Camp Huisache receives development grant

The dream of a local first class Boy Scouts of America camp has been furthered with an $85,000 grant from the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation. The gift was recently presented to BSA South Texas Council leaders by members of the Martinez family at a ceremony at Camp Huisache and will secure the development of an Aquatic and Nature Center .

The grant will fund the construction of a floating pier, circular campsite, and nature trail at the community's youth camp. Camp development committee members, including architect Robert Sepulveda, committee chair Jorge M. Rosales, and J. Jorge Verduzco of International Bank of Commerce, said business and community support have helped advance the Camp Huisache Master Plan over the last 10 years.

Camp Huisache is located on 25.5 acres on the eastern shore of Lake Casa Blanca State Park . It is accessed from U.S. Highway 59.

The Aquatic Center will include an adjustable, pre-frabricated floating pier to be used for launching and docking canoes, sail boats, row boats, and a motorized flat-bottom boat. The pier would allow youth to enjoy fishing, swimming, and life-saving activities, and Boy Scouts to earn merit badges which were previously earned only at camps outside Laredo .

The Nature Center will develop the heavily wooded area at the shoreline into a circular campsite and nature trail that would allow for ecological studies. Scouts will be able to undertake merit badges in the areas of bird study, insect life, fish and wildlife management, nature, soil conservation, hiking, and camping.

The grant will support installation of wooden benches, branch-built bunkers, electrical power and lights, a small storage shed, wooden rope lashing exhibits, and water fountains. Most of the work will be conducted by adult Scout leaders who will strive to protect the natural vegetation.

Camp Hiusache was developed over the past 10 years with support from volunteers and generous donations from local businesses, the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust, civic organizations, the United Way , the City of Laredo , and Webb County .