This "Big Island" purchase of approx. 110-acres culminated 20-plus years of efforts by Joe Costello (former SLIA president) and SLIA 
to acquire the "Big Island", to keep it in its natural state and from being commercially developed. Hal Schafer & Hal's Pals, local volunteers cleaned the island of dangerous debris and created safe walking paths that were finished in 2011.

The Grand Opening of Camp Big Island was in the Spring 2012 and it continues to
welcome visitors and residents daily via installed boat docks. Visitors and residents can arrive by water, explore the Island trails, 
and experience the beauty of the nature.


THANK YOU TO THOSE  DEDICATED TO SYLVAN

Only through the passionate efforts of former President Joe Costello, Hal Schafer & Hal's Pals and countless local volunteers, Boy Scout Island, AKA "The Big Island" was restored to its natural beauty for generations to come. Come visit!


Winter, Island church, Sylvan Lake, Indiana
HAL'S PALS SYLVAN'S VOLUNTEERS

Sylvan Lake, 844 Kelly Street, Rome City, IN 46784  |   Business / Lake contact: (260) 854-9862  r.a. stone interior designs | Quick email   info@sylvanlakeindiana.org

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SYLVAN'S BIG ISLAND, Rome City
Big Island church services, Sylvan Lake, Indiana

Sylvan's Big Island attractions


Public docks, Sylvan Lake, Indiana

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Big Island Sylvan Lake, Indiana
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home of famous author & Photographer, Gene Stratton-porter.


WELCOME

THE BIG ISLAND of Sylvan Lake 

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LOGO, Sylvan Lake Indiana

A MILESTONE IN OUR HISTORY

"To Joe, with congratulations on a great achievement. This is a remarkable story, that I plan to tell others. It’s a real role model  for the state of Indiana.”

--Former Indiana Governor, Mitch Daniels


(Pictured left to right, Joe Costello & Mitch Daniels) 


OUR HISTORY --In May, 2007, Sylvan Lake (SLIA) raised $1.25 million to purchase the largest island on Sylvan Lake to preserve its natural, wooded beauty and historic value and protect it from commercial development.   Read more

Former Indiana Governor, Mitch Daniels, Sylvan Lake Indiana

Sylvan's Big Island


  • Public docks

  • Nature walking trails

  • Pavilion for shelter

  • Church services*


"It's nature preserved for all to see."

~ Hal Schafer, Hal's Pals & Volunteers


Church Schedule

Church services on the island generally start in June; Courtesy boat departure from the Gene Stratton-Porter (GSP) boat dock to the island can be scheduled in advance.



Sylvan's Big Island

Our wonderful story

Hal's Pals

SYLVAN's Volunteers


Tons of scrap metal was removed by Hal Schafer & Hal's Pals volunteers in effort to make the island a safer place for visitors. Your efforts were invaluable. Thank you!