HSRAA’s first project, matching gates at Camp Horseshoe and Camp John H. Ware 3rd, was completed in 2001. Later, the hanging signs were replaced with signs attached directly to the gate cross-pieces in 2022 in order to allow for more delivery truck clearance.
Horseshoe Gateway Forms Up
2001 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Retired ranger Roy Cole (left) and mason stand in front of the Horseshoe gate under construction.
Horseshoe Gateway Construction
2001 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Horseshoe HSRAA Gateway takes shape.
HSRAA Gateway Dedication
2001 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
HSRAA gateway dedication with Joe Eagan, Matt Christenson, Bill Taylor, Doug Dillow, and Ron Fish.
HSRAA Ribbon Cutting
2001 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
HSRAA Gateway Ribbon cutting with Council Executive Doug Dillow, Vice President Bill Taylor and HSRAA Chairman Bob Matje.
Horseshoe's Gate admonition
2001 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
The Horseshoe’s Gate admonition is the Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared”. These are the last words seen as you exit Camp Horseshoe.
Front Gate Sign
2001 – Contributed by Jim Battenfelder
Through contributions from its members, the HSRAA was able to construct matching gates at both Camp Horseshoe and Camp John H. Ware 3rd.
Camp Ware Gateway
2002 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
One of the early projects of the HSRAA was the construction of the Camp Ware Gateway.
Ware Gateway
2002 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Campers leaving Camp Ware are reminded of the Scout motto, “Be Prepared”.
Gateway Sign Replacement
2022 – Contributed by Damon Sinclair
Due to damage, the gateway signs were replaced in 2022 – here is the one for Camp Horseshoe (front).
Gateway Sign Replacement
2022 – Contributed by Damon Sinclair
Due to damage, the gateway signs were replaced in 2022 – here is the one for Camp Horseshoe (rear).
Parade Field – 2003 to 2008
Display Details
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.
Parade Field Walkway Nearly Complete
2008 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Former staff member Joe Eagan inspects the new parade field walkway that leads to the dining hall.
Parade Field Bulldozing
2005 – Contributed by Anonymous
Bulldozers tear up the existing topsoil to allow planting of new topsoil as part of the HSRAA Parade Field Restoration project.
Parade Field Construction
2004 – Contributed by Anonymous
The parade field is getting re-landscaped with new sod and grass seed.
Raking the Parade Field
2005 – Contributed by Anonymous
Volunteers work on raking out the soil to make it even before new topsoil is applied.
Parade Field Phase III
2005 – Contributed by Anonymous
After planting new topsoil, the parade field looks better than ever.
Parade Field Rehabiliation
2011 – Contributed by Joseph Eagan
Every once in awhile, the parade field needs a little re-sodding and re-seeding, and HSRAA’s Dick Bensing contributed his talents to making it happen in 2011.
Parade Field
2005 – Contributed by Anonymous
The completed Camp Horseshoe parade field as seen from the Loop Road.
Parade Field
2005 – Contributed by Anonymous
The parade field, as seen from the top of the field.
Mortar Mixing
2004 – Contributed by Anonymous
Masons create the mason used to hold the stone wall and stone steps together at the bottom of the Camp Horseshoe parade field.
Parade Field Steps
2005 – Contributed by Anonymous
The nearly completed stone steps at the Southeast end of the Camp Horseshoe parade field.
Main Flagpole
2005 – Contributed by Anonymous
The plaque set into the main flagpole base, dedicating the HSRAA Project.
Flagpole Plaque
2005 – Contributed by Anonymous
One of the dedication plaques set into the troop flagpole bases, this one dedicated to scoutmaster Ken Ryan from Troop 24 in Kennett Square.
Archery Range – 2007
Display Details
HSRAA built a new Camp Ware Archery Range in the spring of 2007.
New Archery Range
2007 – Contributed by Mike DiDomenico
The new Camp Ware archery range, built in the spring of 2007.
New Archery Range
2011 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Another view of the new archery range.
