Tom Henderson was born the same year the lodge was built, 1946, and has spent a significant part of his life in the lodge and on the grounds of the camp. 

“It’s just been a second home,” Henderson said. “That’s kind of cool.”

Henderson said he was reluctant to accept the renaming honor when he was approached by the Twin Valley Council committee.

“They came to me early summer and suggested it, invited me and I said, ‘Well, am I the only person?’ And they said, ‘Well, you’re the first we’re asking and you’re the first that’s gonna have to say no before we move on.'”

The Fireside Lodge at Norseland Scout Camp was renamed in honor of Scoutmaster Tom Henderson, pictured with his daughter Sarah Larson, son-in-law Mike Larson, and granddaughter Lily Larson.  

“I’ll have to think about it,” Henderson said. “And I did. And I came back and said I couldn’t think of somebody I’d known all these years that has done more, but I know a few that have done an awful lot. And I just decided, if that’s where you’re coming from, I’ll do it.”

Henderson was also the guest speaker at the event, where he recalled a few of the many camp adventures he experienced as Scoutmaster. Most involved bears and storms, which he said will be the name of his book if he gets around to writing it.

The lodge renaming ceremony served as the kickoff for the Twin Valley Council Endowment Fund campaign, which is looking to secure the financial future of local scouting camps for generations to come. 

The campaign goal is to create a sustainable source of funding in four main areas: ensuring accessibility for all scouts, expanding programs, investing in outdoor camping and training adult leaders.

Scout leader Duane Rader of North Mankato was also honored with a campsite named after him.

The Fireside Lodge at Norseland Scout Camp was renamed in honor of Scoutmaster Tom Henderson