Exhibit Details
This exhibit is meant to give you the full picture of Horseshoe Scout Reservation’s history – the milestones, the dedication ceremonies, the new programs and program areas – form 1927 to today!
The Full Timeline
Display Details
Scroll through the full timeline to see the entire HSR history – most entries include a link to follow for more information.
Note: For information about HSR before it was acquired by Chester County Council as well as summer camps used before HSR, refer to the Before There Was Horseshoe… room.
Camp Horseshoe is Purchased by CCC
After a considerable search to find a replacement for Camp Rothrock which was in use from 1921-1927, Chester County Council came across the perfect property within their geographic area.
Camp Horseshoe Deed Recorded
The deed records for Camp Horseshoe will show Saturday October 15, 1927, however the camp was purchased two days earlier.
Camp Horseshoe Opens
After months of construction, Camp Horseshoe opens for summer camp in July 1928.
Camp Horseshoe is Dedicated
Four hundred came out to celebrate the dedication of Camp Horseshoe on Saturday July 28, 1928. Many dignitaries from the council board and the community were in attendance.
Allen Memorial Dining Hall Dedicated
Dignitaries visited Camp Horseshoe for the dedication of the Dining Hall to James Kindle Allen; many activities also took place during the dedication to impress the visitors.
Plane Lands on Flagpole Hill
Pilot John Jacob landed his bi-plane on Flagpole Hill much to the delight of the Scouts in camp.
Ceremonial Circle Constructed
Octoraro Lodge 22 completes its ceremonial circle across the Octoraro creek.
Browning Lodge Dedicated
Prominent members of Scouting as well as many other attendees came to Camp Horseshoe on Saturday September 7, 1929 to dedicate the former Scoutmaster’s Lodge to be known as Browning Lodge, named after Devon 50 Scoutmaster Edward Browning.
Eagle Grove Planting Begins
In October of 1929, Octoraro 22 started the planting of Norway Spruce trees on one end of the Athletic Field in order to honor Eagle Scouts from Chester County Council.
Camp Horseshoe Pool Dedicated
When the Horseshoe Pool was dedicated in July of 1930, over 1600 attended the ceremonies. Owen J. Roberts presided over the pool dedication for the crowd of Scouts, dignitaries and friends.
Wilderness Camp is Renamed Camp Thomas
The Wilderness Camp for advanced Scouts that had operated since the beginning of Camp Horseshoe was renamed in honor of Ben Thomas, a longtime staffer of Chester County Council camps and Scoutmaster of Malvern 7.
Eagle Grove Dedicated
Scout Executive Thomas J. Price presided over a solemn Eagle Grove dedication ceremony where the last 4 trees were planted, Col. Clifton Lisle spoke about planting for the future, and Lodge Chief Glenn Wolfe read the Joyce Kilmer poem “Trees”.
Stockade Cabins Burned Down
Three of the five stockade sites burned down when sparks from a brush fire on an adjoining hill caught the cabins and caused $6,000 in damage. The sites were quickly rebuilt for the opening of summer camp.
22,000 Trees Planted
To reforest the area of camp that was burned down during the stockade cabin fire of 1938, Scouts planted 22,000 trees.
McIlvaine Lodge Dedication
Attended by dignitaries such as Associate U.S. Supreme Court Justice Owen J. Roberts, the Gilbert McIlvaine Lodge Dedication took place on August 3, 1940 and celebrated the life of the community leader who gave twenty-five years to Scouting. The lodge was built in 1935 and 1936 from lumber acquired from the Cecil Paper Mill Superintendent’s house that stood on the hillside by the old Horseshoe road and overlooked the mill and the Octoraro Creek.
Morrison Health Lodge Dedication
The July 22, 1944 dedication of the Morrison Health Lodge was attended by Supreme Court Associate Justice Owen J. Roberts during Roberts’ Day, and it was attended by many hundreds of guests.
The ticker tape of the attendees was stored in a time capsule that was found in 2003.
