Donors dig deep for new Scout pool

Because of the generosity of several businesses and a national pool association, planning and scheduling is well underway for the installation of a sport pool and shower house at Boy Scout Northwest Suburban Council's Camp Lakota near Woodstock, IL.

Additional donations, however, from businesses and the public for materials and/or funds are requested to complete the project.

With a capacity of 75 swimmers, the heated pool will be 25' x 50' with a depth sloping from 3.5' at the ends to 4.5' in the center. Complete with a surrounding concrete deck, it will be handicapped accessible and will be lighted for night swims.

The shower house will feature male and female facilities for lockers, showers and bathrooms.

"This is a dream coming true," stated Randy Toland, Ass't Council Executive and Program Director. "For years during the Cub Day Camp periods, we have had to rent a local area pool and then transport the Cubs and parents to and from the facility."

"Soon we will have our own sports pool that will serve the Tiger and Cub Scouts in learning how to swim. It will also be a great resource for our older Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts in earning their Swimming, Lifesaving and Scuba Merit Badges," he said. "In addition, the pool may be used for BSA Lifeguard training and is designed for aquatic games, such as, water volley ball."

The idea for a pool came to Tim O'Neil while he was attending Cub Scout Day Camp with his son. Fortunately for Camp Lakota, O'Neil is a director of the Midwest Region Chapter of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals and an employee of the Downes Swimming Pool Co. in Arlington Hts.

"As the Cubs and parents were being bussed to a local pool, I had to wonder 'Why doesn't Lakota have a pool of its own?" said O'Neil. "Here, we have a quality, 300-acre Scout camp with a lot of campsites, shooting sports with BB gun and archery ranges, crafts, a climbing tower and a huge firebowl for bonfires and ceremonies, but no pool!

After meeting with NWSC officials who welcomed his idea, O'Neil proposed the pool to APSP and to local area contractors.

Now, the pool is becoming a reality with donations from pool industry companies.

Among the leading donors are:

APSP is still looking for additional building supplies and cash donations to complete the project. Needed specifically are over 100 cubic yards of shotcrete, and other miscellaneous materials.

"This is a great opportunity for the public and pool industry to make a real contribution in the life of a boy," he stated. We will be providing life-long skills by teaching swimming and lifesaving. After all, a boy who knows water safety and how to swim doesn’t drown."

Companies and individuals interested in contributing labor, materials, cash donations or learning more details may contact Tim O'Neil at 847-417-3504.

Individuals wishing to make a tax-deductible donation may do so by check or by clicking the Paypal Donation link coming soon.

Checks should be made payable to:
Northwest Suburban Council Pool Fund (NWSC)
Attn: Randy Toland
600 Wheeling Rd.
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
or contact him at 847-824-6880