budgeting. Melita has spurred organizational retreats in December and February. Council finances are on their way to improvement and increased stability. Friends of Scouting contributions are up. The council has begun a major state-wide marketing effort to create scouting and Melita awareness. All this needed to happen before a final effort to purchase Melita could be effective. Unfortunately it took longer than initially thought to accomplish this change for the better. Making those changes took time and focus from the capital campaign. Thus a game of catch-up ensues for the last six months of the campaign.
Three, Camp Melita Island revitalizes our council's summer camp program and begins a considerable increase in interest and attendance.
Four, Melita Island brings many older scouters and former scouts back into the fold. The project continues to find and involve both adults and youth into scouting again.
Five, Melita Island creates an increased interest in Montana Council camps from out of state units and individuals. Two troops from Colorado attend in 2004. Old and new Melita patches showi up on e-bay and prove to be quite the collector’s items.
All of this has been accomplished in such a short time. Many people said it would take at least five years just to get the camp operational.
When the Phoenix Patrol first organized to re-establish Camp Melita Island in 1999 Larry Johnson predicted, “the island is going to have a major effect on Montana council and create change."
How true this became.
2005 – The Year of Starting Over
Montana Council became the owners of Melita Island on February 7, 2005 and council leaders elect to continue the capital campaign until the end of the year. Since additional infrastructure improvements were slated to begin, no summer camp was conducted in 2005. However, the spring invitational was conducted and an Eagle Court of Honor for Mike Newlon was held over the 4th of July weekend. On August 20, the Melita Island Camp Committee (MICC) hosted the largest single event in the recent history of Melita. Over 450 campaign donors, scouters, and visitors attended an Open House and enjoyed an afternoon of food, music, tours and fellowship on the island. In November, the MICC conducted a forestry/milling demonstration project that reduced the fire and dangerous tree hazards on a portion of the island and resulted in $29,000 savings to Montana Council.
