The Mount Pleasant City Council recognized a century of local Scouting history Wednesday by proclaiming 2026 as the 100th anniversary of Camp Eastman, honoring the camp’s lasting impact on generations of Scouts across southeast Iowa. Camp Eastman, located along the Mississippi River near Niota, Illinois, has served Scouts and youth organizations since 1926 and is celebrating its centennial this year.
Members of Mount Pleasant Boy Scout Troop 28 attended the meeting to accept the proclamation recognizing both Scouting America and Camp Eastman’s milestone anniversary.
Longtime Troop 28 leader Brad Holtkamp addressed the council, reflecting on his 25 years of involvement with the troop during Camp Eastman’s 100-year history. Holtkamp spoke about the positive influence Scouting has had on countless young people and said he has witnessed firsthand the character, leadership and life skills the program instills.
Holtkamp shared that his son earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2010 and expressed hope that more young people will become involved in Scouting. He said the program teaches youth to appreciate the outdoors, understand the world around them, and recognize their responsibility to care for it.
Also recognized during the meeting was Cub Scout leader Jason Vallone, who leads the largest Cub Scout pack in the local council. Vallone said the Mount Pleasant pack currently serves approximately 50 to 60 youth, demonstrating that Scouting continues to thrive locally as Camp Eastman begins its second century of service.
The proclamation recognized the contributions of Scouts and volunteer leaders who have helped shape the community through service, leadership and outdoor education while celebrating Camp Eastman’s 100 years of providing life-changing experiences for young people.