Archery Hut Sketch
2007 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
This sketch of the archery hut was used to give planners a rough outline of what the project would entail.
Archery Hut
2011 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
All the bows, arrows, strings and more are stored here for use.
Trash Dumpster – 2009
Display Details
This HSRAA project installed gates and beautified the area surrounding the Allen Memorial Dining Hall trash dumpsters.
Trash Dumpster Renovations
2009 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The HSRAA rehabilitated the trash dumpster area for their 2009 project; here the dumpster area is nearly complete.
HSR Signage – 2010 to 2011
Display Details
This HSRAA project 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. Note: The layout scheme of this website and the HSRAA Historical Signs project is based off this original sign template.
Gramm Lodge Sign
2013 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Gramm Lodge sign.
Macaleer Lodge Sign
2011 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Macaleer Lodge with new sign installed.
Lawrence Lodge Sign
2011 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Lawrence Lodge sign for Camp Ware.
Jubilee Sign
2011 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Jubilee Campsite sign for Camp Ware.
Hawkeye Sign
2011 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Hawkeye Campsite sign for Camp Ware.
New Stockade Trail Signpost
2011 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Furnished by the HSRAA, this signpost shows folks where to go for the Stockade trail sites.
Timberline Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign for the Timberline Campsite.
Taylor Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign for the Bayard Taylor Campsite.
Swimming Pool Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign to direct campers to the Horseshoe Swimming Pool.
Sherwood Forest Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign for the Sherwood Forest Campsite.
Octoraro Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign for the Octoraro Campsite.
Col. Clifton Lisle Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign for the Col. Clifton Lisle Campsite.
Lenni Lenape Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign for the Lenni-Lenape Campsite.
Horseshoe Headquarters Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign for the Camp Horseshoe Headquarters.
Boonesboro Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign for the Boonesboro Campsite.
Kit Carson Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign for the Kit Carson Campsite.
Health Lodge Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign for the Camp Horseshoe Health Lodge.
Conestoga Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign for the Conestoga Campsite.
Dan Beard Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign for the Dan Beard Campsite.
Goodman Pavilion Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign for the Goodman Pavilion.
Handicraft Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Handicraft sign, part of the HSRAA signage project.
Archery Range Sign
2013 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Here is the Archery Range sign that is part of the uniform signage done by the HSRAA back in 2010.
C.O.P.E. Sign
2011 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
This C.O.P.E. sign directs travellers from the new camp road up the Flag Pole Hill trail to the Allen Forssmark C.O.P.E. Course.
Handicraft Sign
2011 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Camp Ware Handicraft sign.
Crockett Sign
2010 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
HSRAA sign for Davy Crockett Campsite.
Picnic Grove – 2010 to 2017
Display Details
This project has many facets, including beautification of the picnic grove through re-sodding and re-seeding the grass, adding walkways, and building a pavilion.
This wall was added in 2009-2010 as part of the HSRAA’s picnic grove rehabilitation project.
Parade Field Wall
2010 – Contributed by Anonymous
This photograph shows the top end of the extended wall that stretches from the top of the Camp Horseshoe parade field to the bottom of the field.
Berm Construction
2014 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
In this panoramic, the berm has been constructed to divert water from the Picnic Grove and Goodman Pavilion areas to Campcraft where it runs through gravel down past the Quonset Hut.
Berm Construction
2014 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Here we see the berm construction as part of the HSRAA Picnic Grove Rehabilitation project.
Culvert Widening
2014 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
As part of the water diversion project, the culvert near the Quonset Hut and Greenbriar was widened considerably to deal with the additional water flow.
Picnic Grove Path
2015 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The path has been set and some excavation work accomplished for the HSRAA Picnic Grove rehabilitation project.
Picnic Grove Rehabilitation
2015 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Ranger Chris Wilder fixes a water pipe that was a temporary casualty in the Picnic Grove rehabilitation project.
