The Wilderness Engineering Society is an organization comprised of volunteers that provide support to the Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation. Their mission is to help sustain the property and buildings of Makajawan through capital donations, property management and support, (plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and other skills), and long-term planning. The WES has over 200 volunteers of various ages, backgrounds, skill sets, and talents that provide their support at no cost to the Northeast Illinois Council.

HISTORY

The Wilderness Engineering Society was founded by Ambrose Cantagallo, and began with a small group including Vic Killian, Lloyd Moon and others who saw a need to give back to Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan. These men worked with the camp ranger to perform basic maintenance, prepare camp for the upcoming summer, and assist with closing at the end of each season.

In 1945, the founders saw the need for more formality and adopted the name the Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Service Force. It was during this year that the first Worker’s Weekend was held. Over 150 volunteers traveled to camp to maintain and improve camp over a weekend, a tradition that remains to this day. In 1972, the organization’s name was officially changed to the Wilderness Engineering Society.

Realizing the need to obtain more support through the years, the founders recruited members such as Al Moore, Syl Reitmeyer, Don “Swanie” Swanson, Ernie Garner, Don Tiffany, Joe Faye, and countless others to assist with planning and completion of projects. These members also played a vital role serving as advocates and lending their support to make sure Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan remained the superior camping experience cherished by so many. Today, under the leadership of current chair John Hopkins and a volunteer board of directors, the Wilderness Engineering Society members continue to provide service that remains true to our founders’ objectives.

CONTACT

For more information about joining the Wilderness Engineering Society or the services the WES provides, please contact John Hopkins or Bob Boutin.