Boy Scouts leaving NAD cabin for Silverdale

After more than 25 years at the old Naval Ammunition Depot (NAD) site on Austin Drive, the Boy Scouts are moving their shop and service center from Bremerton to Silverdale.

By Kevan Moore • February 20, 2014 2:18 pm
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The Boy Scouts Store and Service Center at NAD Park in Bremerton is relocating next month to a larger space in Silverdale. The city does not yet have any plans for the historic cabin once the Scouts vacate the space they first took over in 1988.
The Boy Scouts Store and Service Center at NAD Park in Bremerton is relocating next month to a larger space in Silverdale. The city does not yet have any plans for the historic cabin once the Scouts vacate the space they first took over in 1988.

After more than 25 years at the old Naval Ammunition Depot (NAD) site on Austin Drive, the Boy Scouts are moving their shop and service center from Bremerton to Silverdale.

The Bremerton store is set to close Feb. 25 and the new Silverdale shop, located in Suite 116 at 10876 Myhre Road, is set to open March 3.

The Scouts have operated out of the NAD Park location since 1998. The historic building, which is owned by the City of Bremerton, was constructed in the 1940s as a guardhouse for the Naval Ammunition Depot.

“It had considerable dry rot and roof issues when the Scouts took it over in 1988,” said Bremerton Parks Director Wyn Birkenthal. “The Scouts did considerable work on the building before opening it as a store in Feb. 1989.”

Birkenthal said that the city has not used the building for other purposes. Prior to the Scouts taking over the space, there was talk about using it for a park restroom.

“This did not come about as the city built a restroom across from where the Jet Fighter now sits,” Birkenthal added.

Sharon M. Moulds, a Scout Executive/CEO with the Chief Seattle Council, said that the organization, which serves Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson and North Mason counties, has simply outgrown the small cabin.

“In order to better serve our customers, we have decided to relocate our national Scout Shop to Silverdale,” Moulds said. “This is where most people go to shop and the location is farther north, making it a little closer to more of our volunteer leaders and parents. Additionally, we needed more space.  This move will allow us to provide our customers with better selection of inventory that meets their needs.”

Birkenthal said the city is working with the Scouts to structurally evaluate the building and see what steps will be needed to keep it in useable condition for the long term. He said the building could be offered to a community group that wishes to adopt it and/or care for it.

“We have truly enjoyed the cabin that Bremerton has provided for us,” Moulds added. “We appreciate all the support the city of Bremerton has provided to Scouting.”

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