Camp BEL's History
Bert Eldon Langford
In the late 1980's, 1st Dorchester Scouting was growing rapidly, and meeting places were difficult to find. In 1988, Bob Braunton approached Bert Langford with a proposal to use his farm for Scouting activities. Bert thought this was a splendid idea. He wanted the youth of Dorchester Scouting to benefit from the use of his property.
Over the next few years, Bob and Ernie Reid supported the legal preparations for use of property. In 1990, Camp BEL (named after Bert Eldon Langford) officially opened with the first annual Dorchester International Brotherhood Camporee (DIBC.)
In 1993, Bert purchased the first two portable buildings for the camp at a cost of $23,500 "just to get us going". Later in the year he would purchase a third one.
Bert Eldon Langford died on January 18, 1994 at the age of 86. He was a very special man who will be missed by all. In his will, he left all his property and belongings to 1st Dorchester Scouting. A spruce tree was planted by the entrance of the camp in his memory. His ashes were spread in the woods of the property at Bert's request.
In 1995, another building was moved on to the property. In 1999, Camp BEL hosted Amikaro '99, the first Amikaro to ever be held overseas. The Camp continues to host many camps such as DIBC, Dorchester International Brotherhood Cuboree (DICC), and Genesis. Previously held camps include Dorchester Friendship Camp (DFC) and Dorchester High Adventure Clinic (DHAC).
Over the next few years, Bob and Ernie Reid supported the legal preparations for use of property. In 1990, Camp BEL (named after Bert Eldon Langford) officially opened with the first annual Dorchester International Brotherhood Camporee (DIBC.)
In 1993, Bert purchased the first two portable buildings for the camp at a cost of $23,500 "just to get us going". Later in the year he would purchase a third one.
Bert Eldon Langford died on January 18, 1994 at the age of 86. He was a very special man who will be missed by all. In his will, he left all his property and belongings to 1st Dorchester Scouting. A spruce tree was planted by the entrance of the camp in his memory. His ashes were spread in the woods of the property at Bert's request.
In 1995, another building was moved on to the property. In 1999, Camp BEL hosted Amikaro '99, the first Amikaro to ever be held overseas. The Camp continues to host many camps such as DIBC, Dorchester International Brotherhood Cuboree (DICC), and Genesis. Previously held camps include Dorchester Friendship Camp (DFC) and Dorchester High Adventure Clinic (DHAC).
