Scouts of America Seek Final $10,000 to Rebuild Hurricane-Damaged Kiwanis Pavilion at Camp Flying Eagle
The Southwest Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America is making a final push to raise the last $10,000 needed to complete its $40,000 goal for rebuilding the Kiwanis Pavilion at Camp Flying Eagle, a historic Scout camp in Manatee County.
The original pavilion, a longtime gathering space at the camp, was destroyed during the hurricanes in Fall 2024. Rebuilding it has become a top priority for the Council, both to restore a key facility and to honor a decades-long partnership with the Kiwanis Club, which helped build original camp structures as early as the 1930s.
A Tradition of Outdoor Leadership Since 1929
Located on 185 scenic acres along the Upper Manatee River, Camp Flying Eagle has been a central site for outdoor adventure, leadership training, and Scouting tradition since 1929. It is one of the oldest continuously operated Scout camps in Florida.
Facilities at the camp include a swimming pool, rifle and archery ranges, a climbing wall, canoe docks, and trails for hiking and nature study. The camp serves youth from across Southwest Florida and hosts a wide range of programs for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing Crews, and the Order of the Arrow. The property is also rented by outside organizations, school groups, and community partners for educational and recreational events.
Why the Pavilion Matters
The Kiwanis Pavilion was more than a shelter—it was a hub for campwide gatherings, skits, award ceremonies, leadership sessions, and family events. The new structure will once again serve as a centerpiece for these activities, enhancing the camp’s ability to host large events and provide all-weather protection for youth programs.
So far, supporters have helped raise $30,000 toward the $40,000 project. The Scouts are now seeking the final $10,000 to complete construction this summer.
Join the Final Push
Community members, alumni, and organizations are invited to contribute to this final fundraising phase. Donations will help cover the remaining construction costs, site enhancements, and commemorative features. Every contribution will help rebuild a space where thousands of young people gather to learn, grow, and lead.
To donate, visit Southwest Florida Council of the Boy Scouts of America or email Charles.Vonderheid@scouting.org.
Help rebuild a legacy and invest in the next century of Scouting.
