PROJECTS
The second goal of the HSRAA mission statement is “…to be a benefactor to the Reservation…“. To fulfull this goal, the Alumni Association has overseen a series of projects since it’s inception.
Each year, we’ve performed an improvement project at the Reservation. Over the years, we expended approximately $250,000 (as of Summer 2025) in these capital improvements, and the feedback has been uniformly positive. We are particularly proud of the Camp Horseshoe Parade Field improvements, which included re-grading and seeding, construction of numerous stone walls and stairways, new troop flag poles and a new main flagpole. This project helps the camp put its best face on for visitors (especially during the Saturday night retreats), and helps to lend the appropriate level of seriousness to the daily retreat ceremony.
In 2021, the HSRAA Alumni board decided to embark on an exciting new project for Horseshoe Scout Reservation – installing historical markers to highlight the extensive history of the property before Scouting and our contributions to Scouting since 1927.
Working with a long list of potential candidates for markers, the board narrowed the list to 3 – Buzzard’s Rock, Camp Beginnings (at Camp Horseshoe), and the Stockade Sites. After several months of research by HSRAA board members Andrew Coe and A.J. DiAntonio using available historical records from J.B. Rettew III’s The Spirit of the Horseshoe and other archives, the signs were approved in February 2022 and ready for construction.
The three markers were installed in May 2022, and were available for viewing during the 2022 summer camping season. The Buzzard’s Rock marker was placed to the North end of the new camp road just above the Red Trail and Buzzard’s rock itself. The Camp Beginnings sign was placed just to the East of the White House around the Loop Road. The Stockade Sites marker was placed at the head of the Stockade Trail.
Each marker delves into the history of each topic, some going back hundreds if not thousands of years before Scouting even reached the shores of the Octoraro Creek. The Buzzard’s Rock marker highlights the 1988 archaeological dig performed on the property and even a surprising origin of the name of Buzzard’s Rock. The Stockade Sites marker focuses on early life in a Stockade Site, along with the history of them and the tragic 1938 fire. The Camp Beginnings sign talks about the previous inhabitants and names of Horseshoe Scout Reservation, and the changing ownership from the Reynolds family, mining companies, and others.
HSRAA looks to continue this effort in the future, with a Camp Ware sign installed in 2023, a Heistand Memorial Pool sign created in 2024, and a Mason-Dixon Marker sign installed in 2025.
From the Spring 2020 Octoraro Loop.
Part of the money raised at the Centennial Citizen Award Dinner goes directly towards the rebuilding of the Saturday night ceremonial fire circle, a camp attraction in need of a facelift. Large natural boulders will be used along the base of the Scout seating area and along the base and top of the visitor section. All current benches have been removed and are being replaced. Manufactured stone steps will be used in the seating area to insure consistent riser heights with low level lighting. The current stone entry for the Scouts and the Chief stand will remain, with a ramp to the stand coming from higher ground. The outer fire pits will stay.
Anyone who has sat in the visitor section of the circle may know the benches tilted forward due to hydrostatic pressure. This project addresses that problem by diverting water away from the seating area and using the large boulders and concrete to hold the ground and seats in place. While the heavy work is being handled by a landscaping company, Horseshoe volunteers are needed to help with the drainage, seeding, plus bringing electric and plumbing to the site.
From the Summer 2020 Octoraro Loop.
Continued progress has been made to the Camp Fire Circle thanks to additional funding from HSRAA, plus donated equipment and time from fellow HSR Alumni, Lee McIlvaine. Lee brought in equipment to help dig the trench from Roberts Lodge for the water and electric lines down to the Fire Circle. Not an easy task with the solid rock our camp is built upon. Water and electric now accessible at the circle.
Additional work included building a retaining wall above the benches of the visitors’ section. This will allow a flat, skybox view of the Saturday night ceremony, and provide handicap access from the road. While the construction vehicles were still at camp, Lee helped regrade the road down to the underwater bridge, smoothing out the ruts and potholes that have developed.
The HSR Alumni have continued to make significant contributions both financially and in time and effort on this project and many other
Each year, we’ve performed an improvement project at the Reservation. Over the years, we expended approximately $135,000 (as of Summer 2010 – need an updated figure) in these capital improvements, and the feedback has been uniformly positive. We are particularly proud of the Camp Horseshoe Parade Field improvements, which included re-grading and seeding, construction of numerous stone walls and stairways, new troop flag poles and a new main flagpole. This project helps the camp put its best face on for visitors (especially during the Saturday night retreats), and helps to lend the appropriate level of seriousness to the daily retreat ceremony.
The new Archery structure at Camp Ware has also proven to be a big hit. Although last year’s primary project, the redesign and reconstruction of the Camp Horseshoe trash yard, does not sound particularly exciting, it was sorely needed.
For a complete description of all of the past and present HSRAA sponsored projects, go to the Projects page of the website.
In 2024, HSRAA installed new stone masonry walls and flagpoles for the parade field area of Camp John H. Ware 3rd.
The project helped enhance the aesthetic of the area as well as contribute to expanding its utility for displaying flags.
Phase I
The Horseshoe Scout Reservation Alumni Association (HSRAA), as part of its effort in the Council’s Capital Campaign for improvements to the Horseshoe Scout Reservation, has undertaken a major improvement of the Camp’s Parade Field. The first phase of the project is nearing completion as the finishing touches are put on the head wall of the Camp Horseshoe Parade Field. This is the first phase of their major two-phase project of renovating and improving the Parade Field. The Parade Field has been looked upon as one of the most prominent features of the camp. It attracts hundreds of visitors on Saturday evening for the Retreat and Order of the Arrow Calling Out Ceremonies during Summer Camp.
