BELGRADE (Portland Press Herald)- The Pine Tree Council of the Boy Scouts of America has decided Thursday to sell off Camp Bomazeen in order to pay off debt and save itself from financial ruin.

The camp would be celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, having been in service since 1945. It is with a heavy heart that the Boy Scout of America part with the property.

Scout Executive and CEO of the Pine Tree Council, Matt Klutzaritz, addressed the stress by stating that “It’s an emotional thing and not everyone is happy about it, but ultimately it’s to save Scouting in central and southern Maine. We’d hate to see it but it is possible people could be upset….At some point in the future we’ll run out of money if we don’t raise some cash.”

The financial strain the scouts are facing is due to in part by the coronavirus pandemic. Which has made raising funds for scout activities nearly impossible. The council reportedly has debt going back a few years, but at the open of 2020 was rather optimistic that some of their upcoming events and fundraisers would put a sizable dent in it. With the cancellation of these projects, the financial burden only worsened.

The Pine Tree Council is unfortunately not the only group of scouts losing camps. As nationwide, other scouting organizations are facing similar hardships, coupled with the same difficult decisions.

Camp Bomazeen is currently assessed by the town of Belgrade at just under $1million. The Scouts are optimistic to find a seller that is willing to have the scouts on the property for activities. However if a sale is not made within 45 days, the property will be auctioned off.

The future of the scouts in Maine is still uncertain, with other camps in-line to be sold if financial strains are not eased.