New Headquarters Opened
The Camp Headquarters was moved from the White House when the current Headquarters building was constructed in 1947.
Quonset Hut Acquired
Camp Horseshoe acquired an army surplus Quonset Hut as a maintenance building in 1947.
Octoraro 22 Hosts Area E Meeting
The 1948 Area E Meeting was held May 1 – 2, 1948 at Camp Horseshoe, hosted by Octoraro Lodge 22.
Ground-Breaking for Octoraro
Memorial Lodge
After almost a decade of fundraising, ground is finally broken on the Octoraro Memorial Lodge building.
Octoraro 22 Hosts Area III-A Pow Wow
The 1954 Area III-A Pow Wow was held May 1 and 2, 1954 at Camp Horseshoe.
Explorer Base Opens
The Lewis Property is converted into a camp named the “Explorer Base” to launch high-adventure excursions, and Lawrence Lodge is built on the property in honor of E. Hibberd Lawrence.
Ernie Heegard Starts Tenure as
Camp Director
G. Ernest Heegard, who has been serving on summer camp staff since the late 1940s, becomes Camp Director in 1959. He would serve in this position for 29 years.
Octoraro Memorial Lodge Building
Dedicated
The OA Lodge Building Dedication was conducted on June 20, 1959 after 15 years of fundraising and construction.
Norris B. Slack Memorial Rifle Range Constructed
In 1959, Camp Horseshoe constructed a rifle range near Rothrock campsite and was dedicated to Norris B. Slack.
Horseshoe Chapel Dedicated to
Ray Schlaanstine
The Camp Horseshoe Chapel was dedicated in July 1960 to Sgt. Ray Schlaanstine, a Kennett Square Eagle Scout who died in 1944 in World War II.
Octoraro 22 Hosts 1961 Area III-A
Conference
The 1961 Area III-A Conference was held June 16 – 18, 1961 at Camp Horseshoe.
Explorer Base Renamed Camp Jubilee
1960 was the 50th anniversary of Scouting and activities throughout the movement were named Jubilee. Since the Scout camping actually began in 1960 on this property, the name caught up with the program and the former Explorer Base was officially named Camp Jubilee by the Council Board’s action in 1962.
Camp Jubilee Pool Opens
The Camp Ware Pool was built in 1965 and 1966 and has served Camp’s swimming and lifesaving program needs ever since.
Octoraro 22 Hosts Area III-A
Conference
The 1969 Area III-A Conference was hosted by Octoraro 22 at Camp Horseshoe on June 13 – 15, 1969.
Octoraro 22 Starts first April Weekend
To meet the ever increasing demands for volunteer work at HSR, Octoraro Lodge 22 adds its first ever April service weekend in 1970 to accompany the June and September weekends.
First Wood Badge Course at HSR
The first Wood Badge course held at HSR was held at Camp Jubilee in the summer of 1970.
Hurricane Agnes Devastates HSR
Hurricane Agnes struck HSR in June 1972 and flooded the Camp Horseshoe pool and destroyed the recently-paved old camp road. Herculean efforts by volunteers were able to open up the camp within a few days of the destruction, just in time for Week 1 of summer camp.
Octoraro 22 Hosts Its First Conclave
at Camp Horseshoe
The 1974 Section NE-5A Conclave was the first conclave ever hosted by Octoraro Lodge #22, and it occurred on June 7 – 9, 1974 at Camp Horseshoe. Eight other lodges attended the inaugural conclave for the section.
Octoraro 22 Hosts 50th Anniversary
Fellowship Weekend
Celebrating it’s 50th anniversary, Octoraro 22 hosted a fellowship weekend with activities, a memory lane, and a rededication ceremony.
Old Camp Road Severely Damaged
Heavy rainstorms in the winter of 1977-1978 tore up much of the old camp road, leading to the decision to build a new camp road.
Sloan Lodge Built
Sloan Lodge, built in 1979, is multipurposed as many buildings at HSR; it serves as a winter cabin during the winter camping season as well as staff quarters during the summer.
