Wehinahpay Not Affected By Forest Closure

Due to high fire danger, the Lincoln National Forest will be closed for most activities this week.

Wehinahpay Mountain Camp is on private land and not affected by the forest closure for the most part.  The high fire danger is a concern.  The direct impact on camp program will be restrictions on open fires and limits on planned backpacking activities.

“This is not a new experience for Wehinahpay,” said Guy Eichsteadt, Scout Executive.  “The camp has operated for many seasons during under forest closure restrictions.  It means extra vigilance on the part of Scouts, troop leaders, and camp staff; but the core camp program will be provided.  Hopefully the summer rains will start soon and reduce the fire danger risk.”

The executive board of the Yucca Council of El Paso, Texas, approved plans to merge Camp Dale Reslerwith the Conquistador Council’s Wehinahpay Mountain Camp.  Under the terms of this agreement the summer camp program will be provided at Wehinahpay Mountain Camp.  The two councils will form agoverning body to give direction to the summer and year-round programs and will share in the camp finances.  The joint council camp agreement will go into effect on October 1, 2011.

Due to the recent forest closure, the Yucca Council executive board also approved the immediate closure of Camp Dale Resler for the summer season.  The camp program will be relocated to Wehinahpay Mountain Camp.  The camp staff of the two camps will work together to provide the planned program.

“Campers will benefit immediately from this joining of the two camps,” said Steve Massey, VP-Camping, of the Conquistador Council.  “Camp Dale Resler staff bring skilled staff and program ideas not available at Wehinahpay, and vice versa.  This should be a very exciting season as the two camp programs grow together.”

Update- Swimming Pool Construction
Pool completion is delayed at Wehinahpay

“It’s a good thing Noah didn’t have to get permits to build the ark,” said Bill Armstrong Jr., vice-president of properties for the BSA Conquistador Council.  Completion date of the new indoor pool, announced early this year, is unknown at this time, pending the approval of permits required by the State of New Mexico. 

 “Permits for the building housing the pool are being delayed until the permits for the pool are issued,” said Armstrong.  “The pool permits are taking time because the state of New Mexico does not have regulations for above-ground pools like this.” 

At this point, completion of the pool project in time for summer camp is uncertain.  The gravel pad for the concrete is prepared and the building and pool are both ready for installation.  At issue are the building permits.  The metal building to house the pool is ready for erection.  The pool is ready for installation.  The gravel pad for the concrete is prepared.  Only the Building permits for the concrete, for the septic system and plumbing, for the electrical work, for the metal building, and finally for the pool, are the issue at hand.

As a dedicated volunteer Scouter, Bill Armstrong Jr. is working on this matter daily and remains optimistic.  “People are working on our behalf to move these matters along as quickly as possible.”