(File Photo) The new climbing wall at Camp Kootaga where the new camp Kootaga Foundation is seeking contributions to acquire the 500-acre Scouting camp at Walker.

A foundation established for the purchase and future operation of the 103-year-old Camp Kootaga, a Scouting camp, in Walker is seeking contributions, officials said.

The Camp Kootaga Foundation was created to acquire, maintain and operate the camp, James Bennon, president of the foundation, said.

“The Camp Kootaga Foundation is committed to ensuring that this historic camp remains a thriving, year-round haven for outdoor adventure,” Bennon said. “Our mission is to preserve the camp’s rich Scouting legacy, providing a place where young people can develop leadership, character, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.”

The foundation is arranging financing through local banks and has $400,000 for the purchase of the camp, which is appraised at $1 million, he said. Contributions are being accepted and actively solicited for the remainder of the amount needed to acquire the property, Benon said.

“We’re going to have to make up $600,000 or so,” he said.

Contributions would be refunded should the effort to purchase the camp is unsuccessful, Benon said.

Buckskin Council is selling assets, Benon said.

The 500-acre Camp Kootaga is located on W.Va. 47 about 20 minutes southeast of Parkersburg near the Hughes River.

The property became a Scout camp in 1922 when the land was purchased by Don Lowe. The camp was named Camp Kootaga, which means “good friends” in the Kiowa Indian language, in 1929.

The Buckskin Council merged in 2018 with the former Allohak Council, created in 1990 with the merger of the Kootaga Area Council and the Central West Virginia council.

For information about making a contribution to the foundation, contact or text Benon at (304) 482-7161 or go to the Camp Kootaga Foundation Facebook page.

The foundation is recognized as a non-profit organization by the state of West Virginia.