Arkansas Blog

Camp War Eagle? What a clever political expedition. The target group is those who will be needed as cannon fodder in the never-ending oil wars of the future. Indoctrinate them now with the 'patriotic' rubbish that serves as cover for the war profiteers, and they'll be easier prey for the Army recruiters in a few years.

Christianity, patriotism and the environment?
If that's what Alice Walton believes in and parents agree, I suppose that's what counts. I'd prefer to come up with several hundred bucks -- nearly two grand for two weeks is pricey -- to send kiddies to a camp that doesn't indoctrinate them, a tendency which "Christianity and patriotism" at least seem to indicate. And given W-M's seeming tendency recently to develop in flood prone areas, I wonder about the "environment" aspect of the camp.
BTW, under which of the three umbrellas does DWI fall?

Sounds a lot like the very popular Camp Ozark near Hot Springs. The concept of a Christian camp in Arkansas isn't anything new, but the opportunity to attend summer camp has typically been limited to middle-income families and above. It's good to see that it will be free for lower income families now.

It's good to see that it will be free for lower income families now.

Posted by: Blue Dog Dem | April 17, 2006 09:16 AM

Come on, now, Blue Dog Dem. With all due respect, may I remind you that nothing in this world is "free?" Anytime Miss Alice or any of her blue-blooded ilk open their purses/wallets to the po' folks, they have an agenda that leads, ultimately, right back to their purses and wallets. These children are like pine saplings to them, to be harvested later either as cannon fodder for future wars or as slave wage laborers in their big box establishments.

Perhaps I am naive but I don't ascribe any ulterior motive to Miss Alice's funding of this camp and I hope she does more of the same throughout our state.

An interesting statistic would be how many of those who qualify to go to this camp do so because they work for W-M and thus contributed to the camp by their low wages and lack of benefits.

Eventually, W-M in NWA may find themselves in the same situation of the post office in the northeast where the employees couldn't afford to live in the towns that they served. Well, they can always draw from SW MO and NE OK.

It sure is sad that some people want to turn everything into someting political.

Sure Alice gets a tax break for funding this camp, but that's the reason there are those types of tax breaks, it encourages people to do this type of thing.

It is absurb to think that Alice is using this to make "cannon fodder" or "slave workers". Such crazy statements show all how out of touch some people can be.

It's a shame that Alice bothered to build this camp in Arkansas. She should have built it in state that is more appreciative of the donation.

It is absurb to think that Alice is using this to make "cannon fodder" or "slave workers". Such crazy statements show all how out of touch some people can be.

Posted by: somepeopleareneverhappy | April 17, 2006 10:24 AM

It's not a matter of "being happy" or "wanting to politicize everything." It's simply commentary on how the world works. Those of you who desperately want to believe that the ruling class is benevolent and really cares about the well being of the rest of us are free to do so. So, go ahead and take the "free" stuff they give you while the rest of us keep our integrity intact.

OK, had to take a break from sculpting the guns, I can barely lift my arms, because I did so many.

But on the camp thing. Seriously, I know Walmart is bad and evil and all that, as are Republicans, evangelical Christians, strip malls and Scientologists. But it's a summer camp. C'mon, they're not creating little Walmart soldiers there. Or are they....hmmm, no, I kinda doubt it. The only thing that camp did wrong is not hire me to teach football.

Now get me some BISCUITS!

Hey, esscurve. You andI agree on too much. Must be the good cooking.

I'm not in love with Wal-Mart and sure, it was built on principals set in stone by Alice's father Sam. Not all of them are of sterling quality or good for the American worker. But, I'll gladly lap up her art museum and after close inspection, her kiddy camp if I choose.

Donald W. Reynolds was one of the most miserable humans that ever walked this land. He spent 60 years mistreating his employees and bending all the rules in his favor in order to amass his billion plus. He was repulsive in person, he considered all women to be cattle to use as he pleased and throw away. He was a nightmare father and a worse husband. I giggle every time I remember the old frog is dead.

But at least out of 60 years of misery, his stolen money is finally doing good things for the people of Arkansas and a few surrounding states. It won't help the father of 4 he fired in 1957 just for fun or get back all the overtime he didn't pay reporters...because he knew they'd finish their stories on their own time rather than pass them off. But by god....the present and future generations of the people he dumped on will get some benefit from DWR's ill-gotten gain.

