Inside this exhibit, you’ll see how outside history has made an indelible impression on HSR and how its camps reflected those events since Lindbergh flew solo across the Atlantic.

The first decade to include HSR’s history was nearly at an end when the Reynolds property was purchased and developed into Chester County County’s much-needed permanent long-term camping facility.  The first campsites were built, as well as the first stockade buildings erected, and the reservation began its illustrious and still continuing tenure as one of the best in the country.

The thirties saw Camp Horseshoe grow tremendously. Far from the simple farm lands it had been founded upon, the camp built new facilities and began traditions that lasted through to this day.

Despite the immeasurable impact from World War II on America, Camp Horseshoe continues without interruption in the 40s to help develop future leaders.  To assist in those efforts, new structures are built – including the Morrison Health Lodge – and Roberts’ Day is instituted to salute one of the main benefactors of the era, Hon. Owen J. Roberts.

The Fifties saw the building of the Octoraro Lodge building as well as the formation of the Explorer Base across the creek from Camp Horseshoe, and it later became Camp Jubilee then finally Camp John H. Ware 3rd.

Facility expansion at Camp Jubilee continue in the 1960s with the addition of a pool and several other buildings, and traditions such as outpost camping and a 6-day format for camping become popular as well as Webelos visits.

Nature-made damage to the Horseshoe side of the reservation during the 1970s did not put a damper on several important celebrations, namely the 50th Anniversaries of Camp Horseshoe and Octoraro Lodge 22. 

The 1980s were a decade of expansion, rebuilding and saying our fond farewells at HSR.  The camp profited from the expansion of the Dining Hall and Headquarters Building, while the newly dedicated Schraam Lodge and Achgeketum Circle were a testament to the devotion of some of HSR’s most respected patrons, including G. Ernest Heegard, who retired in 1988 after 29 years as Camp Director of Horseshoe.  Camp Jubilee became Camp John H. Ware 3rd in honor of the politician who donated heavily to camp.

The 1990s provided an opportunity for experimentation with program and fundraising.  The C.O.P.E. program at Horseshoe developed as well as its offshoot, the Mountain Biking program, and Scoutcraft outgrew its original design and became the Trailblazer program.  Several different fundraising campaigns by Chester County Council and the Order of the Arrow helped improve existing facilities at HSR and Bill Hess became Reservation Director to help usher in a new era of program and facility excellence.

The new century brought with it new facilities and new programs.  C.O.P.E. and Trailblazers hit their stride at Horseshoe while Camp Ware received capital campaign funds to build Macaleer, HQ and Health Lodge buildings.  The HSRAA was formed and helped improve both camps.

What did this decade hold for Horseshoe Scout Reservation? Lots of facility improvement projects were done for HSR, and many new dynamic programs Scouts and Scouters have come to depend on were instituted.

The 2020s got off to a very rocky start with the coronavirus pandemic, but Horseshoe Scout Reservation did their best to keep the Scouting spirit alive with continued programs at HSR.