Selected as the initial thrust of the project was the construction of the stone head wall with new flagpoles at the top of the wall. Work begun late last year is expected to be completed before the opening of camp. Les King, stone mason, who worked on both the Camp Horseshoe and Camp John H Ware 3rd gateways for the HSRAA is doing the stonework.
The outstanding field stone headwall, as pictured above, is approximately 92 feet long fashioned in a tapering configuration from 8 inches to about 48 inches high with steps coming down from the Rossiter Lodge and Trading Post area to the camp roadway.
Included in the Parade Field project are 14 flagpoles rising from the field stone wall.
To date there are nine Troops who have contributed funds for their respective flagpoles and will have an appropriate plaque recognizing their contributions.
The contributing Troops to date include: Paoli Troop 1, West Chester Troop 6, Malvern Troop 7, West Chester Troop 21, Devon Troop 50, Thorndale Troop 70, Valley Forge Troop 73, Willistown Troop 78 and Paoli Troop 181. May their troop flags fly smartly in the breeze!
Dick Bensing continues to take the lead in the HSRAA project that is funded by alumni/ae membership contributions.
The second phase of leveling the Parade Field and bottom wall construction will be the focus of a future year’s project.
Phase III
In October the final phase of the Horseshoe Scout Reservation Alumni Association’s (HSRAA) major parade field renovation nears completion at Camp Horseshoe. This is the third year of the renovation under the management of Dick Bensing and the HSRAA.
Phase I was the construction of the stone headwall for the Parade Field with new troop flagpole stanchions. This was followed by the construction of a corresponding stonewall and steps along the Horseshoe Loop Road and the Trading Post/Office area.
Of the three projects, the last phase was the most challenging. The parade field had to be excavated, leveled by heavy equipment and rock removed in the process. Then, topsoil was trucked to the site and distributed up to 18″ in the upper portion of the Parade Field. Once this was completed, Dick Bensing’s crew of volunteers raked and seeded and placed hay on the entire field. The field’s grass seeding is now providing an attractive sward of grass that will mature over the winter. Recent rains resulted in practically no run-off from the field.Meanwhile the other part of Phase III is taking place at the wall and steps near the Allen Memorial Dining Hall. Here new stonework in the leader line/cedar grove area will complement the old wall and stone steps will lead off the field to the Loop Road and the dining hall.
This major work sponsored and paid for by the HSRAA will serve to highlight one of Horseshoe’s memorable traditions for Scouts and visitors alike – the evening Retreat Ceremony. Members of the HSRAA can take pride in this and other improvement projects for both Camp Horseshoe and Camp John H. Ware 3rd in which they have had a vested interest.
From the October 2000 Octoraro Loop.
Dick Bensing, Committee Chairman for Special Projects, has been working with the Council’s Camping and Property Committees to develop plans for significant gateways for both Camp Horseshoe and Camp John H. Ware, III. Preliminary plans have been approved. Final engineering drawings, materials list, timing, costs, etc. are being developed along with contractor bids. Each gateway is designed to have field stone bases with a bronze plaque embellished with the HSRAA logo and appropriate commemorative wording. Crossbars will suspend each camp’s name-sign and special wording is planned for the reverse side.
From the March 2001 Octoraro Loop.
HSRAA Projects Chairman Dick Bensing reports that the HSRAA-funded new Gateways for entrances to Camp Horseshoe and Camp John H. Ware, III are due this summer. This is a significant project, the completion dates of which are during summer camp. It is hoped that one of the gateways will be ready for dedication at the HSRAA July 21, 2001 Reunion date. The gateways are designed to have field stone bases with a bronze plaque embellished with the HSRAA logo. A crossbar piece will be erected between the 12″ x 12″ support posts for each. The crossbar will carry a sign welcoming campers and visitors to the Camp. Initial cost estimates, based upon a prototype gateway, came in line with expectations. However, with appropriate modifications, judicious planning, etc., the cost is expected to be considerably less and closer to the budget of about $13,000.
From the July 2001 Octoraro Loop.
One of the highlights of the second annual HSRAA Reunion is the dedication of the first of two gateways funded by the Alumni/ae.
HSRAA Projects Chairman Dick Bensing reports that the HSRAA-funded Gateways for entrance to Camp Horseshoe and Camp John H. Ware, III are on target for this summer. The Camp Horseshoe gateway is ready for dedication at the HSRAA July 21, 2001 Reunion.
Each gateway is designed to have field stone bases and will have a bronze plaque embellished with the HSRAA logo. The crossbar will carry a sign welcoming campers and visitors to the respective Camp. The cost is expected to be considerably less and closer to the budget of about $13,000 for each gateway.
Because the site for the Camp John H. Ware, III Gateway requires a property easement and relocation of the camp road and with Camp in session, its construction will start later this year.
From the Summer 2022 Octoraro Loop.
As one of the first camp improvement projects of HSRAA, the gateway signs were in need of repair. After 22 years, weather and delivery trucks had damaged the hanging camp signs. New signs are now installed on the cross beam.
This HSRAA project, conducted from 2010 – 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.
Here are some additional projects that HSRAA has funded and built for HSR.
Trash Dumpster Beautification – 2009
Horseshoe History Project – 2015
Follow us on social media
© Horseshoe Scout Reservation Alumni Association 2025