“Camp Maintenance”
At Camp Sequassen, the title hardly describes what it really encompasses.
Yes, it includes all forms of Maintenance, Conservation, Forestry, Wildlife, and Property Management.
But also, the continuous improvement which means projects from small to capital constructions.
Then the annual task of transforming Sequassen for Summer “Resident” Camp.
And then back again to year-round operations, supporting; unit, district and council program.
All under the responsibility of Ranger Dave and the Camp Sequassen Maintenance Committee.
And Yet!
It is not one person, nor one group that can be credited for the continuous improvement at Camp Sequassen. It is everyone working together with a common goal, to make:
Camp Sequassen the Best!
It Can Be!
for the Scouts, the Movement, our Nation, and our World.
Portals
To Sequassen Continuous Improvement
Explore Sequassen’s Continuous Improvement Portals
What’s New At SEQ
Picnic Table Fabrication
February’s Mini Work Party
saw to the fabrication of 18 new picnic tables.
Since 2002 the CSMC and Ranger Dave have been working together to improve the quality and quantity of picnic tables in camp. Early on, an inventory was established which is also used to set and record the allocations for the 46 campsites and areas in camp they are used. To date we have fabricated 171 tables, replacing most of the nearly 100 tables we started with, we now have an inventory of about 190 filling allocations for about 183. That’s if the 7 at the maintenance yard can be repaired. All of this was made possible through donation, from the resident camp improvement fee, the CYC Sequassen maintenance budget and all the many friends of Camp Sequassen who helped.
Parts (PT lumber)
6 ea. Tops 2” x 6” x 8’
3 ea. Top Cleats
2 ea. Upper Cross Ties
2 ea. Lower Cross Ties
2 ea. Braces, Top to Leg
4 ea. Legs
2 ea. Seats 2” x 12” x 8’
Hardware
56 ea. 3-1/8” GRK Screws
28 ea. 3-1/2” GRK Screws
16 ea. 3/8” x 3-1/2” Carriage Bolts
16 ea. 3/8” Flat Washers
16 ea. 3/8” Het Nuts
It is those that gather for Friends of Camp Sequassen Thursday’s that does the majority of setup and prep work for the CSMC scheduled work events. For picnic tables that includes, cutting and staging all of the parts andhardware, arranging the shop, and setting up the stations.
Station 1
Two leg assemblies for each table are built here. This year, a jig was developed (shown in use) to facilitate the work. All in one sequence the assemblies are drilled and fastened before they are removed from the fixture, for a more
Station 2
The Top assemble is built here. First 6 top boards are selected and arranged in the Top fixture, 3 cleats are positioned then screwed to the top boards creating the Top Assembly, after which the free end is square cut.
Station 3
Is where two leg assemblies are attached to the one Top assembly at which point two braces are added, just sceen at left in the below picture.
Station 4
The final station pictured at right in the previous image and in the below image. Some final screwing, cutting off corners, routing of seats and Top, and seat attachment happens here. After this point the table is done and it’s out the door.
“Directional Sign” replacement project
Round two of three for the project being spearheaded by the Camp Sequassen Maintenance Committee. One of many, not readily noticeable, improvements that are conducted at Sequassen. In this case because we are mainly replacing existing signs with like signs. but fabricated from pressure treated wood. So, it is hoped they will last twice as long, maybe 30 years if we are lucky.
Last year, 2019, about 149 signs were made and then installed during the Major Work Party, held in May each year. This year about 133 have been fabricated, and soon will be installed.
At the same time the CSMC will be conducting a physical inventory documented with pictures and a spreadsheet. This will show how many we have to go, maybe 75, to finish the project in 2021.
A NEW POND WALL AT THE BOGAN WATERFRONT
We will be benefiting from a new Pond Wall at the Bogan Waterfront starting this summer, 2020, and for scores of years to come. This improvement has been on the Action List for some ten years and was only made possible through the fundraising efforts of the Sequassen Alumni Association, individual donations, and with the hard work of many.
The benefits are a safer transition to the swimming-boating docks, retention of the “beach” sand at the same time protecting the pond from sediment, and finally a fresh new look.
The interlocking engineered blocks used, on average weigh about 2,350 pounds each. That’s about one quarter of a million pounds. Ranger Dave worked together with Dave the contractor to place each block. Pictured, are members of the Camp Sequassen Maintenance Committee pitching in with some of the required drainage work.
Volunteer Opportunities
Did You Know
Camp Sequassen
Is Not Just
The Home Of The Hermit?
