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The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., February 3, 1966, page 1

CAMP COLUMBIA HEARING HELD

A hearing into the conditions and operation of Camp Columbia near White Salmon was held in Superior Court here last Wednesday before Judge Ross Rakow. The court's finding was that the camp was being run satisfactorily for the most part by the operator, Major F.H. Blake, but several improvements were needed.
The court directed that a governing body be established within 60 days, that the water supply the sampled to determine if it were free of bacteria, and that Blake give his complete cooperation to the authorities.
The hearing was based on a petition from Harold Davidson, juvenile probation officer, prepared under the direction of Judge Rakow.
Testifying at the hearing, Davidson said he had numerous contacts with run-away boys from Camp Columbia who had complained about corporal punishment at the camp, that the food was "rotten", that the dormitory was unheated and that there was no opportunity for hobbies or movies. The run-away boys also complained about the treatment and attitude of Eddie Scarboro, who assist with the operation of the camp.
Davidson testified that he went to the camp to see first-hand what conditions actually were and he observed "filth and garbage in the kitchen area and outside the buildings" and he felt the place was "not as clean as it could be."
On this visit Davidson said Blake was not cooperative and gave Davidson a tongue-lashing. Although in an earlier visit, Davidson said Blake had been quite cooperative.
Dr. R.W. Case, sanitaran for the Klickitat County Health Department, testified he had made several trips to the camp and he had conducted a complete inspection of the facilities in March, 1965. At that time, he said there was a problem with the sewage system, practices in the kitchen were not meeting the public health standards and the water samples contained chloroform bacteria, which could cause intestinal problem.
Dr. Case said Blake took care of the sewage problem immediately and corrected the kitchen practices but that he still had not gotten the water supply cleaned up, or at least he had not had a sample of water that passed inspection.
Mrs. Susan Aunet, representative of the State Department of Public Assistance from Olympia, testified that Camp Columbia was not licensed by the state and had not met the criteria for exemption of licensing, such as proof that the camp had a governing body to oversee the operation. In order to qualify for financial assistance from the state, such institutions must be licensed and approved by the department, she said.
Testimony was then taken from the boys who had given statements to Davidson. This testimony was given in the Judge's Chambers with the attorneys, Alf Jacobson, prosecuting attorney, and Howard Dent of Gardiner, attorney for Blake, the only persons present.
Following the appearance of the boys, Blake was invited to tell the court his side of the story and this was also given in the Judge's Chambers through questions by his attorney. Blake said he had been operating the camp for the past 16 years and boys are recommended to the camp through all channels. His charge to reach boy is $50 dollars a month, which is paid by a parent, relative or other agency. The camp also received about $2000 each year in contributions from a fund drive in December. Blake receives social security since he gets no salary from the camp and this is also used to help keep the camp running.
When asked about the water supply, Blake said he tried to clean up the source after being advised of the impurity by Dr. Case but had not been successful so he installed a chlorinator in November at a cost of $200 which he thought had cleared up the water.
Blake informed the judge that the dormitory had hot water heat and each room had a radiator. The furnace was operated all the time during cold weather and Blake felt certain that the heat was adequate.
When asked about the food, Blake gave a description of typical meals which included hot cereal, toast and eggs for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and roast or fish, potatoes and green vegetable for dinner.
For leisure time activities, Blake said the boys do model car building, ceramics work under the direction of Mrs. Blake and play checkers or chess. During the summertime, they work in the woods or hay fields. He pointed out that some farmers in the area prefer to have his boys work for them during the summer.
When asked about Eddie Scarboro, Blake said he was a orphan who had been with him many years. Scarboro, 24, had served in the Air Force, joining when he was 17, and he returned to the camp to help out as sort of a handyman. He is taking a correspondence course for his high school diploma at present since he dropped out of school. He is paid $5 a week for working at the camp, Blake said.
Following Blake's testimony, the court was recessed and the judge conferred with the attorneys after which court was reopened in the court room. The prosecuting attorney stated that the issue in the hearing appeared primarily to be that the camp become property licensed, that Dr. Case inspect the facilities and determine if they were adequate and that the water is acceptable and further investigation be made into the actions of Scarboro.
Blake's attorney asked the court for a finding that the food is not inadequate and that there is not excessive corporal punishment. Dent assured the court that the statutory requirements would be met for the camp to be licensed with a board as constituted in December to become an effective governing body.
Judge Rakow commented from the bench that the court applauds Blake's actions in terms of discipline at the camp and he added that the guidance given by Blake is satisfactory; not exemplary. "It is important", Rakow said, "that the court know the workings of the home and the court needs cooperation to do its job." Judge Waco said the court found that the food is adequate and that the health of the children is not in danger. The court will help and assist Blake in complying with regulations and meeting the standards so that the home can qualify for state aid and financial assistance, Rakow continued. April 6 was set up as the date by which Camp Columbia should have a board set up and functioning, but the judge said additional time would be given if needed.
Rakow also directed Davidson to make further inquiry into the food and see what the atmosphere is at the home. A water sample was to be taken immediately by Dr. Case and the court will inquire into Scarboro's actions to find a way to improve his role at the home.
In concluding the hearing, Judge Rakow ordered the cooperation of Blake in working with proper authorities to make the camp acceptable to the court in all respects.