Scouting: Owasippe Staff Association

The Owasippe Staff Association began back in 1978 when a group of former staff felt compelled to continue supporting camping at Owasippe Scout Reservation even though their days on staff where over.  The intent was to help the camp and the Chicago Area Council by donating time and materials to help cover maintenance the council didn't have the resource to do itself.  The initial activities centered on an annual work weekend where OSA members gathered at Owasippe prior to staff week and fixed up floorboards, cabins and whatever else thy could work on before the staff arrived at the start of the season.  This not only helped out by improving the infrastructure, but it also allowed the staff more time to prepare for the summer's camping and scouting program.

The resulting movement gathered others that they new into the fold.  Then, as word spread, other staff men and woman from earlier years started joining. Current staff were allowed to join as associate members.  Then they would "graduate" into full membership after they no longer worked on staff.   Now the OSA has a solid membership of old timers and new members and current staff members.  It also has accomplished much more each year beyond it's annual work weekend.

Two, sometimes three work weekends help keep the infrastructure up and running, special fund raising and work projects have added a field sports pavilion, hot showers at campsite, roofs on staff cabins and other ambitious projects. The OSA is also a key force behind developing and running the CIT (counselor in training) program each year, further ensuring that future staff members not only provide excellent summer camp program each year.  But also nurturing the bond in brotherhood that each and every staff man and woman share.

I have always felt that my summers at Owasippe is were I grew up.  I'm proud to be part of an organization that strives to continue in the tradition of helping young men and women grow within the scouting program.

Visit the OSA web site to learn more of the OSA's history, current activities and future goals. 

http://www.owasippe.net