The Minsi Trails Council has voted to sell its prestigious Camp Trexler in Polk Township to Trexler Veterans Initiative for $7.8 million. Closing is expected by Oct. 1.

In a letter posted on Facebook Thursday the Council said in addition to the price, the council wanted to choose someone who desired the land to be used in its natural state and would allow access for future Scouting activities.

Mark Baylis, the founder of VALOR Clinic Foundation in Kunkletown, approached the Chestnuthill and Polk supervisors in January to present a plan to purchase the Trexler Boy Scout Camp adjacent to the Valor Clinic and house. He requested help with grant applications and said VALOR could use Camp Trexler to benefit veterans “and protect the serenity of where we have our homeless shelter out there in the West End.” The Minsi Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America announced last March it will consolidate its camping areas in the Poconos and sell Camp Trexler Reservation on Jonas Road in Polk Township to raise money for its contribution to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. Richard Christ, Scout executive and CEO, said the money is needed to resolve scouting related sexual abuse claims. There are more than 82,000 sexual abuse claims against BSA National. Under the Chapter 11 agreement, $2.7 billion must be contributed to a victim abuse fund. The local council’s contribution is $2.6 million. The Council said Thursday it has asked for input from 4,000 volunteers and parents about how to use the remaining funds.

In 2024, all camping operations will be moved to Camp Minsi on Stillwater Lake in Pocono Summit. The council said the consolidation is because of a decline in camping and Scouts. The Pocono Heritage Land Trust had been working on saving the land from development. “We’re looking for a partner who shares our passion for the natural world,” said Louise Troutman, executive director of the land trust. “We can’t pay more for land than its appraised value. While Pocono Heritage Land Trust hopes to be able to purchase the property, the asking price will likely be significantly higher than the appraised value.” In a release last fall, Troutman said, “Our goal is to protect the property forever. If we can’t do that by ourselves, we’re happy to work with another entity - a hunting club, church group, camp, family, or even an individual - and once they take ownership, to protect the land with them. We could purchase a portion of the undeveloped land outright or place some of the property under a conservation easement.”

The Camp Trexler property is 755 acres.