It Is also the home of 600 acres of mostly forested land with 2,500 feet of shoreline on West Hill Pond. Which means continuous tree issues. Swimming areas and a fleet of boats, canoes and the docks to tie them to. It is also the home of about 23 Program and Activity areas, including about 10 miles of outlying blazed trails. Some 147 structures, well over 500 signs telling you how to get to them and then signs welcoming you when you get there. 14 campsites with tents or lean-to’s, and lodges with berthing for many hundreds. Picnic tables, and, were talking over 170 for you to sit at. Along with administration, food service, health concerns, retail and maintenance facilities and equipment. As well as, all of the infrastructure that is needed; numerous in-camp trails, roads and parking for about 250 vehicles. Water systems, sanitary systems, drainage systems, electrical distribution systems, a camp wide PA system, telephone, internet and lately Wifi. Well you get the picture
– there is a lot to do and there is much more to the story too.
Way more than any one Ranger can do, even if he is a super Ranger and we didn’t even mention the continuous improvements happening at Sequassen. And since the amount of work that is contracted out is next to nil, it is up to you and me, the volunteers, in scouting and in the community, to get the job done.
What Can I Do
You Ask!
Decide to do your part, each and every year!
Join with us at
The Annual Major Work Party
Held in May each year – Start by adding your name to the e-mail List Today.
Organize
A Group Project with your Unit
Take On
A Personal Project
Join To
Help Out Individually
Join The
Campmaster Corp
(there is a waiting list)
Camp Masters are registered volunteer Scouters who act as representatives of the camp, the ranger, and the Council. Their main purpose is in serving the campers, our customers. Making sure facilities are open and ready, facilitating activities when asked, at the same time helping to ensure safety and the protection of our property.
Join the
Sequassen Alumni Association
The Sequassen Alumni Association is an independent 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization comprised of a group of adults devoted to service to Camp Sequassen and the preservation and perpetuation of the camps customs and traditions as they have developed from the camp’s inception in 1927 to the present.
Campaigns +
Sequassen Alumni Association’s
Annual Gala Dinner
The Gala proceeds continue to fund equipment updates for the English Dining Hall Kitchen.
Arrowhead Recognition
A Tradition At Camp Sequassen
to recognize key individuals who have contributed to the success the camp enjoys today. A tradition that is thought to go back two score years and more, currently it takes the form of a display of Arrowheads that adorn the front of the Trading Post. These arrow heads are for the individuals which currently hold key positions. There is also an effort to list all current and past recipients as is displayed on this page and eventually will be framed on a wall in a prominent location at camp. The list on this page currently a tool in this effort.
| Name | Position | Start | End | |
| Robert Pratt | Council Camping Chairman | – | ||
| Winthrop Smith | Council Camping Chairman | – | ||
| Irving H. Schlesinger | Council Camping Chairman | – | ||
| Leo Silverstein Jr. | Council Camping Chairman | – | ||
| Robert Haversat | Council Camping Chairman | – | ||
| Dave Hungerford | Council Camping Chairman | – | ||
| Karl Rosenbaum | Council Camping Chairman | – | ||
| John McKechnie | Council Camping Chairman | 1994 | – | 1997 |
| Steve Grove | Council Camping Chairman | 1997 | – | 1999 |
| John Farley | Council Camping Chairman | 2001 | – | 2003 |
| Douglas Machin | Council Camping Chairman | 2004 | – | 2005 |
| William R. Hall | Council Camping Chairman | 2005 | – | Present |
| Edward Tamasi | Camp Director | – | ||
| Robert Towne | Camp Director | – | ||
| Alfred Morin | Camp Director | – | ||
| Stanley A. Sherwood | Camp Director | 1972 | – | 1973 |
| Edward R. Ostrosky | Camp Director | – | ||
| Robert A. Lewis | Camp Director | – | ||
| Tom McMahon | Camp Director | – | ||
| Steve Grove | Camp Director | – | ||
| K. Zane | Camp Director | – | ||
| Tom Dolan | Camp Director | – | ||
| David Maher | Camp Director | 1991 | – | 1993 |
| Daniel B. Cooley | Camp Director | 2000 | – | Present |
| Daniel M. Groth^ | Camp Director | 1993 | – | 1997 |
| Carl Flodquist | Camp Maintenance Chairman | 1965 | – | 1992 |
| John Burke | Camp Maintenance Chairman | 1992 | – | 1999 |
| Thomas J. Young | Camp Maintenance Chairman | 1999 | – | 2014 |
| Patrick H. Maxim | Camp Maintenance Chairman | 2014 | – | Present |
| Lawton Sargent | Council President | – | ||
