Camp Dart-Lo Lodge Project

Camp Dart-Lo is our 51-acre wooded day camp in north Spokane, located along the Little Spokane River. The camp has been in operation as a Camp Fire camp since 1945.

The camp's main Lodge was built in 1947, with the intention of the building being used during the summer season only. Other than necessary repairs and maintenance, very little construction work has been done on the Lodge since it was built. It is long overdue for a major overhaul. The modernization will bring the building's original footprint to one level and make it ADA accessible. Wheelchair accessible restrooms, a new kitchen, reception area and health room will be added. On the exterior, an ADA driveway, entrance and ramps will be added. Currently the closest restrooms are 75 yards from the Lodge. A major challenge in the past is that water to the Lodge must be shut off from November to April, making it impossible to use the Lodge year-round. A new septic system will accommodate the restrooms and a commercial dishwasher in the kitchen. The health room will allow camp staff to isolate and care for children who become ill at camp. A new HVAC system and weatherization, such as double paned windows, will also allow the Lodge to be used for year-round programming. Currently the Lodge is not air conditioned and is heated with a wood stove. The reception area will provide a secure point for parents signing in/out children and accepting general deliveries.

PROGRESS REPORT as of April 2, 2019: Phase 1, the north end of the building, is near completion with new flooring, HVAC, kitchen equipment and bathroom fixtures installed. DCI Engineers has completed a new septic design that will service both the renovated Lodge and the existing Flush free-standing restrooms. Permits are in place for the new septic system and drain field. Phase 2, on the north side of the building, is close to completing the permitting process and demolition will begin very soon. It will include a reception area, health room and staff space. Construction of Phase 2 and the septic system will commence in the spring, to be completed in May, in time for the summer camping season. When the project is complete, the rooms in blue (below) will be new.

The total budget for Phase 1 and 2 of the building is approximately $370,000. Currently Camp Fire Inland Northwest has secured just over $354,000 in private donations and grants. Grants awarded include $131,000 from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, $60,000 from the Harriet Cheney Cowles Foundation, $20,000 from Innovia Foundation (formerly the Inland Northwest Community Foundation) and $5,000 from Spokane Kiwanis Charities Foundation. Northeast Kiwanis Club is sponsoring the building of the rear deck. Additional fundraising efforts are currently underway. Special appreciation goes to Doug Mitchell of MMEC Architects and DCI Engineers for volunteering their services, along with Wayne Powell Painting for donating paint and painting supplies for the interior and exterior. Walker Construction is overseeing the construction.

The septic system is anticipated to cost approximately $60,000. We have received, and are currently seeking, funding from individuals, along with grant opportunities.

There are a variety of ways YOU can help support this project:

We are actively looking for tradespeople in carpentry, flooring, electrical and plumbing to donate their time and expertise. Each volunteer hour will drastically reduce the amount of cash needed to complete the project.

If you would like to support the Camp Dart-Lo Modernization project with a gift of money or time, please contact Steve Jurich, Executive Director, at 509-747-6191 or sjurich@campfireinc.org.

Camp Dart-Lo Lodge Project

Camp Dart-Lo Lodge Modernization Project