By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

Scouts in Otter Tail County have enjoyed winter outings at Camp Wilderness, northeast of Park Rapids, for many years. Popular activities, continuing to this year, include sledding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing, 

Heated cabins are available for rent on weekends during January, February and March. Every cabin is heated with electricity. All cabins have mattresses in them with a shower/bathroom facility nearby. Some program weekends offer food service, but units are able to cook their own food. 

Camp Wilderness is filled with winter fun. There are two sledding hills and numerous cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. Wilderness ROMP is a winter event for older scouts who learn survival skills. Polar Camp is available for Cub Scout packs. 

The late Dr. Norman Baker of Fergus Falls is considered the father of Camp Wilderness, which began operations northeast of Park Rapids in 1946. He also was instrumental in helping to start Maplewood State Park five miles east of Pelican Rapids near South Lake Lida.

People young and old alike, after first traveling down the winding road to Camp Wilderness, long remember the wooden signs describing traits that scout leaders want to emphasize. They include the 12 points of the scout law: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Camp Wilderness provides youth members, their families and volunteer leaders with memorable experiences in scouting in both winter and summer. For more information call the Northern Lights Council Fargo office at (701) 293-5011.