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About Mr. Bloodgood

Donald A. Bloodgood joined the Boy Scouts in 1940. After earning the rank of Eagle on February 8, 1943, his family moved to West Lafayette when his father took a position with the School of Civil Engineering at Purdue. There he joined Troop 36, and went on to become a member of Explorer Post 36, Sea Scout Ship 100, and Post 100. His summers of 1944-1948 were spent at the Region 7 Canoe Base near Boulder Junction, WI. The last 4 years he was a member of the guide staff. He was also a member of the Purdue Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, the National Scouting Fraternity.

Don served as a Scoutmaster of Troop 13 from 1953-1963, was awarded the Silver Beaver in 1966, and became a member of the Order of the Arrow in 1969, eventually receiving his Vigil honor in 1976.

Don went on to serve both the Harrison Trails Council and Sagamore Council in various positions including Activities, Advancement, and Tecumseh District chairman and serve as a member on the Sagamore Council Executive Board.

His love of Scouting is strong and deep, so as you walk the Bloodgood Trail, meditate on his years of service and dedication to the youth.

Ten Points of Interest to Note on the Bloodgood Trail

  1. As you leave the Bloodgood Trail, take a side trip north across the sports field to a row of evergreens which Don helped plant & nurture to their beauty.
  2. As you travel back towards the Bloodgood Trail, notice the state of the art swimming pool which replaced the original pool Don helped refurbish in the 70s.
  3. After making it onto Bloodgood Trail, look to your right. You’ll see the Order of the Arrow Takachsin Lodge ceremony ring.
  4. To your left between the trail and the ridge, you’ll notice a foundation and spring-fed cooler box. This is the site and remains of the original Cary Camp Dining Hall.
  5. To your right between the trail and Wildcat Creek is a large cottonwood tree. Can you reach around it?
  6. Looking north across Wildcat Creek at the bend you’ll see an island. This is part of Cary Camp!
  7. You will reach a flat bridge crossing Kitten Creek. This part of the creek is too deep to splash through, but you’ll enjoy spot #8.
  8. This is the crossing of Kitten Creek. Splash around, enjoy the natural crossing, and cool off!
  9. If you look up the hill to your left, you’ll notice the sand-stone gravel caves. These are TOO UNSTABLE TO PLAY IN, but enjoy their beauty and mystery.
  10. You have ended the Bloodgood Trail and have come on to the main drive of Cary Camp. Originally it was reversed and you are standing where Cary Camp began.