Horseshoe Scout Reservation
Horseshoe Scout Reservation | |||
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Location | Rising Sun, Maryland | ||
Coordinates | 39°43′N 76°07′W / 39.71°N 76.11°W | ||
Founded | 1928 | ||
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Website www | |||
The Horseshoe Scout Reservation is a
The Horseshoe Scout Reservation is divided into two camps: Camp Horseshoe (in
The Reservation is a "multi-use" facility and hosts Boy Scout,
History
A 1988 State Museum of Pennsylvania archeological dig at Buzzard’s Rock at the reservation uncovered pieces of pottery and arrowheads. This confirmed the long-held theory that the rock had been used as a shelter for the Susquehannock tribe of Native Americans.[1] It had likely been used as a temporary shelter and lookout post.
The Horseshoe Scout Reservation opened for the first camp season in 1928 under the leadership of Charles M. "Chief" Heistand. Chester County Council purchased the property from the Reynolds Family, who occupied the land since the late 18th century. At the time, the property was haven for moonshiners operating illegal stills. When officials from the council first visited, it is said that the moonshiners fled the camp, having mistaken their uniforms and campaign hats for those worn by Pennsylvania State Troopers.
Visitors to the camp can see stones marking off the
Facilities
Upon purchasing the property, the members of the council built three buildings: Browning Lodge on the old carriage shed foundation, the Allen Memorial Dining Hall (since expanded), and on the foundation of the old barn, the Kindness Center, a building built with funding from the
Since then, the camp has expanded to include the following sites: Octoraro, Timberline, (Harold) Schramm, (Col. Clifton) Lisle,
There is also Achgheketum Circle, the large ceremonial fire circle at Camp Horseshoe. It derives from the
Other buildings at Camp Horseshoe include the Morrison Health Lodge (rebuilt in 2003), the Mahlon Rossiter Visitors Center, which is the Camp's headquarters, the Octoraro Memorial Lodge, which is the Order of the Arrow lodge for the Chester County Council, Schramm Lodge, McIlvain Lodge, Roberts Lodge (Horseshoe's Nature Lodge during summer camp), and Rothrock lodge. The camp's rifle range is located near Rothrock lodge, adjacent to the camp road, while the archery range is near the swimming pool, and an original Mason-Dixon stone marker.
The site for the "Trailblazer" program is located adjacent to the parking lot and Campcraft. This program is a first year camper program started by Tom Hillhouse that combines fun activities in every program area of camp with skill development for First Class rank. The Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience (COPE) course is located near flag-pole hill and the chapel, adjacent to the main camp road, which was built in the late 1970s that replaced a road that was partially destroyed by Hurricane Agnes. Newer additions to the camp facilities include a new Scout shower house, William R. Hess Trading Post (called Trader Bill's), and a renovated Parade Field.
Program
Retreat Ceremony This daily observance has changed little since the first season over 80 years ago. Scouts and leaders attend in full uniform. Scouts form as a troop, stand retreat, and pass in review. Leaders stand on the review line with the staff. Troops are judged on their marching skills and uniform appearance with a trophy awarded to the winner each evening. The judges consider if the troop is in step with a full stride, holds its ranks, executes a right column and two right flanks properly, and wears a complete Scout uniform.
Saturday Night Campfire A special closing campfire is held at "Achgeketum" circle. Named for
Camp John H. Ware, III
This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2008) |
Camp John H. Ware III | |||
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Location | John H. Ware, III | ||
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Camp John H. Ware, III is a
The
Summer camp
This is the most popular time at Camp Ware. Many weeks the camp is filled up to full capacity (250 persons, not including staff), and every area of the camp is open for use. This is when Scouts have the opportunity to earn
Winter camp
Winter Camp is usually not used for merit badges so much as bonding trips for troops who attend. Snowball fights are not uncommon in the parade field, and sledding is encouraged on the hill beside the rifle range. Usually troops make use of Macaleer Lodge (affectionately referred to by most as Cubtown, or the Red Roof Inn) during this time, because of its heating system and indoor facilities.
Camp Horseshoe Campsites
Rothrock:
Rothrock is an Adirondack and tent site. It is located next to Rothrock Lodge and the new female showerhouse. Rothrock is also very close to the parking lot and to the Rifle Range.
Roberts is an Adirondack and tent site. Roberts is located right next to Rothrock is next to Robert’s Lodge (Used as Nature during Camp) and McIlvaine Lodge.
