Our Rotary Club was founded in 1916.  At that time, the Rotary Club of Great Falls adopted Camp Rotary as their ServiceProject.  At Camp Rotary, the US Forest Service and the Rotary Club of Great Falls have maintained what has become the country's longest-standing lease of forest service land.

Five Year Improvement Plan printed in separate story.

 

            The camp has seen many changes and improvements over the years.  Did you know, the camp used to boast a concrete swimming pool?  And can you believe it was filled with the frigid water of Belt Creek!   Over the past nine decades, there have been literally thousands of Montanans whose lives have been impacted by their only lifetime camping experience, a stay at Camp Rotary.  Since 1917 Rotary Club members have dedicated their time and energy to the upkeep and maintenance of Camp Rotary.  Our current members have also committed themselves to this ongoing Service Project.

            Camp Rotary is presently in the midst of a six-phase improvement project, which has seen these improvements:  Phase 1, in 2004-2006 improved water supply, septic, fencing and roofing improvements valued at $64,746 were completed with 420 volunteer hours. Phase 2, completed in 2005, and included the construction of Centennial Pavilion, a 1500 square-foot outdoor covered area that was completed with 900 hours volunteered by Rotarians and at a cost of more than $70,000. Phase 3 is to complete a handicapped accessible Bath House for the camp.  This project is estimated to take $220,000 to complete and will require 300 hours of donated labor.  The bath house is currently under construction and will be completed in 2009. Phases 4 through 6 include rehabilitating the lodge, updating the sleeping cabins, and constructing recreation areas, all planned from 2009-2012 but dependent on future fund raising and grant writing efforts.

          Preliminary costs for the future improvement phases approach $1 million.  Rotary members and businesses have begun to make donations and 3-year pledges towards the completion of these projects.

          Your participation in this 91 year commitment to our Montana youth is now being requested.  Please consider what amount you, or your business or company are able to contribute today and possibly again the next two years towards the Camp Rotary Improvement Fund.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated by all the young folks being able to take a nice warm shower following a day of hiking, exercising, exploring and learning in the beautiful Belt Mountain surroundings. Tax deductible contributions can be made payable to Great Falls Rotary Foundation, a 501© 3 organization.

Thank you.