The Nome Nugget

Kings Lake Church Group Campers
Object to Rehabilitation Camp Plan

ANCHORAGE, (AP)--The King's Lake Camp Board of Trustees has wired Governor Egan it considers the state's plan to establish a juvenile delinquent rehabilitation center near the lake a threat to its camping program.

The board met Monday night with representatives of the groups that use the camp each year the Church of God, Campfire Girls, Church of the Nazarene, YMCA, Mariners, 4-H, Presbyterians, Later Day Saints, Military, American Baptists, Methodists and Lutherans. The Alaska Crippled Children's Association was not represented at the meeting.

The Rev. Frank Walkup, president of the board, signed a telegram to Egan which said in part: ". . . All present at last night's meeting were unanimous in their commendation of the basic concept of that youth conservation camp program (proposed by the state). Utmost concern has registered regarding the impact of this location on their camp program. Announcement of your plan has raised a vigorous protest among the parents of our campers and at least one user group has given notice that if your camp is established at this location they will be forced to seek camping elsewhere."

"re-consideration of a move that will tend to negate the positive training of over 1,200 youth and young adults each season. The board offers its services to assist you in establishing a youth conservation camp in an appropriate place. . ."

The Rev. Mr. Walkup said yesterday the state's plan to locate its center adjacent to Kings Lake Camp in the Wasilla area "is an unhappy one"

He said "There is lots of land available and our users have told us this is a real threat to their problems."