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Bear Claw Lodge... the Adventure Continues See updates and activities on the blog! In January of 2006, Non-Toxic began a fundraising campaign for the purpose of creating a youth camp. Non-Toxic has purchased 16 acres of land and built a 20' x 34' lodge, and by 2008 began its first addition to the Lodge. With the extra 720 square feet, there is now room for sleeping quarters, games and other indoor activities. The lodge will act as the central meeting place and dining. A fireplace surrounded by stone and heavy timber will add a cozy and warm atmosphere.
Many of the extreme retreats enjoyed throughout the years will be incorporated into the camp. The Non-Toxic Teen Adventure Camp will offer-
Non-Toxic remains DEBT FREE. Since the land is remote and heavily wooded there are all sorts of interesting wildlife. Deer abound as well as bald eagles, hawks, falcons, turkeys, waterfowl, bobcats, squirrels, many song birds and of course- several black bear. After the concrete foundation was finished many tracks were left in the clay top soil and more than a few eyebrows were raised. A scraping tree (what bear use to mark their territory) is just 400 feet from the lodge in the camp's thick tag alder swamp. "I wanted a remote place that carried with it it's own history of adventure and intrigue," says Dave. This holds all the intrigue one would want. The nearest neighbor is a half a mile away and the several roads leading up to the camp are gravel. The lodge is complete and the privy is up and running. A glass front fireplace insert is installed and heats wonderfully. Within 12 months from the beginning of this project (the beginning being- the start to look for land) Non-Toxic Youth Alternatives has built and completed the lodge, installed a privy, driveway and cleared some of the land for recreation. The food will be fresh and the adventure constant. Teens who attend the Wednesday T.E.A.M. meetings will have priority as the staff plans each Camp retreat. It is important that the young people at the center feel valued and important. Enjoy the pics. More will be coming...watch us grow! See the slideshow of all of the photos from the addition. (Slideshow will begin in a new window.)
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