Dakota Moose Go to Camp!! Camp Ross to be Exact!!

I want to start by thanking Gary Urwiler – (Executive Director of Operations of Mooseheart) and Jon Call – (Camp Ross) for the honor and privilege to be welcomed into Camp Ross. And to Shawn Schoepp – Territory Manager in the Plains West Region #37 (Minnesota and the Dakotas) for the fortitude of bringing both Associations together for the betterment of the Moose, putting boundaries aside and looking toward the future of our fraternity.

Back in 2023, Moose Legion 42 President Kirk Schoepp and Moose Legion Rushmore 39 Vice President Tim Kearns decided they wanted to do a joint President’s project at Camp Ross to help Jon get the camp ready for the summer and those amazing kids who would be attending.

Once the project had been approved by Mr. Urwiler and Jon Call, Kirk and Tim opened a sign up for all Dakota Association members to join the two Moose Legion jurisdictions for a “work weekend” at Camp Ross. Once North and South Dakota had had time to sign up, it was then offered for Minnesota to join in on the shenanigans as well.

We had a total of fifteen people from the following Lodges /Chapters and Moose Legion Jurisdictions represented: Maplewood, MN (2 members) 963/563 (391 miles), Aberdeen, SD (2 members) 590/178 (647 miles), Rapid City, SD (5 members) 1137/1221 (820 Miles), Bismarck, ND 302 (1 member) (793 miles) , Mandan, ND Chapter 1374 (1 member) (797 miles), Minot, ND 822 (2 members) (853 Miles), Williston, ND (3 Members) 239/252 (1000 Miles) and Moose Legion Jurisdiction’s NoDak #42, Rushmore #39 and NorthStar #144. If that does not show the power of the Moose in the Midwest, I do not know what would.

The main objective of the weekend was to help Jon Call and Ted Norton. Members were looking to take some of the workload off these industrious employees. Most arrived on Thursday with those travelling the farthest pulling in Friday before noon. Jon had goals and aspirations that he wanted to get accomplished which included repairs, plumbing, painting, cleaning windows and shutters, cleaning in the mess hall kitchen as well as the mess hall, cleaning six cabins and the bathrooms and staining the Director’s cabin. Each person took a task and got the job done. The goals were lofty, but everyone lived up to “A burden heavy to one is borne lightly by many.” We were able to get about 2 ½ months of work off Jon and Ted’s plate so they could focus on other projects.

Southwest Oilfield Company donated all the cleaning and safety supplies for the weekend. Their gift included many items that will last the full year and continue to benefit Camp Ross. The generous donation was appreciated. The Williston Moose Legion Committee donated all the food for the weekend. Everyone brought a giving attitude, devoted spirit and many had specific skills that the camp was able to utilize.

Dakota Moose Association, Moose Legions 42 & 39 and I CHALLENGE all Moose Legions, Chapters and Associations, specifically those closer to Camp Ross, to set up a work weekend. Gather a group of workers and contact Jon Call. If this was something done continuously, the change would be exponential. If you are approved for your project, let Jon know exactly what specific skills of the people that are coming. Examples are carpenters, cleaners, mechanics, electricians or even those who love to paint. This allows Jon to get projects ready for those coming to maximize talent and time. But do not be discouraged if you do not believe you have a “specific” skill. The best skill that anyone could bring is the “Bully” spirit of The Dakotas’ beloved Teddy Roosevelt. The passion to help others and pull up your bootstraps and help someone for the sake of helping. Camp Ross is never without maintenance, cleaning, and projects. From getting ready to open the camp to closing the camp and everything in between. The key to success is the willingness to help and a humble nature. Take a great point from Scouting and “Always remember to make it better than when you arrived.”

 

Fraternally yours

Duane Winter

Williston Lodge 239 Vice President

Nodak 42 Financial Director