Iowana Donation.htm

Dedications

Iowana Council of Camp Fire is pleased to have shared in the lives of generations of youth throughout the area. The memories and friendships developed by its many participants can never be replaced. A significant reason Camp Hitaga has been so successful can be attributed to an individual who dedicated a large portion of her life to Camp Fire and Camp Hitaga.

Leona Battin came to Cedar Rapids in 1921. After graduation from Coe College in 1924, she married John R. Battin and was the mother of 3 children, John (Demmy), Douglas and Barbara. Her husband died in 1942. In 1943, she was appointed Executive Director of Iowana Council of Camp Fire Girls and in 1944 took on the added responsibility of being Camp Director at Camp Hitaga. She retired in 1966.

Mrs. B. as she was known at camp, touched many lives in the 23 years she served as Camp Director. Much of Camp Hitaga was built during the years she served Camp Fire. The swimming pool was built in 1949, the Health Center was built and named in her honor and camp maintenance remained of highest priority during her tenure. Campers numbered from 100 to 200 girls each week of summer camp during the peak years after WWII.

Iowana Council dedicates this campaign to the hard work and success Mrs. B brought to Camp Hitaga. John (Demmy) Battin serves as Honorary Chair to share in our goal to keep the spirit of Camp Hitaga alive for generations of campers to come. We are sure that Mrs. B will look down upon the effort we are embarking and will be pleased to know that the legacy of her hard work and dedication will continue well into this new century.

In 2007 we lost a long time Camp Fire alumni Betty J. "Bee Emmons Caspers, many

of our writings about Camp Hitaga were her writings. You will be greatly missed.

Hitaga! Hitaga! We Owe Our Best To You