08/06/2026
This page has been quiet for quite some time. I originally created it during my four years as Ranger at Tunnel Mill Scout Reservation. Since many of you may not know my full connection to the camp, I wanted to share a little of that story.
My journey in Scouting began as an adult when my oldest son, Chris, joined in second grade. We stayed active together until he was about 16, and during those years we attended the final Boy Scout summer camp held at Tunnel Mill. That experience left a deep mark on my heart. It was there that I truly fell in love with the camp, its history, and what it meant to generations of young people and families.
Years later, I returned to Scouting when my youngest son, Lewis, became a Tiger Cub. From there, I served on Cub Camp staff as Fishing Director, spent 10 years as a BSA Shooting Sports Director, and also served as Medical Officer because of my EMT background. Tunnel Mill became much more than a place to volunteer — it became part of my life, my service, and my extended family.
When Tom Brown announced his retirement, I applied for the Ranger position at a time when I was also being offered early retirement from my career. It felt like the right step, and I was honored to serve as Ranger for nearly four years. I loved the work, the people, and the opportunity to give back to the Scouting community that had given so much to me and my family.
As I got older, I began to realize that the long hours and physical demands were taking a toll on me. Around age 65, I stepped back into a behind-the-scenes support role, helping Bill as he continued as Ranger until the camp officially closed.
Even though I knew it was a possibility, hearing that Tunnel Mill would be closed and sold was heartbreaking. I had spent a great deal of time and effort working on a plan that I believed could preserve not only the property, but also the spirit, purpose, and integrity of what Tunnel Mill had represented for nearly 100 years.
That plan led me to reactivate my Indiana real estate broker’s license, which required a significant investment of both money and time. I also hoped to work with my friend and neighbor Tracy Long Jones, a direct descendant of John Work, in a way that would honor his legacy while protecting the camp’s long history of service to youth and families in Kentucky and Indiana.
I was told that I would have the chance to present a marketing plan to the Lincoln Heritage Council, and I moved forward in good faith. Unfortunately, that opportunity never came.
Even so, my heart for Tunnel Mill has never changed. I still believe this special place can continue to serve the community in a meaningful way. I am open to any ideas, conversations, or partnerships that might help make that happen. While I have not been involved in the efforts to this point that have fallen short, I remain willing to work with anyone who shares the goal of preserving the integrity of Tunnel Mill and its legacy of service.
This camp has meant too much to too many people to simply let that story end without trying.
