DOTSERO (AP) – A gift from the widow of renowned adventurer Steve Fossett will help enable Boy Scouts from around the region to enjoy high-country adventures at a new summer camp east of Glenwood Canyon and north of Dotsero.

The Steve Fossett Spirit of Adventure Base Camp will be the first summer camp operated by the Western Colorado Council of the Boy Scouts of America in 15 years.

“Our Scouts have been scattered in camps across the country every summer because there has not been an option here on the Western Slope, so this is a homecoming of sorts,” said Mark Switzer, Scout executive and chief executive officer of the Western Colorado Council. “The Steve Fossett Spirit of Adventure Base Camp will provide Scouts the opportunity to enjoy a first-class camp close to home.”

Fossett was an Eagle Scout and part-time resident of Beaver Creek in Eagle County who set numerous records, including the first solo nonstop around-the-world flight in a balloon. His many other exploits included reaching the summits on the highest peaks of six of the seven continents, swimming the English Channel and completing the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii and the Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska.

He died in an airplane crash in 2007.

Fossett’s widow, Peggy, donated $50,000 to establish the Boy Scout camp in her husband’s name and has committed to match an additional $50,000 in donations as a challenge grant.

To donate

Donations toward startup costs and a scholarship program are being sought. More information on fundraising may be found by visiting www.wecanadventure.com or calling (970) 248-0045.