It is named after longtime scouter C. Mercer “Merce” Sloan who was a Scoutmaster from Troop 30 and served on Camp Horseshoe staff in the 1930s.
New Camp Road Built
After the devastating floods of 1978, Octoraro Lodge 22 helped construct the new camp road, which expanded the walking trail into a full-fledged road.
Camp Horseshoe Dining Hall Kitchen Rebuilt
A fire destroyed the kitchen part of the Allen Memorial Dining Hall, and the OA and other volunteers helped demolish the old kitchen before contractors rebuilt it with a more modern look.
Rossiter Center Added to Camp Horseshoe Headquarters
The Rossiter Visitors Center was with its large front porch was added to the Headquarters building in 1981.
First Science and Energy Camp
Hosted at HSR
Instructors from Penn State University came to Camp Jubilee to conduct the first Science and Energy Camp for earning various STEM merit badges.
Schramm Lodge Dedicated
The Campmaster’s cabin was renamed Schramm Lodge in honor of Harold J. Schramm, a longtime supporter of Scouting.
Octoraro 22 Hosts Its Second Conclave
at Camp Horseshoe
The 1983 Section NE-5A Conclave was the second conclave ever hosted by Octoraro Lodge #22, and it occurred on June 10 – 12, 1983 at Camp Horseshoe.
Foard Pavilion Dedicated
The Foard Pavilion, dedicated in May 1985, was the previous home of the Camp Ware Nature Lodge.
Bailey Bridge Constructed by Army Corps of Engineers
The Bailey Bridge was a temporary bridge set up in 1985 by the Army Corps of Engineers in order to allow for travel between the two HSR camps.
Horseshoe Pool Dedicated to Charles M. Heistand
CCC Scout Executive Richard C. Bennett, on the 75th anniversary of Scouting, declares the Horseshoe Pool the Charles M. Heistand Pool.
Camp Jubilee is Renamed Camp Ware
Camp Jubilee was renamed Camp John H. Ware, 3rd after he had played a prominent role in the Council as Council President from 1957 – 1961 and continued to serve on the Councils’ Camping Committee thereafter. His sons attended Horseshoe; and, he with his family were benefactors of our Council.
Camp Ware Dining Hall Built
In preparation for the International Jamboree of Polish Scouts in Exile, a new Dining Hall with handicap access, was built.
Achgeketum Circle Dedicated to G. Ernest Heegard
Achgeketum Circle was constructed in 1988 to replace the old Campfire Circle used for the first 60 years of Camp Horseshoe. It was named after G. Ernest Heegard, whose Vigil Honor name is “Achgeketum”, Lenni-Lenape for “Teacher”.
Horseshoe Scout Reservation Hosts the 6th Polish Scouts in Exile Jamboree
1200 boy and girl scouts from as far away as Australia, Great Britain, Poland and parts of Russia controlled countries in Europe plus USA and Canada met at Horseshoe Scout Reservation for the Polish Jamboree.
First Special Camporee Hosted at HSR
Starting in 1990 and originally hosted by Octoraro Lodge 22 from 1990 – 1993, Chester County Council hosts the Special Camporee each year at Camp John H. Ware 3rd to provide disabled individuals with the chance to learn and experience all the wonder of the Scouting program.
Octoraro 22 Hosts Its Third Conclave
at Camp Horseshoe
The 1991 Section NE-4B Conclave was the third conclave ever hosted by Octoraro Lodge #22, and it occurred on June 7 – 9, 1991 at Camp Horseshoe.
Blizzard of 1993
Scouts who camped at Horseshoe in January 1993 were treated to an unfortunate event – a blizzard! They were trapped at Schramm Lodge for several days and eventually freed by the National Guard. To commemorate such an event, this patch was made and presented to the units who had the misfortunate of camping at Camp Horseshoe that weekend. As you can see from the patch, the Scouts had to keep the fires blazing in the fireplace of Schramm to stay warm.
