History

At the 6th District Convention in Sacramento in June of 1996, then President Karl Eikeberg arranged for the delegates and guests to visit and see first hand the beautiful and wonderful asset that we all have in Camp Norge, at Alta, California. The 46+ acres of Camp Norge are a recreational wonderland with a main house, three dormitories and several small cabins that are used for sleeping facilities, a social hall for preparation of meals, a swimming pool, and other opportunities for various recreational activities.

The meadow offers facilities for RV camping and tenting as well for picnics, social get-togethers and fun and games, including a swimming pool that doubles as a fire-flghting reservoir. The wooded areas offer opportunities for hiking and exploring Even though you are close by Interstate 80, there is a sense of seclusion that is special. The camp has its own water supply, as well as the amenities offered by electricity and bottled gas, and a year-round resident hostess/manager. The camp has an on-site cell phone tower.

One of the past International Directors of Sons of Norway, Asbjarn Rostad, looked out over this beautiful vista in 1996 and made the remark that he would like to see a program set up to help with the maintenance of the camp–always a challenge. Someone else mentioned a plan that had worked for other organizations, and the idea of a Century Club was born. Individuals dedicated to the camp’s growth and future would join the club with annual dues of $100.

The idea grew and meetings were held with nine members making up the organizing committee, later known as the Founders. They prepared the By-Laws and elected the initial officers: President, Roger Merrill †  6-50; Vice President, Karin Brevig, 6-25; Secretary, Sherrill (Swede) Swenson †, 6-64; Treasurer, Joe Rasmussen † , 6-64; and Publicity Director, Lynn Lende † , 6-64. The initial Directors at large were Ola Brevig, 6-25; Ordale Johnson, 6-68; Bob Olson, 6-50; and Asbjern Rostad, 6-24. Meetings are held on a regular basis twice a year at Norway Hall, Norrana #50, Van Nuys, CA, and once per biennium at Camp Norge. († deceased)