Cherished scouting camp now open to public

June 26, 2025

By Harvey Jackson Oss

The Belton Journal

Camp Tahuaya celebrated its grand opening on Friday, June 20.

The camp, which since 1932 has exclusively been used for scouting activities, now welcomes the general public to its grounds.

Festivities began with the traditional raising of the flag and scout salute by a group of scout alumni. Wendy Shaw, CEO of the Longhorn Council, then briefly took the podium.

The Longhorn Council is one of 240 scouting councils across the United States and provides scouting opportunities to 23 counties throughout North and Central Texas. The council operates three primary camps, the southernmost located being Tahuaya, as well as several primitive properties.

Shaw was followed by Randy Pittenger, President of the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce. The chamber cohosted the event as part of their mission to promote economic growth and quality of life in the Belton area.

“Whether it’s families getting together, or business groups coming out and using the facilities, that will be a great resource for our community,” said Pittenger.

Afterwards Joe Burnett, another Longhorn Council official, took his turn to speak on the impact Camp Tahuaya has had over the years.

“Our camp has always been more than just a scout camp – it’s a place where people of all ages discover their potential and build confidence that lasts a lifetime.”

Pittenger presented a red and gold ribbon and invited all guests to join in holding it taut for the ceremonial cutting. Tours of the camp were offered, as well as complimentary lunch in the Lakeside Bistro where attendees were encouraged to sign the ribbon.

Camp Tahuaya has been renovated to a great degree in preparation for the transition to general use.

“It’s ultimately a $10.2 million campaign,” commented construction liaison Steve Carney. Additional maintenance funds will likely bring the total between $13 million to $15 million.

The renovations include 26 family glamping suites, 4 cabins, a catering facility, and 12 RV spaces.

“It was really a lot of electrical work underground, fixing drainage, putting in new roads and trails, that sort of thing” explained Camp Director Becca Kowalski. Phase 2 of renovations will incorporate a welcome center and pool.

Renovation efforts have relied heavily on community donations from individuals such as Dave Chambers, who has given about $1,200 and volunteered his time for the past 30 years.

“We love scouting and we want to see it grow,” he said.

The decision to open Tahuaya to the public was driven both by fiscal incentives and the opportunity to make scouting more well known and accessible. Camp revenues from non-scout visitors help to offset the operating costs of the Longhorn Council, which is a nonprofit organization. The camp gives visitors a chance to experience scouting activities for themselves without having to commit to being a scout.

“It gives us an opportunity to spotlight scouting so everybody has a chance to see it, experience it, and try it,” remarked Shaw.