Trailblazers Department Area is Created
For the final two weeks of Summer camp in 1995, the Scoutcraft program morphed into the Trailblazers program to serve as a unique first-year camper program that gives tours of camp, a chance to earn skill requirements through First Class, and take a merit badge in the process.
Octoraro 22 Hosts Its Fourth Conclave
at Camp Horseshoe
The 1997 NE-4B Conclave was held June 13-15, 1997 at Camp Horseshoe. The theme was “Ponder the Past, Plan the Future”, and was notable for the chef-created cuisine and extensive activities.
The Horseshoe Scout Reservation Alumni Association (HSRAA) is Formed
HSRAA is formed in 1999 when a group of alumni, led in part by Joe Eagan, recognize and adopt similar aims as an alumni group from Camp Yawgoog.
Camp Ware Hosts the Irish Jamboree
In 2000, over 200 boys and girls from County Cork, Ireland visited Camp Ware for two weeks of fun and adventure at the Irish Jamboree.
Matching Gateways Constructed
HSRAA’s first project, matching gateways were constructed at Camp Horseshoe and Camp John H. Ware 3rd.
HSRAA Parade Field Restoration
Project Begins
HSRAA started a project in 2003 to replace the stone masonry surrounding the Camp Horseshoe parade field as well as near Headquarters, install new (and sturdier) flagpoles, and re-sod the entire parade field. The project was completed in 2008.
Octoraro 22 Hosts Its Fifth Conclave
at Camp Horseshoe
The 2003 Section NE-4B Conclave was the fifth conclave ever hosted by Octoraro Lodge #22, and it occurred on June 14 – 16, 2003 at Camp Horseshoe.
Rothrock Pavilion Dedicated to
William “Biff” Davis
The Rothrock Pavilion, dedicated to William “Biff” Davis, is a testament to the extensive service and leadership of Bill Davis who was an active participant in Troop 117, Octoraro Lodge #22, the HSRAA, and many other facets of Scouting.
Macaleer Lodge Ground Breaking Occurs
History was made when ground was broken for new Cub Scout facilities at Camp John H. Ware 3rd on October 5, 2003 and for projects that will serve to enhance both Cub and Boy Scouting programs at the Horseshoe Scout Reservation, namely Cub Town (Macaleer Lodge).
Camp Ware Staff City Cabins Built
Staff City at Camp Ware was constructed in 2004 to house the Camp staff during the summer season and can be used by Troops during the Winter camping season.
Trader Bill’s Opened
The much expanded Trading Post, Trader Bill’s, was opened in 2005, and is named so in honor of the William R. Hess, who served as HSR Reservation Manager for more than a decade.
Camp Ware Archery Range Built
One of HSRAA’s major projects in its first decade, the Camp Ware Archery Range, built in the spring of 2007, included a covered range and a storage hut.
White House Dedicated to
Dr. Ossie Spellman
The White House was dedicated in honor of late Dr. Ossie Spellman in front of the Spellman family and members of West Chester Troop 6.
OA Trail Crew Formed
The OA Trail Crew was formed in 2007 to promote the much-needed rehabilitation of the HSR trail system. Though promoted and organized by the Octoraro Lodge #22, work and credit towards the OA Trail Crew award is open to anyone.
HSRAA Opens the Virtual Museum
After a year of “construction”, the HSRAA Virtual Museum launches with approximately 2,000 artifacts.
Octoraro 22 Hosts Its Sixth Conclave
at Camp Horseshoe
The 2009 Section NE-6B Conclave was hosted by Octoraro 22 at Camp Horseshoe on June 12 – 14, 2009. The theme was “Test the Bow, Accept the Arrow”.
Dumpster Beautification Project Completed
This HSRAA project installed gates and beautified the area surrounding the Allen Memorial Dining Hall trash dumpsters in 2009.
Horseshoe Woodshed Completed
The woodshed – located behind the Horseshoe Trading Post – was completed in 2010 and houses much of the split wood used during Winter Camp.
