The Black Swamp Area Council is excitied to share progress and opportunities surrounding Cooper Lodge with the Keith Hubbard Dining Hall at Camp Lakota, our premier outdoor leadership center in Defiance County.
This summer marked the first season of operation for the Keith Hubbard Dining Hall, a state-of-the-art facility that now serves as the heart of Camp Lakota. Nestled in front of the newly dedicated Armed Forces Memorial Parade Field, Cooper Lodge is already transforming the camp experience for thousands of youth across our region.
Challenge Grant from the Defiance Area Foundation
At the recent Defiance Area Foundation (DAF) annual meeting—held in Cooper Lodge’s Keith Hubbard dining hall—the foundation honored the council and announced a $25,000 matching challenge grant from DAF to help close the remaining $200,000 funding gap for Cooper Lodge. The Black Swamp Area Council are proud to report that $5,000 has already been raised toward this match, and the Black Swamp Area Council invite you to help us meet this challenge and finish funding this vital facility.
As Scout Executive Marc Kogan shared with DAF members:
“Let’s rise to the challenge and continue to build the camp and the community and inspire its greatness … and invest in our future. Scouting works—and works because of people like yourselves who support it.”
Brick Campaign – Leave Your Legacy
The Black Swamp Area Council continue to offer a meaningful way for individuals, families, and organizations to leave a lasting mark at Camp Lakota through our Over the Top Brick Campaign. Bricks will be installed in Spring 2026 and are available at the following levels:
- Small Paver (4x8) – $125 (no logo)
- Medium Paver (8x8) – $350 (logo optional)
- 4-Brick Array of 8x8 – $1,500 (custom logo available)
You can order your brick online at:
www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/blackswampbsa
Additional Ways to Support
There are still naming opportunities available within Cooper Lodge starting at $25,000. You can also contribute through these dedicated sub-campaigns:
- Adrian W. Kisor Fund: https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/449/appeal/7845
- Charlie Duerk Memorial: https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/449/appeal/5980
Every gift—large or small—helps the Council continue to deliver life-changing outdoor experiences and leadership development for youth across the Black Swamp Area Council.
Gifts towards the - Adrian W. Kisor Fund and the Charlie Duerk Memorial, along with the Brick Campaign are eligible to go towards the matching challenge. (Note, matching funds can not be applied towards the initial cost of the brick.)
For contributions to qualify for the challenge grant they must be committed by December 15, 2025.
Thank You
The Black Swamp Area Council are deeply grateful to the Cooper Family, Keith Hubbard Family Fund, the Defiance Area Foundation, and all our donors and volunteers who have helped bring Cooper Lodge to life. Your support ensures that Scouting remains strong and vibrant for generations to come.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Marc Kogan directly at Marc.Kogan@Scouting.org or (567) 208-5012.
.png)
