When camp was built in the 1930’s, the kitchen facilities was designed to feed about 200 people for the whole camp.  The walk in Ice Box Storage was probably huge by the standards of the day.  And with the railroad running right through the back of camp, both food and ice blocks were delivered on a weekly basis.  What a great set up.  When electricity was brought up to the Butte Meadows community in the 50’s, having an electrical refrigeration unit was a great upgrade to the food safety and storage.  For history buffs, the old original ice storage attic still exists above the walk-in that was used until the PG&E powered up Butte Meadows.

Today, the costs to operate camp can no longer support just having a total of 125 campers, 20 to 30 leaders and 20 to 30 staff members.  Each week, we have to have around 275 scouts, 50 to 60 adults and 60 plus staff members.   No way was the dry or cold foods storage built for this size of operation.  The current thought is to add-on to the back of the kitchen, expanding the dry food storage and make a bigger, taller walk-in box, and add a walk if freezer.    

It’s a one of the kind of projects that when we compare the need for storage vs. the other needs of the lodge, it’s at the bottom of the list, but at least we have a plan.  Just need about $125,000 to $150,000 dollars to get it done.

If you have an interest in this project, drop us a note and we will go over the status and specifics.