HSR Signage Project Begins
The HSRAA signage project, which began in 2010 and was completed in 2011, was used to place red, green, and white signs on every building or campsite at Horseshoe Scout Reservation. The benefit was to have a consistent look for signs as well as be able to easily identify buildings for emergency personnel who would come on site.
Allen Memorial Dining Hall Expanded
The Allen Memorial Dining Hall was expanded in 2011 due to generous financial support from Oscar Lasko. The extended seating area allowed for 450 people to occupy the dining hall.
First Ranger’s Challenge
From 2013-2016, Scouts in patrols went all over Horseshoe Scout Reservation to compete in a multitude of pioneering-style events, which changed from year to year during the Ranger’s Challenge.
Camp Ware BMX Bike Course Opens
After being under constructions since 2011, the Camp Ware BMX Bike Course opened in 2013 down in the lower portion of the camp by the Octoraro Creek.
Octoraro Hosts First Cub Fun Day
In October 2013, Octoraro 22 hosted its first every “Race to Scouting, Run with the Pack”, which was an effort to increase recruitment and retention in Cub Scouts. The program later became the Chester County Council Cub Camporee (C5) and was hosted at Paradise Farms from 2016-2019 before returning to Camp Ware in 2023.
Octoraro 22 Hosts Its Seventh Conclave
at Camp Horseshoe
The 2014 Section NE-6B Conclave took place from June 6 -8, 2014 at Camp Horseshoe. The theme was “Arrowmen: Assemble the Brotherhood” and was staffed by 146 Octoraro Lodge 22 members (and a few from Blue Heron Lodge 349 as well), with 388 total arrowmen in attendance.
S.T.E.M. Department Area Opens at Camp Horseshoe
STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – is a program that focuses on applied skill development and was first offered in 2014 at Schramm Lodge.
Green Pavilion Dedicated
The Green Pavilion dedication was July 24th, 2014 in Lenni Lenape campsite, in honor of Clarke Green’s 30 years as Scoutmaster of Troop 24.
Horseshoe Program Director Cabin Built
A Program Director cabin was built in Spring of 2015. It is located just south of Picnic Grove.
Horseshoe History Challenge Created
These placards around camp, placed in 2015 assist participants in the Horseshoe History Challenge where they can earn a camp segment.
ArrowTour Comes to Horseshoe
ArrowTour was a special event held at Camp Horseshoe on June 24th, 2015, and it was a traveling display put on by the Northeast Region as part of the centennial celebration done for the 100th anniversary of the Order of the Arrow.
Mason-Dixon Marker Celebrates 250 Years
On the anniversary of Camp Horseshoe’s Mason-Dixon Marker, Price Stevenson III gives a history of the Mason-Dixon marker at the 2015 HSRAA Reunion.
Camp Ware Water Tank Hut Constructed
Carpenters spent many hours putting together this hut for the Camp Ware water tank.
OA Bridge Re-Opened
After being down for 2 years, the OA bridge is reopened during the April Service Weekend.
Innovation Center Opened
Opened in Summer 2016, the Innovation Center exhibits some of the cutting edge activities in technology that Scouts can enjoy while visiting Camp Ware.
Ware Dining Hall Renovations Completed
Members of Octoraro 22 work on the Ware Dining Hall renovations from 2013-2016, which included walling in one side of the building, redoing the inside paneling, and adding HVAC components in order to make it a year-round facility.
Gaga Ball Pit Constructed at Horseshoe
A Gaga Ball pit was added to the South side of the Goodman Pavilion as the game grows in popularity.
Kit Carson Pavilion Constructed
A new pavilion was constructed for the Kit Carson stockade site in 2017.
Shower House Beautification
Project Completed
This HSRAA project from 2017 provided much needed landscaping help around the Camp Horseshoe shower houses near the Allen Memorial Dining Hall.
Welcome Signs Instituted
The Welcome Signs were created by former Camp Director Mike Berkeihiser to replace the older signs that lined the camp road out by the pole barn for Camp Horseshoe and as welcome addition for Camp Ware.
