History 1980's

Structures continued to be built in the 1980's. A pavilion was constructed over the scoutcraft area in 1980 and in 1981 a pole barn and storage area was completed.

In 1981 the fee to attend camp was $55 for those who registered before June 1; there was a $5 late penalty for those who did not. Also in 1981 Camp Russell received its second Gold Seal Award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This made Camp Russell the only scout camp in the nation to receive the award twice.

In 1983 a nature trail system was developed and laid out by former staff members Tom Welch, Craig Greene, and bob Noble. The nature trail system consisted of two parts. The First Class trail, for the novice, ran through the main area of camp. The Eagle Trail, for the more advanced traversed through the conservation area. Three methods were created to explain the stations on the trails. A tour by a conservation staff member, a trail guide booklet, or a tape recorded self-guide is available to those wishing to use the trails.

In 1984 the conservation program received another boost when the Wood-Mizer Corporation of Indianapolis donated a portable saw mill to Cam Russell. Before this time trees felled at camp had to be transported over 50 miles in order to be turned into lumber. This donation allowed Camp Russell to mill its own lumber on camp property, thus saving costs for future camp projects.

At the National Scout Jamboree in 1985 Camp Russell and the General Herkimer Council received another award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Silver Jubilee Conservation Award. This was a one time only award presented to the council with the consistently best conservation program in the United States.

The second half of the 1980's saw more work on camp facilities. A camper's shower building was completed in 1986. In 1988 the camp council ring was redone. The work on the council ring included new benches and a stockade around the ring. The rifle and archery ranges were also refurbished in 1988. Explorer Post 46, of Herkimer, planned and built a fitness from for Camp Russell in 1989.