Camp Tukabatchee History

A "new" Camp Tukabatchee had been a dream dating back to the early 1980s when the council began to realize that the current camp was limited in what programs could be offered. Larger facilities were needed. Space for a C.O.P.E course and other activities for older Scouts and space for a Cub and Webelos camp was needed. In 1990, the council executive board  began to look at options for a new camp. Sites at Camden and Lake Martin were studied, but found lacking in some needed areas - mainly security of facilities. The board voted to stay at the Warner Scout Reservation and seek an additional 400 acres of land from our neighbor, Union Camp Corporation. This new acreage would become the "new" Camp Tukabatchee and the current camp would then become a Cub Scout camp.

On October 31, 1997, preliminary clearing of land for the new lake was completed. The location of the lake had to be changed from Bridge Creek to Big Branch Creek. This change reduced the size of the lake from 72 acres to about 48. The dam construction began in April of 1998.

In early 1998, the camp committee approved an architectural firm to design the dining hall, administration building and health lodge, using the committee’s input and design drawings from the National Council, Boy Scouts of America. Whenever possible, volunteer labor was used. This not only saved needed funds, but instilled a sense of ownership among the workers. Troops were encouraged to adopt a campsite. Up to 4 troops would work on building and customizing a campsite. Those troops are given priority to those sites during summer camp each year.

Also during early 1998, we were able to purchase 23 acres on County Road 59 which allowed easy access to the new property. This saved the expense of several miles of camp road construction.

Camp construction was nearly complete in late 1999. The new camp was named Camp Tukabatchee and the old camp was renamed Camp Dexter C. Hobbs (Camp Hobbs). 2000 saw the first summer camp use of the new Camp Tukabatchee.

2001 saw the completion of a permanent trading post. The trading post is a walk-in store that is more inviting than the old window access trading post. The Order of the Arrow lodge built a large bathhouse and athletic field in the center of camp in 2002. Also completed in 2002 was a large stage and council ring that seats at least 350.

Currently permanent shelters are being built to replace tarps in the various program areas.

Our 5000th camper attended camp during week 3 of 2009.

Camp directors:
2000 - 2001 Phillip Bryant
2002 - 2003 Allyn Williford
2004 - 2012 Larry Colletta
2013 - present Leith Wilson

Some of this is an excerpt from the book Long Term Camping in the Tukabatchee Area Council by Jim Hinkle.