Camp Wa-kon-da

402 Forest Dr., Bellevue, NE 68005

Camp Wa-kon-da is in Bellevue, Nebraska and covers 37 acres of wooded bluffs, adjacent to Fontenelle Forest. The camp has six Adirondack style shelters. Wa-kon-da will be added to the 2,000 acres that Fontenelle Forest encompasses currently.

In fact, it says in the Fontenelle Forest meeting minutes April 2, 1946 that Fontenelle Forest was first offered the property but decided the Boy Scouts could make more immediate use out of the land but stipulated, “If the Boy Scouts ever decide to dispose of the land it shall be first offered to the Fontenelle Forest Association” so this acquisition is more than 70 years in the making. The minutes go on to say, “This consummates to what is thought to be a very desirable arrangement for both the Boy Scouts and our Association.”

“This contribution to Fontenelle Forest once again displays the Scouts commitment to the greater Omaha community and further strengthens the relationship between these two organizations while expanding the boundaries of one of the regions greatest treasures,” said Gerry Lauritzen, who, along with her family, has had a life-long commitment to the Boy Scouts and Fontenelle Forest. “As a mother of an Eagle Scout who spent countless hours hiking Fontenelle Forest and camping throughout the region with his Troop, it brings me great pleasure to see the commitment these two organizations have to improving the lives of our youth and the community as a whole.“

Fontenelle Forest is excited to add this camp to our Forest, and include it in our conservation work to keep it protected for generations to come. Moreover, the structures, restrooms and other buildings offer opportunities for events, programs, and camping.

“We have such a long history with the Boy Scouts,” said Whitehall. “Looking through Forest archives, we see nearly a century of partnerships, and this acquisition of Camp Wa-kon-da just continues this special relationship into the 21st Century.”

“Having a camp this close to the area gave them a lot of outdoor experience – camping, fire building, cooking, etc; it also taught them how to respect nature – animals, plants, trails, environment,” said Tami Brinkhous, mother of three Boy Scouts.