Last updated: December 23, 2023
Place
Cascade Boy Scout Camp
Photograph by Robert McDaniel, courtesy of the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office
Quick Facts
Location:
Adjacent to Lime Creek Rd., San Juan National Forest, Durango, Colorado
Significance:
Architecture, Entertainment/Recreation, Social History
Designation:
Listed in the National Register - Reference number 88001529
MANAGED BY:
Cascade Boy Scout Camp, also known as the Cascade Lodge, in Durango, Colorado was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. The lodge is significant as an institution constructed to meet the needs of the region's youth, as well as its Rustic architecture and unique cross plan.
By the late 1920s, Durango had three boy scout troops - two sponsored by the First Baptist Church, and the third sponsored by the American Legion. While the troops had regularly organized summer camp experiences at various sites nearby, the three troops decided to build a cabin where summer camp activities could be headquartered. After selecting a site in the San Juan National Forest, the boy scout committee commenced construction on the cross-shaped building in 1928, which was completed in 1929.
Besides boy scout troops from across the country, the lodge also hosted church groups, 4-H clubs, and individuals from the region. The camp ran programs for both boy and girl campers, although separately, and the campers participated in hiking trips, arts and crafts, and volleyball games.
Due to financial hardships brought on by the Great Depression, the scout committee sold the camp in the 1930s. It was purchased by Rebecca Apple in 1936, who planned on using the property to host a summer camp for girls and young women. Apple made major improvements to the property, satisfying the standards of the American Camping Association and allowing her to secure a special use permit by the Forest Service. She was only able to run the camp in a limited capacity before her death in 1956, and the camp was sold to a private buyer. The property was offered for free to Master Plan Ministries in 1987, and it was restored the following year, sparing it from demolition. Currently, the property is used as a retreat center.
By the late 1920s, Durango had three boy scout troops - two sponsored by the First Baptist Church, and the third sponsored by the American Legion. While the troops had regularly organized summer camp experiences at various sites nearby, the three troops decided to build a cabin where summer camp activities could be headquartered. After selecting a site in the San Juan National Forest, the boy scout committee commenced construction on the cross-shaped building in 1928, which was completed in 1929.
Besides boy scout troops from across the country, the lodge also hosted church groups, 4-H clubs, and individuals from the region. The camp ran programs for both boy and girl campers, although separately, and the campers participated in hiking trips, arts and crafts, and volleyball games.
Due to financial hardships brought on by the Great Depression, the scout committee sold the camp in the 1930s. It was purchased by Rebecca Apple in 1936, who planned on using the property to host a summer camp for girls and young women. Apple made major improvements to the property, satisfying the standards of the American Camping Association and allowing her to secure a special use permit by the Forest Service. She was only able to run the camp in a limited capacity before her death in 1956, and the camp was sold to a private buyer. The property was offered for free to Master Plan Ministries in 1987, and it was restored the following year, sparing it from demolition. Currently, the property is used as a retreat center.