| Richard H. Bowerman | Council President | – | ||
| Alfred Sanford | Council President | – | ||
| Leo Silverstein Jr. | Council President | – | ||
| Lawrence Iannotti | Council President | – | ||
| Charles J. Anderson | Council President | – | ||
| Richard D. Knott | Council President | – | ||
| A. Alderman | Council President | – | ||
| D. Hungerford | Council President | – | ||
| P. Durosko | Council President | – | ||
| R.M. Augur | Council President | – | ||
| Bruce L. Morris | Council President | – | ||
| William Colwell | Council President | 1993 | – | 1995 |
| William B.Laudano Jr. | Council President | 1997 | – | 1998 |
| Ronald T. Urquhart | Council President | 1999 | – | 1999 |
| Robert A. Payne | Council President | 2000 | – | 2002 |
| Robert T. Sadock, MD | Council President | 2003 | – | 2004 |
| John C. Andres, Esq. | Council President | 2005 | – | 2006 |
| Steven L. Crews | Council President | 2007 | – | 2008 |
| Christopher L. Caruso | Council President | 2009 | – | 2010 |
| Douglas Machin | Council President | 2011 | – | 2012 |
| Michael Abrahamson | Council President | 2013 | – | 2014 |
| Christopher McLeod | Council President | 2015 | – | 2016 |
| Christopher Luise | Council President | 2017 | – | 2018 |
| David B. Sippin | Council President | 2019 | – | Present |
| Daniel B. Cooley | Council Program Director | 1998 | – | 2015 |
| Michael Morrell | Council Program Director | 2015 | – | Present |
| Ernest Wheat | Camp Ranger | 1954 | – | 1981 |
| Al Linnell | Camp Ranger | 1981 | – | 1983 |
| Daniel M. Groth^ | Camp Ranger | 1993 | – | 1997 |
| Brian Boyajian | Camp Ranger | 1997 | – | 1999 |
| David Boyajian | Camp Ranger | 1999 | – | Present |
| Robert C. Birkemeier | Council Scout Executive | – | 1972 | |
| Kenneth W. Prowse | Council Scout Executive | 1972 | – | 1990 |
| John Hunt | Council Scout Executive | – | ||
| Robert Mersereau | Council Scout Executive | 1994 | – | 1998 |
| Douglas Krofina | Council Scout Executive | 1998 | – | 2003 |
| Louis Salute | Council Scout Executive | 2004 | – | 2012 |
| Charles Flowers | Council Scout Executive | 2013 | – | 2020 |
| Christopher Guarniere | Camp Program Director | 2002 | – | 2003 |
| Andrea R. Ulery | Camp Program Director | 2004 | – | 2006 |
| Kevin Sylvester | Camp Program Director | 2007 | – | 2008 |
| Charles A. Johnson | Camp Program Director | 2009 | – | 2010 |
| Alex Cantor | Camp Program Director | 2011 | – | 2012 |
| Lucas Blinn | Camp Program Director | 2013 | – | 2014 |
| Mike Migliore | Camp Program Director | 2015 | – | Present |
*Initial Arrowheads were not dated, but are in the order that they were mounted the in Dining Hall.
^ Daniel M. Groth held two positions while he was employed at Camp Sequassen; Camp Director and Ranger.
Currently Arrowheads are displayed at the Trading Post which is now operating from the old Cook’s Shack.
The Arrow Head Project
Can you help us, we are looking for information.
While the camp has changed significantly, especially in the last 21 years we want to continue many of the traditions which were adopted in the past. One of those is to recognize those who have held key positions important to the welfare and success of Camp Sequassen. In doing this a policy was established where an arrowhead is displayed, in camp, for those currently in these positions. Additionally to create framed lists of those having held a position in the past. To this end we are asking for as much information as we can get. Do contact contact us if you can help, we would like to have as complete and accurate a record as is possible.
Mainly we are looking for missing; dates, completeness of names, the correct spelling and the like. In addition anyone able to verify what has been gathered already would also be appreciated. Verification can be in the form of pictures, documents and the like, but they can also be recollections, though please let us know how sure you are.
List reflects what we have as of; 2/25/2020
Related Links
Year Round Camping
CT–Yankee Summer Camp
National's NCAP
National's Outdoor Programs
SAA Home
Owaneco Home
Explore Sequassen’s Continuous Improvement Portals
To Sequassen Facility Maintenance
Explore Sequassen’s Facility Maintenance Portals
Major Work Party
Sponsored By
The Camp Sequassen
Maintenance Committee
And Ranger Dave
As you might imagine it takes a lot of work to keep Camp Sequassen going, what you may not know is that very little of that work is contracted out, most of the work happens because of the volunteer, volunteers like you and I lending a hand under the direction of Ranger Dave and the Maintenance Committee. To this end the Maintenance Committee in addition to their own efforts, sponsors a Major Work Party each Spring. These work events play a vital part in making Camp Sequassen the best camp around!