Buzz the Beard Event
The Buzz the Beard event held at Camp Horseshoe on September 23, 2017 raised more than $25,000 for reforestation efforts at HSR, all at the expense of Tom Murphy’s beard.
First Spook-O-Ree Held at Camp Horseshoe
The first Spook-o-ree was held 10/27 – 10/29 at Camp Horseshoe, and it has become one of the most popular events offered at HSR during winter camp. The program has evolved into being primarily for Cub Scouts with lots of spooky activities and crafts.
Mining Sluice built at Camp Ware
This sluice was built and used during the Gold Rush theme for the 2018 Camp Ware summer camp season.
Muddy River Gang Formed
The Muddy River Gang (MRG) was established in 2018 with the main purpose of volunteers helping out with projects throughout Horseshoe Scout Reservation, year-round, on regularly scheduled work days.
First Female Scouts at HSR Event
The first all-girls troop in Chester County Council, Troop 19 from Marshallton, enjoys their first event in Scouts BSA at Camp Ware as part of the 2019 Klondike Derby.
Octoraro 22 Hosts Its Eighth Conclave
at Camp Horseshoe
The 2019 Section NE-6B Conclave was hosted by Octoraro 22 at Camp Horseshoe on June 7 – 9, 2019. The theme was “Carnival of Fellowship”.
COVID-19 Halts Summer Camp Program
The novel coronavirus pandemic closed down summer camp in 2020, though special weekend programs were offered. The limited camp staff did their best to keep the spirit alive during this challenging time.
Achgeketum Circle Rehabilitated
After receiving donations from various Scouters and groups, including HSRAA, Achgeketum circle went through a rehabilitation project that included improved drainage, new stonework, new benches, and lighting.
Legacy Trading Post Opens
The “Grand Opening” of the Legacy Trading Post occurred at the 2021 April Service Weekend. This was done in part to socially distance during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Shower House Building Constructed
Constructed in 2021, the new shower house building is located between the Rothrock and Roberts cabins at Camp Horseshoe. It was named the C. C. Cole Shower House after a vote at the 2022 Fire & Gala, in honor of camp’s first ranger.
Hurricane Ida Causes Damage
Hurricane Ida caused significant damage to Camp Horseshoe on August 31st, 2021, including destroying the OA bridge.
First HSRAA Historical Signs Installed
In 2022, the first three HSRAA Historical Signs were installed at Camp Horseshoe – one near the White House, one at the Stockade Sites, and one near Buzzard’s Rock.
Pierre S. DuPont Honored
Damon Sinclair, chairman of HSRAA, honors Pierre Dupont on June 27th, 2022 at Camp Horseshoe for his contributions to the founding of Camp Horseshoe in 1927. An early mockup of a plaque honoring DuPont is unveiled.
Camp Horseshoe Staff Cabins Installed
Three new staff cabins at Camp Horseshoe were installed prior to summer camp 2023.
Allen Memorial Dining Hall Roof Replaced
The metal roof is installed on the Allen Memorial Dining Hall in April 2024 as part of the “Raise the Roof” Campaign.
Camp Ware Parade Field Wall
This project from HSRAA provided a beautified area at the top of the Camp John H. Ware 3rd parade field including a new wall and flagpoles.
Weekend Merit Badges Offered at HSR
The Weekend Merit Badge program begins in September 2024 with Kayaking MB. Monthly merit badges would be offered at Camp Horseshoe throughout winter camp.
Dining Hall Kitchen Damaged
The Camp Horseshoe Dining Hall’s kitchen damage sustained significant water damage in January 2025.
Octoraro 22 Hosts Its Ninth Conclave
at Camp Horseshoe
The 2025 Section E11 Conclave was hosted by Octoraro 22 at Camp Horseshoe on June 6 – 8, 2025. The theme was “Scoutcraft: Building a Better Brotherhood” based on Minecraft.
Staff City Pavilion Under Construction
HSRAA is constructing the staff city pavilion at Camp Horseshoe to provide a hard cover for staff and also a meetup place.
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© Horseshoe Scout Reservation Alumni Association 2025
