The Knox County Foundation (KCF) funded a $4,600 grant to Camp Cornish recently, allowing the camp to purchase new furniture for the lodge’s meeting space.
Camp Cornish was established in 1946, when the deed for the camp was transferred to Mount Vernon Girl Scouts. One year later, the Mount Vernon Rotary Club built a log cabin lodge on the property, and in 2006, the club assisted with the demolition of the old building. A new lodge was dedicated in May 2008, KCF Program Director Lisa Lloyd told the Mount Vernon News.
In a tweet Sept. 3, KCF said the new updates will make the meeting space better suited for use by nonprofits and local organizations.
“The committee funded this request because it was a one-time need for the camp which would benefit multiple organizations throughout the county who utilize the camp,” Lloyd said.
KCF has a priority list for grants, utilizing a grants committee of community and board members, Lloyd said. These members evaluate each grant and make a funding decision, which must be made to tax-exempt private agencies, public charities, schools and universities or governmental agencies.
Recently, Camp Cornish has seen an increase in organizations using the lodge as a meeting space.
“New furniture that is able to be easily moved and rearranged is needed in order to meet the needs of this new clientele,” Lloyd said. “Nesting tables will be purchased for easy meeting space setup, and new folding chairs that fit on a compact dolly will allow the space to be easily rearranged and put away for storage when needed.”
A smart TV with HDMI capabilities will also benefit those who need to project their computer screens for meetings, Lloyd said.
The camp is used primarily by the Girl and Boy Scouts as well as by other nonprofits for meeting space and team-building activities, Lloyd said. Others may rent it for private parties, such as weddings or family reunions, making this a source of revenue for Camp Cornish.
“Camp Cornish offers 15 acres of forested land bordered by beautiful farmland and river,” Lloyd said.
Grounds include the Cornish Lodge and a primitive camping area.
Funds for the campsite were provided by KCF, the Ariel Foundation and private donors, contributing to the new lodge built in 2007, Lloyd said. The property is managed by the Camp Cornish Foundation.
Organizations or individuals interested in using the camp can find more information on the camp’s website at www.campcornish.org, Lloyd said.
