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1997 SABBATH DRIVE
MUSCATINE, IA 52761
TEL.(563) 264 2240
E-MAIL saca@muscanet.com
A BRIEF HISTORY OF SACAJAWEA
In 1946, the Muscatine Girl Scout Council aquired a 40 acre parcel of land approximately five miles northwest of the city of Muscatine, Iowa. Named Camp Sacajawea, its purpose was to serve as a camp for local Girl Scout troops,which it did for many years. The Muscatine Council eventually merged into the Mississippi Valley Girl Scout Council, which operalted four camps. Sacajawea being one of them. In 1998 the council decided it would be more economical to concentrate it's activities at one camp and sell three of them (one of the three sold was Sacajawea). Thus the Sacajawea Foundation was formed.
WHAT IS CAMP SACAJAWEA?
Sacajawea is a square parcel of land located on a bluff area of the Cedar River. It is ecologically undisturbed and about 75% heavily wooded. There is a meadow area and small wet-land in its lowest part. The Girl Scouts built a main lodge(pictured above), access roads and
walking trails throughout the camp. In addition, four sleeping cabins, five tent cabins and two craft centers were constructed. Sleeping quarters for about 100 scouts were provided. Sanitary facilities were rudimentary but useable. Drinking water from a well and electricity were strategically placed throughout the camp. In later years, a forced air furnace, insulation and a bathroom were added to the lodge. The camp is a haven for deer, wild turkey,fox,raccoon and many bird types mainly because no hunting is allowed on the property. Over 100 identifiable species of wild flowers and practically all types of trees found in the mid-west are also on the property. In the 1990's Girl Scout budget restrictions forced long term camping to be reduced. Eventually, the cost of maintenance resulted in the sale of the property.
THE SACAJAWEA FOUNDATION
The foundation presently operates Sacajawea and its mission is to provide facilities for camping, retreats, nature studies and educational activities to any civic,religious or social group in the Muscatine, Iowa area. In the past three years, boy and girl scouts,church groups, businesses and government agencies use the camp on a regular basis both summer and winter. The foundation provides this at "no cost" to the user and all requests for use are strictly on a first come-first serve basis. At this time use is limited to one or two day events(usually weekends) because facilities for longer stays are not adequate. The foundation has received an advance ruling from the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) publicly supported non profit organization
(EIN 42-1485078).
WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE SACAJAWEA? Contact us per the address above by mail, phone or e-mail.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP US? Many individuals and groups volunteer their services
for a variety of work activities (usually spring thru fall).
WOULD YOU CONTRIBUTE? We'd be ecstatic to receive your contribution. It would keep the heat and lights turned on and minor repairs made. Your check is fully tax deductible.
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