Dale Smith
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In 1978 the council hired Dale Smith, a full-time professional Scouter, as council program director.
As part of his duties he was charged with turning Camp Lowden around, and he assumed the duties of
camp director. Knowing that consistency, a good program, and a quality staff were the keys to success,
Dale focused on searching for a “cadre” of Scouting talent. In 1995 Camp Lowden lost a good friend when Dale passed away. Dale served as council program director from 1978 to 1988 and, as stated earlier, was instrumental in turning Camp Lowden around. In addition, under his guidance the Section 3-A Golden Arrow Award was presented to Wulapeju Lodge 140 for outstanding participation. After leaving our council Dale served as director of camping for the Great Trails Council, Akron, Ohio. Bruce Small recalls, Dale Smith was a wonderful man. He was a forthright, upstanding man who believed wholeheartedly in the Scouting movement. From my perspective, his encouragement and support gave me the strength to tackle the job of camp director. He was an incredible guiding light for me. He was always supportive, and he let me completely take the reins with only a gentle push in the right direction every now and then. Most often he would help me learn how to manage the camp and make the necessary decisions by stating “Boy, I am glad I am not camp director and have to make that decision,” when I would ask him what to do. While it was very frustrating and frightening at times, he forced me to learn to think and make decisions on my own. I will always be grateful to him for doing so. |