Published: Thursday, Oct. 08, 2009 / Updated: Thursday, Oct. 08, 2009 11:28 AM
A Legacy of a Lifetime
HICKORY GROVE --
More than 200 Boy Scouts and their leaders from 11 troops in York County held a dedication for Camp Conley Clarke on Saturday, Oct. 2 as part of their Camporee weekend.
Owners of the land, Conley and Neva Clarke donated 450 acres along Highway 211 at the Western edge of York County to establish the camp.
Conley Clarke passed away at the age of 83 in September 2006. His last wishes, along with his wife's desire, were to have the land stay natural and be used for youth.
“We did not have a connection to the Scouts, but wanted to encourage youth and make sure that we helped the community by not allowing the land to be developed as many other areas are becoming trailer parks and housing,” Neva Clarke said. “This way the land will stay in a natural state and the Scouts will have it forever.”
Mrs. Clarke stated that she and her husband did not have any involvement with the Scouts, but knew that the Scouts had a reputation for good land stewardship and would take care of the camp in its natural state.
The 450 acres include a pond, open fields and many acres of beautiful wooded natural areas for the scouts to use for primitive camping, sports, and education. The Scouts spent the past weekend camping, working on badges, digging a drainage ditch and making other improvements for the camp.
“To Protect Nature is the theme of this weekend” Brenda Wright said. Wright is the York District Activities and Civic Services Chairperson.
“We are working on badges while enjoying this natural area.”
On Saturday, the scouts dedicated the camp with an obelisk monument recognizing the Clarke's donation along with a favorite passage of Mr. Clarke's from “Building the Bridge for Him” written by W. A. Dromgoole in the early 1900s. Just three months prior to his death, Clarke recited the passage while meeting with Scout leadership. At that point, the Scouts realized, Clarke was a bridge builder for them.
“This camp will have a lasting effect on the boys” Wayne Bouldin of the York District said. Long term plans for the camp include cluster campsites with restrooms, a multi-use building, a picnic area, and a nature lodge.
“We are using local experts to finalize the long-term plans” added Bouldin.
Clarke and his wife lived on the property. He was an educator in the Gaston County School system until he retired in the early 1980s. He also served in WWII and was recalled to Korea as an officer where he was a Prisoner of War for nearly three years. He recounted his POW experience when he authored his book, “Journey Through Shadow”.
Clarke was a hard working nature lover. Just a month before Clarke died he was not feeling well one day, yet was out chopping wood. He arranged for the Cedar Ridge Hunt Club to mow and maintain the camp for the Scouts camporee events. His legacy will live on.
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