| After several months of discussions on the possible relocation of Camp Easton, we are announcing that Discovery Land Company and the Boy Scouts have ended discussions on this proposal. One year ago, our council leadership decided to consider the proposal to build a new Camp Easton on Lake Coeur d’Alene with an open mind because of the potential long-term benefits to our Scouts. We established criteria for the proposal, a review process, and a decision-making process. We did not know what the outcome would be, but we were committed at every step to do our very best to make the right decision for our organization. We then did exactly what we said we would do. We are proud of our review process which has been open and transparent and which allowed all interested parties to have a voice. Discovery Land Company presented a proposal that they felt would be a win-win for both the Scouts and Gozzer Ranch. We appreciate Discovery Land Company’s efforts and are pleased to have had the opportunity to examine this proposal. Gozzer Ranch has been a great neighbor to Camp Easton and has supported the camp including funding for new boat docks three years ago and hosting golf tournaments to raise money for Scouting. We expect to remain great neighbors in the future. We are now focused on upgrading the current Camp Easton site to make it the best and safest camp possible now and in the future. Over the past year, many members of our Scouting family have expressed strong support for Camp Easton and for that we are grateful. Camping is an essential element to the Scouting experience. This is why we will soon be launching a capital campaign for Camp Easton. Funds raised will be used to construct a tunnel under Highway 97 to connect both parts of our camp to create a safer and more functional environment for Scouts. We are also excited to make additional improvements to enhance the camping experience. Plans will likely include improved infrastructure, better staff housing, improved camp headquarters and new program features. This is our opportunity to make Camp Easton an even greater camping facility for our Scouts. As executive board member Ron McIntire says, “Now that the decision’s made, we need everyone who supports Camp Easton to step up and donate to make Camp Easton the best and safest camp for Scouts.” We are looking forward to working together for a bright future at Camp Easton and we will share with you soon the plans for improvements. Camp Easton supporters can make a gift to the capital campaign today by visiting www.nwscouts.org/campeastoncampaign. We thank the many people that gave input and those that helped in the review process. Sincerely,   Tim McCandless Barry Baker
Scout Executive/CEO Council President  Please direct questions or comments to campeaston@scouting.org. Links:  Donate to Camp Easton Capital Fund (9-26-12) Overview of Decision Making Process (9-26-12) Statement on Lawsuit (9-26-12) Judge's Decision on Camp Easton (8-9-12) Memorandum Explaining Dismissal of the Lawsuit (5-7-12) Couer d'Alene Press 10-26-11 Editorial: Assault on Scouts Wrong (added 12-29-11) Spokesman Review 9-4-11 Editorial: Scouts need to put future first as camp choice is made (added 12-29-11) | 