Enjoy videos of past Major Work Parties
Leary Hammer Award
The Leary Hammer Award, presented by the Camp Sequassen Maintenance Committee, each year, is awarded to the hardest working Friend to Camp Sequassen self-evident in their efforts to serve youth in Scouting by maintaining;
“Camp Sequassen as the Best Camp Around”
The Leary Hammer Award was named in memory of Michael Leary by his friends and fellow Camp Sequassen Maintenance Committee members. Mike served on the committee with distinction as the Vice Chairman from 1995 until his death in 2000. Having joined the committee in the early 1990’s, Mike was instrumental throughout by his hard work and personal generosity insuring Camp Sequassen was the best it could be, ready to serve youth in Scouting.
Recipients
2001 Mike Devlin
2002 Roger Poggio
2003 Doris Ieva
2004 Mark Clark
2005 Tony LaRussa
2006 Bob Conniff
2007 John Burke
2008 Dan Cooley
2009 Mike Kennedy
2010 Bob Cairns
2011 Carl Flodquist
2012 Joe Woyciesjes
2013 Tom Gordon
2014 Karl Helff
2020 Not Awarded due to COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions
CSMC & Events
The Camp Sequassen Maintenance Committee
Is a group of fun loving volunteers working side by side with Ranger Dave dedicated to making Camp Sequassen the best of its kind – unsurpassed in support of Scouting’s Programs. Taking a lead in ensuring Sequassen’s facilities and grounds are safe and in good repair, as well as supporting the many Program needs, is our mission.
Today’s Maintenance Committee is a subcommittee of the Council Camping Committee, with beginnings going back to circa 1965. As then, the committee continues to be a strong force in shaping the Camp Sequassen of today. Working closely with Ranger Dave Boyajian, Sequassen’s Maintenance Committee Chairman Pat Maxim and the committee continue in this tradition.
Major Work Parties
Sponsored by the Camp Sequassen Maintenance Committee and Ranger Dave. Sorry you must be 18 years of age or older. See the Major Work Party Portal.
Mini Work Parties
Are by design smaller, primarily attended by CSMC members. Mini work parties are normally held on the second Saturday, in; September, November, January, February, March, April and June for October the weekend is sometimes chosen to avoid the Columbus Day weekend. Check the CSMC Calendar for exact dates. We meet at the Shop at 8:00 AM. Sorry you must be 18 years of age or older.
Friends of Camp Sequassen Thursday’s
Is a special gathering of volunteers, sponsored by the Camp Sequassen Maintenance Committee whose primary mission is to lend Ranger Dave a helping hand, on the days preceding CSMC sponsored work parties. We promise that when you leave at the end of the day you will be taking home a good feeling of accomplishment. Sorry you must be 18 years of age or older. Contact the CSMC Chairman.
Special Work Events
Often facilitated by the Camp Sequassen Maintenance Committee. The age limitation varies, please inquire. Contact the CSMC Chairman.
Scheduled Events
EVENT
MONTH & YEAR
DATE – DAY
NOTES
Mini Work Party
September 2020
12th. – 2nd. Sat
Mini Work Party
October 2020
17th. – 2nd. Sat
Mini Work Party
November 2020
14th. – 2nd. Sat
Mini Work Party
January 2021
9th. – 2nd. Sat
Mini Work Party
February 2021
13th. – 2nd. Sat
Mini Work Party
March 2021
13th. – 2nd. Sat
Mini Work Party
April 2021
10th. – 2nd. Sat
Major Work Party
May 2021
22nd. – 4th. Sat
Mini Work Party
June 2021
12th. – 2nd. Sat
Mini Work Party
September 2021
11th. – 2nd. Sat
Mini Work Party
October 2021
16th. – 3rd. Sat
Mini Work Party
November 2021
13th. – 2nd. Sat
Mini Work Party
January 2022
8th. – 2nd. Sat
Mini Work Party
February 2022
12th. – 2nd. Sat
Mini Work Party
March 2022
12th. – 2nd. Sat
Mini Work Party
April 2022
9th. – 2nd. Sat
Major Work Party
May 2022
21st. – 3rd. Sat
Mini Work Party
June 2022
11th. – 2nd. Sat
Mini Work Party
September 2022
10th. – 2nd. Sat
Mini Work Party
October 2022
15th. – 3rd. Sat
Mini Work Party
November 2022
12th. – 2nd. Sat
Reports
It is not one person, nor one group, that can be credited for the
Continuous Improvement at Camp Sequassen.
It is everyone working together with a common goal, to make; Camp Sequassen the best it can be,
for the; scouts, the moment, our nation and the world.