Kayaking
2002 – Contributed by Anonymous
Camp Horseshoe offers Kayaking MB as one of their boating merit badges in their Aquatics department.
Boat Docks Trail
2016 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Many have wandered down the steep, rocky trail over the years to get to the Camp Horseshoe boating program.
Boat Docks
2016 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The boat docks may look different over the years, but they still serve as a launchpad for fun on the water.
Boat Docks
Contributed by Rev. James Goudie
Canoe rack and lifeguard stand at the old Boatdocks. The boat docks were located next to the Athletic Field between the OA Bridge and the Bend of the Octoraro until it was moved to another location in the early ’80s. It has since been moved back to this general area.
Rowing Instruction
Contributed by Rev. James Goudie
A Scout receives rowing instruction on the Athletic Field prior to taking to the water on the Octoraro.
Early Boating
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
An early picture of boating on the Octoraro. This photo can be found in the Chester County Council Boy Scouts of America 1910-1935 book.
Octoraro Bend Boating
1935 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Boating at the Bend in the Octoraro in the ’30s.
Old Boat Docks
Contributed by Anonymous
The Old Boat Docks went through a number of different looks during its time of service. At this time there was a ramp for launching canoes and moorings for the row boats. Rising flood waters would wreak havoc on improvements such as these.
Shallow Water
Contributed by Anonymous
One of the problems with the old Boat Docks was the shallow water. The dam located around the bend, was marginally helpful until a summer storm would wash it out. The quarry only made matters worse by depositing vast quantities of silt into the creek.
Boat Docks
Contributed by Anonymous
The boat docks took on a neat look with the utility pools at the water’s edge and the row boats tied in a row.
Rowing on the Octoraro
Contributed by Anonymous
Scouts rowing on the Octoraro creek.
Boating on the Octoraro
Contributed by Anonymous
Scouts enjoying a clear day for boating on the Octoraro.
Returning Canoes
Contributed by Anonymous
At the end of a merit badge session, the canoes where returned to their rack.
Tending to Canoes
1971 – Contributed by Anonymous
Scouts attend to canoes during a merit badge session.
Octoraro Sandbar
1979 – Contributed by Anonymous
You knew the water was low on the Octoraro when the islands started to appear.
Canoeing
1979 – Contributed by Anonymous
Paddling on the Octoraro was not always easy during the 70’s when the water was low.
Boating Merit Badges
1981 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
Canoeing and rowing on the muddy Octoraro after summer storm.
Boating in the Muddy Creek
1981 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
A scout practices his rowing strokes during the Rowing Merit Badge class in the early ’80s.
Canoe Swamping
2002 – Contributed by Anonymous
As part of the Canoeing MB requirements, Scouts must “swamp” their canoes and then paddle ashore while swamped.
Boat Docks Sign
2008 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Boat Docks sign directs you to the… boat docks.
Boat Docks Rack
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The new boat docks at Camp Horseshoe have a rack for canoes placed just near the put in location.
New Boat Docks
2026 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The new Camp Horseshoe boat docks, created in 2024, are just a little west of Eagle Grove.