Make no mistake, Alice Walton is no DWR. Just the same it's a fine idea to hand out gifts to the state that made Wal-Mart possible. Thanks in advance Ms Walton. I reserve the right to send my child in the future after all things are known about the type of camp that is coming our way.

Dang! Why only kids from NW Arkansas? My 2 babies would LOVE this and we qualify for them to go for free, but only NW Arkansas kids are being accepted? Hmmm..

Dang! Why only kids from NW Arkansas? My 2 babies would LOVE this and we qualify for them to go for free, but only NW Arkansas kids are being accepted? Hmmm..

Donna you fool-

Where does it say only kids from NW Ark get to go?

Don't be stupid and jump in with some of the others hear and bash things just for sake of bashing them.

"It's not a matter of "being happy" or "wanting to politicize everything." It's simply commentary on how the world works. Those of you who desperately want to believe that the ruling class is benevolent and really cares about the well being of the rest of us are free to do so. So, go ahead and take the "free" stuff they give you while the rest of us keep our integrity intact"

Hurry Hurry, get back in the bunker, get back in the bunker the black helicopters are on their way, the black helicopters are on their way.

The cow has left the barn, the cow has left the barn,
repeating, the cow has left the barn, the cow has left that barn.

You are a fool, go put on your tinfoil hat and get back in your hole.

Maybe you should go the website and read before you call me a "fool"-after you do so, an apology would be nice...

I am not bashing anyone-I was actually serious about sending my kids.

No apology here, I read the article and did not see that anywhere.

Once again show me where it is.

I pity the Donna!

"Download a 2006 Camper Application Form. A deposit and registration fee of $20 (for hosehold income of $60,000 or less) or $50 (for household income of $60,000 or more) must accompany your application for a camper to be enrolled. The deposit and registration fee is per family. Please note that Camp War Eagle is currently only open for children ages 7 - 17 from Washington and Benton counties in Northwest Arkansas."

www.campwareagle.org

Geez..that was hard...

It is worth remembering what Harry Truman said about Carnegie's 'Free' Public Libraries. He said they were built on the backs of the working man.

You go, Donna.

I see your half-witted interlocutor has not offered any apology, choosing instead to cut his losses and slink back into anonymity, pretending he didn't just make an ass of himself.

We know better, don't we?

People who don't read carefully and critically never learn how to think (or write) carefully and critically. Or perhaps it's vice versa. Either way, the result is many people who are dumber than they'll ever realize. The trouble is that too many of them vote.

Only pathetic idiots are going to send their kids to this indoctrination camp.

A mix of Christianity and patriotism? Isn't that a little like oil and water?

Spirituality, by what Jesus says in the Bible, is not relevant when it comes to country and patriotism. They are separate things, and it seems to me that patriotism and politics would interfere with true religion and spirituality.

I was actually searching for the camp's web page and happened upon this discussion.
We are sending our daughter to this camp.
I believe every free gift from a very wealthy entity is not 100% benevolent, but should be put in perspective. I don't think A. W. is a monster merely because she is rich. WM is a capitalist company. They want to make as much money as possible. Our country is founded on that principle. Anyone can do it. If you don't agree, you can live somewhere else. WM is a place to work for teen agers and retirees. If you don't like the way they treat their employees, go work somewhere else. NW Arkansas has plenty of work. Frankly, I don't really care what A. W.'s motives are. (tax shelter, etc.) More power to her. I don't believe anyone should have to pay a higher tax bracket merely because they were smart or lucky enough to make more money. Our family qualifies for this camp because we decided our children needed one providing parent and one nurturing parent. We are not poor, needy or holding out our hand for something free. Granted, we could not afford to pay $2,000 for Summer camp. If someone other than the government wants to give something away, for whatever motives, so be it. There are amazingly few that actually deserve or truly qualify for government wellfare.
I have checked this camp out, done research on it, the employees and its benefactors, and I believe it to be safe for our daughter. I do not fear the Christian/Patriotism agenda. We have taught our daughter to think for herself and I am sure if she hears something contrary to what she believes, she will speak up and be heard.

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After reading all the comments I felt the need to write in. My 20-year old son is a camp counselor for the first year at Camp War Eagle, named so after the War Eagle mill and campground nearby. Nothing political intended. As bluedogdem noted it is exactly that, a camp based after the camp of the Ozarks, intended for alll chidren including,NOTexcluding, the lower income who frequently cannot afford camps. All are welcome, whether you have a christian based home or not. However, the camp counselors are clean, well-groomed, and respectful of all who will attend. Instead of always looking for the "hidden agendas" or political innuendos, can ya'll just not accept and believe in something that is and will be a good thing for all who attend and all who gave to see this camp well run? God Bless.