Sherwood Forest:
Sherwood is a stockade site located right next to the parking lot, Sherwood is easily accessible due to its proximity to the parking lot and Trailblazers.
Boonesboro is a Stockade site and is located next to Campcraft and the Old Quonset Hut.
Schramm:
Schramm is a tent site located at the beginning of the Stockade Trail, Schramm was recently expanded into the old Richardson Campsite.
Dan Beard is the most sought-after site for its closeness to the rest of camp; and it is used by some of the largest and most prestigious troops. It is the largest tent site in camp, with two Adirondacks and a 58 scout capacity. It is located near the Shower House and the Old Quonset Hut.
Carson is a stockade site located on the Stockade Trail, Carson is directly across the trail from Dan Beard.
Crockett is a stockade site near the end of the Stockade Trail and on the Lisle Vehicle Path.
Taylor is located at the end of the Stockade Trail and is a stockade site. Taylor also has a beach nearby named Taylor Beach.
Clifton Lisle:
Lisle is a stockade site at the end of the Stockade Trail. Lisle is known to be one of the less desired sites due to its distance from important camp facilities. It features large stockades and a pavilion for hammocks.
Lenni Lenape is a tent site with one Adirondack. It is located near the end of the Stockade Trail.
Conestoga is a tent site that features one Adirondack and is located near the top of the Stockade Trail.
Timberline:
Timberline is located near the OA Lodge and the Dining Hall, Timberline is a large tent site which has two Adirondacks.
Octoraro is located right next to Timberline, the quickest way to get in is through Timberline, Octoraro is a tent site which has one Adirondack. Octoraro is located right next to the Pool.
Camp Ware Campsites
Staff City:
A few cabins located near the parking lot which house upper staff members including most of the Directors. Also used for staff at NYLT.
Jubilee:
Closest to the Trading Post, Health Lodge and Dining Hall, Jubilee is a large site which features tent platforms and Adirondacks. It is also one of the few sites with power, so it usually holds anyone with a disability.
Hawkeye:
Hawkeye is located right next to the Swimming Pool, and right next to Jubilee. Hawkeye is similar to Jubilee, but only has tent platforms.
Pathfinder:
Pathfinder is one of the farthest sights away from most areas, located near the Pool and very close to Mohican, pathfinder only has tent platforms.
Mohican:
Mohican is the farthest site away from the main camp, Mohican is a large site with two main tent platform areas, it is located in between Leatherstocking and Pathfinder. Mohican also shares Bathrooms and a pavilion with Leatherstocking.
Leatherstocking:
Leatherstocking is located right next to Mohican and also has two major areas for Troops/Packs to stay. Leatherstocking only has tent platforms, and also shares a Bathroom and Pavilion with Mohican.
Trapper:
Trapper is located right next to the Handicraft Area and the Foard Pavilion. Trapper is a large site, it has a pavilion and many tent platforms and in multiple areas.
Deerslayer:
Deerslayer is located right next to the Parade Field and next to Oswego. Deerslayer has a pavilion and tent platforms.
Oswego:
The newest of the sites, Oswego was originally a clearing, but extra tent platforms were put in Oswego and it is now used as a site for smaller troops/packs.
Music
Camp Horseshoe Song - The Loop of the Octoraro Bend | Camp Ware Song |
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It all began with the dreams of old The Indian Brave and the Pioneer bold. Those early Scouts with their campaign hats, Chorus:
They built a camp upon the Mason-Dixon Line The sun comes up over Flagpole Hill So let's hoist our packs once again my friend He served the camp upon the Mason-Dixon Line, |
Listen all as this campfire burns We ask ourselves what was our good turn Chorus As the bright sun sets in the azure sky Chorus As I walk through life with scouting care Chorus On Scouting's 50th Anniversary Chorus |
Words credited to Kevin Grewell and Vance Hein [2] Tune "Beaucatcher's Farewell" by Bob Zentz[3] | Written by John Reilly and Bill Teodecki Sung to the tune of "Lord of the Dance" |
References
- ^ "Buzzard's Rock". www.hsraa.org. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
- ^ "Camp Song" (PDF).
- ^ "Camp Song also". Troop 78 Songbook. Archived from the original on 2011-07-27. Retrieved 2008-09-23.
External links
- Media related to Chester County Council at Wikimedia Commons