This weekend US Senator Richard Blumenthal was joined by State Representatives Hector Arzeno (D-151), Steve Meskers (D-150) and leaders from Greenwich Scouting to don hardhats and break ground on a new bridge at Camp Seton.
The bridge was wiped out in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida in September 2021.
Flanked by Greenwich Scouting leaders, US Senator Richard Blumenthal speaks with members of Troop 5 at Camp Seton on Jan 27, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
The sudden, heavy rain had overwhelmed a stream that feeds into Lake Hillegas, causing it to forge a new path that wiped out an embankment and 25 trees, and destroyed the bridge.
The bridge is a key link between main parts of the 240-acre Scout Camp that was established in 1912. The property features private woodlands, two lakes and five miles of hiking trails.
The House delegation was able to secure $250,000 funding for the bridge repair from the Connecticut Dept of Economic and Community Development.
Back in July, Meskers, Arzeno and State Rep Rachel Khanna (D-149) visited Camp Seton to survey the damage to the bridge for themselves.
Six months later, Saturday was a joyful milestone.
At Camp Seton, Council President Wayne Plewniak, US Senator Richard Blumenthal, Hector Arzeno, Steve Meskers, Scouting Executive Kevin O’Shea and Dev Hawley. Jan 27, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
“This rebuilding is going to make it possible for this property to continue to be a gem,” Blumenthal said.
“This project is vital because we needed access to the Nature education center, which is one of our premiere programs here at the Greenwich Council Boy Scouts,” said Scout Executive Kevin O’Shea.
“It’s very gratifying that we can bring grants back to our community, especially for an institution like the Boy Scouts of America,” Arzeno said.
For more than two years after the bridge was wiped out, a large detour within the Scout reservation was required.
The bridge work is anticipated to be completed by spring, in time for summer camp.
Leadership at Greenwich Scouting are working with the Army Corps of Engineers, the Town’s Wetlands Agency and S.E. Minor & Co on the repairs.
Since its inception in 1912, Greenwich Scouting goals have remained the same, emphasizing youth adventure, leadership, learning, outdoor exploration, and perhaps most importantly, service. The Greenwich Council is proud of its over 100 year legacy in providing the finest youth leadership program in the nation.
More about Greenwich Scouting is available online.
Click here for information on Camp Seton summer camp.
See also:
Camp Seton Features Fishing, Boating, Archery & Friendship in the Great Outdoors
Shovels in the ground! Council President Wayne Plewniak, US Senator Richard Blumenthal, State Rep Hector Arzeno, State Rep Steve Meskers, Kevin, Dev Hawley and Roy Abramowitz. Jan 27, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
Equipment in place to begin bridge work at Camp Seton. Jan 25, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
US Senator Richard Blumenthal speaks with members of Troop 5 on Jan 27, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
State Rep Steve Meskers and Wayne Plewniak at Camp Seton. Jan 27, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
At Camp Seton: State Rep Steve Meskers (D-150), VP for Finance Jim Adams, VP Marketing Louisa Greene, and State Rep Hector Arzeno (D-151). Jan 27, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager