It has been almost a year now since we brought up the possibility of a memorial fund for former Scoutmaster Doug Dittman, who died last September. It has taken a while to finalize this tribute, but plans are now in place.
At the Troop 701 reunion picnic last year, we discussed setting up a fund that would provide camp scholarships using interest on an initial principal investment. The amount of money needed for a permanent campership fund was very high, and we didn’t reach that goal. Instead, the Dittman family has indicated they would like our donations to be made to the Erie Shores Council, BSA in Toledo, where Doug grew up in Scouting as a boy, and then continued to volunteer as Campmaster and in other functions upon his return to Toledo.
The Erie Shores Council offered an alternative for us, and that was to name a part of Camp Miakonda, where Doug volunteered, after him. After walking the camp with the Assistant Scout Executive, Brian and Michael Dittman chose to have the popular zip line of the COPE course named for Doug, with a sign there bearing his name. The council also offered to make available to the troop a day of using the zip line in conjunction with a dedication ceremony. In addition, Doug’s name will be displayed in the lobby of the Erie Shores Council headquarters.
The troop has sent a letter to those who made pledges last year. We sincerely hope those who pledged can follow through and now provide the funds to help remember our great friend Doug. Donations are also welcomed from the broader Troop 701 family who might not have pledged at that time.
Please place the word “Dittman” in the memo line on any checks that are made payable and send to the following:
Erie Shores Council, BSA
Attn: Doug Dittman Memorial
P.O. Box 8728
Toledo, OH 43623
And if at all possible, please send this out by October 9. We very much appreciate your support in this very worthwhile tribute.
Sincerely,
Friends of Doug Dittman
