Published: November 18, 2009 08:36 pm      

Boy Scouts unveil plans for W.Va. camp

GLEN JEAN, W.Va. (AP) — Seven decades after joining the Boy Scouts, retired engineering and construction magnate Stephen D. Bechtel Jr. is doing his part to see that future generations of Scouts can enjoy outdoor experiences.

The Boy Scouts of America announced plans Tuesday to use a $50 million gift from Bechtel’s foundation to turn 10,600 acres in southern West Virginia into the Scouts’ fourth high-adventure camp and the permanent home of the group’s national jamboree.

“The values and ideals embodied in scouting are more relevant today than ever,” said Bechtel, whose grandfather founded Bechtel Corp., a privately held firm that helped build the Hoover Dam and did $2.3 billion worth of reconstruction in Iraq. “Our youth today are critical to the future success of our country and our society. They will one day succeed all of us.

“The Scouts gave the time and resources to me when I was a youngster, and I am proud to help return these gifts.”

The camp will be built in Fayette County between Glen Jean, Prince and Mount Hope. It will take advantage of the New River Gorge National River and the area’s recreational opportunities, including whitewater rafting, mountain biking and rock climbing.

West Virginia was chosen out of 80 proposals from 28 states. The selling points including the region’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities and the availability of roads, public services and other infrastructure.

“Today is a great day for scouting,” said Bob Mazzuca, the national organization’s chief scout executive.

The Scouts’ 100th anniversary will be marked at the 2010 jamboree in Fort A.P. Hill, Va. — the quadrennial event was pushed back a year to coincide with the anniversary. The jamboree attracts nearly 30,000 Scouts from around the United States and 12,000 staff and volunteers.

Construction on the new camp is to begin next spring and finish in time to host the 2013 jamboree and will complement existing high-adventure bases in Minnesota, New Mexico and Florida.

“I have never in five years as governor had an opportunity to work on a project that I think can transform who we are as a state, can redefine who we are as a people,” Gov. Joe Manchin said.