After burning down in 2010, the Camp Belzer Scout Activity Center reopens Thursday.
A dedication ceremony was set for 12:45 pm.
Ninety percent of the center was lost in a fire after a spontaneous combustion of chemicals in a trash bin. The damage totaled more than $3 million. Insurance covered the cost of rebuilding.
The facility is similar to the old design but has an upgraded water system.
Boy Scout officials are also looking into adding a climbing wall and air rifle range.
The center serves 500 kids and counselors per day.
Press release:
The new Camp Belzer Scout Activity Center has reopened, 18 months after the original facility was destroyed by fire. Camp Belzer is one of Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America's seven camping facilities throughout central Indiana.
The new building, formerly known as the Center for Volunteer Training, was built upon the foundation of the original building by Hunt Construction. It is very similar in appearance and size (10,000 square feet of meeting space, 7,000 square feet of storage). There are a few modifications including water lines for sprinklers along with other required code upgrades and removable partitions between two of the smaller meeting rooms.
"We are pleased that the building is ready in time for summer camp, our busiest time of the year," said Scott Clabaugh, Scout Executive, Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America. "From Cub Scout Day Camp activities to merit badge workshops and community meetings, the building is an important gathering place for Scouts, volunteers and our neighbors."
The Scout Activity Center is one of several buildings at Camp Belzer. Located in the center of camp, it includes a large dividable room, which can accommodate groups up to 300, a preparation kitchen and four breakout rooms. The original center was built in 2003 with private donations. Nearly 100,000 Scouts, Scout volunteers and community members use the building every year. Since the fire, events have been held at other sites. During Cub Scout Day Camp last summer, a large tent was used to support activities.
The camp, which opened in 1918 as Camp Chank-tun-un-gi, Belzer Scout Reservation has a rich history. It was re-named for the first Indianapolis Scout Executive, Francis O. Belzer, who started serving in 1946.
