Camp Roland, located near Bastian, Va., is set to be sold after serving the Boy Scouts of America for about 90 years, according to Dan Trent, program chair, Mountain Dominion District, BSA.

“According to research performed by Ed Evans, long time Scouter and supporter of Camp Roland, the first “official” camp was held at Camp Roland Collar in June of 1933,” Trent said. “In the 90 years since, thousands of Scouts have participated in camporees and countless other events, learned leadership skills, and developed lifelong friendships at the beloved camp. Hundreds of volunteers have devoted countless hours to building and maintaining the camp.”

Many area businesses have also contributed to Camp Roland over the years, Trent said. The camp’s dining hall was sponsored by the Jewell Ridge Coal Company in 1948. The Bluefield Kiwanis Club built a large recreation lodge in 1949. The Welch Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, Welch Troops 9 and 66, and a few anonymous donors built several Adirondack type shelters in the forest beyond the dining hall. The Bluefield Lions Club build a hospital lodge and there were many supporters for the swimming pool built in the early 1950’s.

“It’s a matter of economics and decline in membership that’s caused the Buckskin Council to make this tough decision”