A Great Time was had at the 2026 Spring Campout

Over 35 people from the Pack 3228 scouting family gathered together at Camp Lily’s within the Howard Christensen Nature Center last weekend and had a blast! The Bear Den used their new whittling skills to carve sticks, many scouts learned how to start a fire, tie some knots, and decorated walking sticks.

The pack also took a hike across the property to the visitor center at Howard Christensen Nature Center. This was a bittersweet visit, as we all had an opportunity to learn about the wildlife that inhabits the natural areas of West Michigan, but it might be the last time we get to visit (or camp at) these facilities. The land that HCNC operates on was sold by the Kent Intermediate School District to the Land Conservancy of West Michigan.

The Land Conservancy does wonderful work keeping nature nearby and ensuring those lands don’t become developed. Unfortunately the work the HCNC does is not in the scope of the Land Conservancy’s operations. It’s likely that all the buildings will be demolished within the next year. They’re not giving up yet, though! Read more about the history and efforts to keep the nature center in operation here.

We certainly enjoyed our stay at Camp Lily’s and hope that there may be an opportunity to use the property again!

Here are a few photos from the Campout.