From the Archives: A Congressional Tribute to John Holden

By Ben Woods

On January 6, 1999, then-Ohio Congressman Rob Portman stood before his colleagues in the US House of Representatives to pay tribute to one of Cincinnati’s “finest citizens.” He was speaking about longtime Kooch-i-ching Director John Holden, who had recently succumbed to cancer at the age of 75.

In his remarks, Portman mentioned Holden’s career as an “author, philanthropist, Navy officer…and business executive,” but emphasized that his greatest contributions were connected to his love of camping, from his role as director of Kooch-i-ching and the Wasaka Boys Club to the establishment of the Camping & Education Foundation and the Kee-Way-Din Ski Club, of which Portman was a member.

“Most importantly,” Portman said, “was Mr. Holden’s ability to be a positive role model in the lives of so many young people.”

Indeed, Holden’s leadership style positively impacted countless campers who grew up to become leaders themselves—and who directly attribute their success and happiness to the lessons they learned in the Northwoods.

“Mr. Holden had an uncanny way of opening the eyes of his campers if a problem existed,” Portman said. “He would then lead them in finding a solution to that problem on their own. By helping them help themselves, Mr. Holden bolstered their self esteem and self worth. It also instilled a problem solving method in the children that could be used well into adulthood.”

Just five years after Portman’s speech, one of Holden’s lifelong dreams became a reality: a wilderness camp for girls. In 2005, Ogichi Daa Kwe, born of a successful canoe trip down the Turtle River, opened its doors to its first groups of campers and staff women. And today, Holden’s dedication to social justice lives on through the Urban Wilderness Program in Cincinnati and the thousands of children it serves.

“Mr. Holden’s life,” Portman said, “is proof that one person can certainly make a difference. That difference will surely be felt for years to come.”