November 6, 2026
A New Chapter for Camp Bomazeen and Scouting in Central Maine
For more than 80 years, Camp Bomazeen has been a treasured part of Scouting’s history in central Maine. Established in 1945 through the generosity and vision of Dr. George G. Averill and other dedicated community leaders, the camp was created to provide young people with opportunities to experience the outdoors, develop leadership skills, build character, and create lifelong friendships. Located on the shores of Great Pond in Belgrade, Camp Bomazeen has welcomed generations of Scouts and volunteers, creating traditions and memories continuing to this day.
Today, we are pleased to celebrate an important new chapter in the history of this treasured property.
On October 21, 2026, Pine Tree Council, Scouting America, completed the sale of Camp Bomazeen to 7 Lakes Alliance, a respected local conservation organization dedicated to protecting the natural resources of the Belgrade Lakes region.
This transaction represents a tremendous opportunity to preserve the past while investing in the future.
Through this partnership, approximately 280 acres of forests, wetlands, shoreline, and other important natural resources will be permanently protected for future generations. The natural beauty making Camp Bomazeen such a special place will remain an enduring part of the Belgrade Lakes landscape.
Equally important, the agreement provides opportunities for Scouts to continue camping and enjoying outdoor experiences at Camp Bomazeen. While ownership of the property has changed, its connection to Scouting will continue. Future generations of Scouts will have opportunities to experience the same traditions, adventures, and outdoor learning long associated with Camp Bomazeen.
The successful completion of this transaction was made possible through the cooperation and commitment of many individuals and organizations, including the leadership of 7 Lakes Alliance, Pine Tree Council’s volunteer leadership, and the Bomazeen Old Timers. The 7 Lakes Alliance reached a separate agreement with the Bomazeen Old Timers to continue their support and advancement of the property and continued use by our Scouting family.
Perhaps the most significant long-term benefit of this transaction is the opportunity it creates for the future of Scouting in central Maine.
In accordance with the Maine court’s ruling regarding the property, the proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to supporting Scouting in central Maine. Rather than using these funds for short-term operating needs, Pine Tree Council intends to establish a separately managed investment fund, overseen by the Council, providing ongoing financial support for Scouting programs and services in the region.
Through responsible investment and a disciplined spending policy, these funds can become a lasting resource to strengthen Scouting for generations to come.
This financial foundation will help support the growth of Scouting, provide resources for local units and volunteers, expand outdoor and leadership opportunities, and help make the Scouting experience accessible to more young people throughout central Maine.
The investment earnings can help support Scouting services, youth programs, camperships, membership development, and other initiatives directly benefiting the young people and communities in Central Maine.
The sale of Camp Bomazeen is therefore much more than a real estate transaction. It is an opportunity to accomplish three important goals:
- Protect the land forever through permanent conservation of a treasured natural resource.
- Preserve the Scouting connection by providing opportunities for Scouts to continue enjoying Camp Bomazeen and its outdoor traditions.
- Invest in future generations by creating a lasting financial resource dedicated to supporting Scouting in central Maine.
Pine Tree Council is grateful to everyone who has contributed to Camp Bomazeen’s rich history and to those who helped bring this important agreement to completion. We recognize the deep personal connections generations of Scouts, leaders, and volunteers have with this property, and we believe this new chapter honors its legacy while creating meaningful opportunities for the future.
From its founding in 1945 to its conservation in 2026, Camp Bomazeen’s legacy has always been about investing in young people. This historic agreement ensures its land will be protected, its Scouting traditions can continue, and its financial legacy will benefit the youth of central Maine for generations to come.
The land will be protected. The Scouting traditions will continue. And the proceeds will help strengthen Scouting in central Maine for generations to come.
That is a legacy worth celebrating.
Pine Tree Council, Scouting America