It seems that most people who bothered to post a message are the usual folks who are jealous of the Waltons and their money or have a beef with Wal-Mart! For anyone who is looking for serious, insightful comments on this camp, I'll add my observations. I dropped my kids off at this camp last Thursday. What an exciting thing it was just to experience the arrival! The counselors were mostly college age young adults who were absolutely excited to be there! My kids have never spent 10 days away from home so I'm sure were a little nervous, as was I. Just the arrival process put aside all fears and frankly, made me jealous that I couldn't stay. It is unbelievable how many activities and the facilities that are available! From horses to speed boats to archery to gymnastics and on and on. Absolutely first class facilities for all kids. I personally had to pay for mine to attend, but am very happy that the less fortunate children will be there as well. We should all want our kids to befriend other kids from all backgrounds. I guarantee mine don't know who paid and who didn't and don't care. All they see is what I saw. Smiling faces and so much to do! We arrived, took our things to our cabin, went to see the nurse for a quick temperature check and head-lice inspection. Then directly for a swim test. Upon finishing the swim test, they got an armband which I assume lets the counselors know the skill level of the swimmer. Safety first. My son chose the skate park as one of his activities but we didn't bring his skates. No problem, they supply all of the gear. He likes to ride the tube behind boats and doesn't yet know how to ski. We were only there approx. 10 minutes before one of his counselors had taken time to learn this information and assured my son he could teach him to ski. That they have professional brand ski boats with all of the equipment and killer sound system to boot! Once again, I'm jealous! My kids promised to e-mail me every day. I haven't heard from them yet. I have viewed photos on the website that show them having a great time, which pretty much explains the lack of e-mails... I'll know more in about 6 days when they come home and fill me in on the daily events. I feel pretty sure that they're not going to tell me that they were recruited to work for Wal-Mart when they get older or that they were brainwashed in the slightest way. I have trouble even getting them to clean their rooms on a rainy day. Why would I believe some "wicked camp organizer" can recruit them for some political gain when it's sunny, there is so much to do, and there are so many other kids having a good time?! You nay-sayers need to find something positive to think about and let the kids have fun.

I am a single mother of two kids that are at Camp War Eagle right now. First let me say that I am not an employee nor have I ever been an employee of WM. They are both envolved in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of NWA and that is how they got their chance to go to this camp. I am very thankful that Alice Walton has done this otherwise my children could not have had the chance to do something this amazing. I dropped them off for a 14 day stay at the camp on Sunday and I was in awe at what they had at the camp for the kids. I have already recieved a letter from my daughter and she is having a ball and making all kinds of new friends. I have looked at the pictures that are available for the parents to view and I don't see them walking around wearing the traditional WM Blue vest being brainwashed what I see are a bunch of kids having the time of their lives. There is so much for them to do and experience and I thank Alice Walton and WM Foundation for building this wonderful place for children. Maybe this could be a beginning of WM doing this in other states as well.

okay, so I also stumbled across this as I was looking for some information on Camp War Eagle. I have had the blessing to grow up at Camp Ozark, and I cried when I heard what Sam Torn and MW were doing. Camp Ozark has had a major impact on who I am today .. a strong, independent, woman of God. Don't put down this idea until you truly understand what these kids are experiencing. They are/will be living 2 weeks of their life that will be completely unforgettable. Yes, MW gets a tax break, but I agree with whoever said it that the reason they give tax breaks is to encourage acts like hers. Im not sure if it is just for people in NW Arkansas or not, but give them time. I'm sure they're working on something. This is the very first summer .. something is better than nothing.

I too am a parent of a child at Camp War Eagle. I can't believe the stuff I've seen written at this web site. I also personally know Alice, and not to sugar coat the things she's done, when she finally does what people have been asking for, you start complaining. Ever heard "I can't do anything right". This camp has been in the works for over ten years and now it's finally here, let's enjoy, appreciate and maybe except that people can do good as well as bad.

Just an update on my kids "GREAT" stay at CWE....they had a blast! Again I am thankfull that my children got to go! They have both gotten letters from their counselors and they are already looking forward to getting the application in for next summer. My advice to anyone wanting to get their children involved in CWE is to find out when they will be accepting applications and get them in quickly because this camp will fill up again next year just like it did this year. I hope all the kiddos in the state get a shot at going!