Watering the Grass Seed
2015 – Contributed by Anonymous
Ranger Chris Wilder waters the new grass seed for the Picnic Grove as part of the HSRAA Picnic Grove Rehabilitation Project.
Walkway Blueprint
2011 – Contributed by Richard T. Bensing
Here is one of the blueprints that included a shelter over the walkway that now extends from the parking lot through Picnic Grove.
Pavilion Construction
2017 – Contributed by Jake Segal
The Picnic Grove pavilion construction underway in 2017.
Pavilion Construction
2017 – Contributed by Jake Segal
The Picnic Grove pavilion construction underway in 2017.
Pavilion Nearly Complete
2017 – Contributed by Anthony J. DiAntonio
The Picnic Grove pavilion is nearly finished in this photo – it just needs some lighting and some gravel for the base.
Pavilion Nearly Complete
2017 – Contributed by Anthony J. DiAntonio
The Picnic Grove pavilion is nearly finished in this photo – it just needs some lighting and some gravel for the base.
Alumni Pavilion
2017 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
As part of the Picnic Grove reclamation project, the Alumni Pavilion was constructed in 2017 as an additional location for MB classes and Saturday evening picnics.
Tree Planting
2017 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
New trees were planted in the Picnic Grove as part of the HSRAA picnic grove rehabilitation project.
Videos
Candidates Moving Mulch Here, ordeal candidates at the 2015 April Service Weekend work hard to help HSRAA with their picnic grove rehabilitation project. 2015 – Contributed by Andrew CoeFixing the Water Ranger Chris Wilder fixes one of the water pipes that was hit during the excavation work for the April 2015 picnic grove work being conducted by HSRAA. These things happen… 2015 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Documents
Here are HSRAA plans for the Picnic Grove pavilion over a proposed walkway. Contributed by Andrew Coe
Here is another document outlining plans for a pavilion in the Picnic Grove. Contributed by Andrew Coe
This topographical map shows plans for constructing the berm and drainage ways for the picnic grove rehabilitation project. 2012 – Contributed by Mark C. Hammond
Here are some notes regarding the Picnic Grove Rehabilitation project. 2011 – Contributed by Mark C. Hammond
Horseshoe History Project – 2015
Display Details
These placards around camp assist participants in the Horseshoe History Challenge where they can earn a camp segment.
The White House
2015 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Horseshoe History marker for the White House.
History Challenge – Mason-Dixon
2015 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Mason-Dixon marker is one of several HSRAA History Challenges that were unveiled for 2015.
Browning Lodge
2015 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Horseshoe History marker for Browning Lodge.
Kindness Center
2015 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Horseshoe History marker for the Kindness Center.
Shower House Beautification – 2017
Display Details
This HSRAA project provided much needed landscaping help around the Camp Horseshoe shower houses near the Allen Memorial Dining Hall.
Gravel and regrading the area around the shower houses at Camp Horseshoe will provide a much-needed facelift to the area.
Shower House Facelift
2017 – Contributed by Jake Segal
Gravel and regrading the area around the shower houses at Camp Horseshoe will provide a much-needed facelift to the area.
Shower House Facelift
2017 – Contributed by Jake Segal
Gravel and regrading the area around the shower houses at Camp Horseshoe will provide a much-needed facelift to the area.
Shower House Landscaping
2017 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Here the mound near the Dining Hall / Dumpster / Shower Houses is looking much improved, and even being used ceremoniously by the Vigil Honor in July 2017.
Facelift Plans
2017 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Here is a drawing of the plans for the beautification efforts at the shower house area.
Videos
Earth Moving The Horseshoe Shower House area is getting some landscaping done courtesy of HSRAA. 2017 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Historical Signs – 2022 to Present
Display Details
These signs, similar to those that you would find at National Parks, were the idea of Andy Smith and later created by Andrew Coe.
This sign was installed near the White House at Camp Horseshoe in June 2022.
Camp Beginnings
2022 – Contributed by Damon Sinclair
This sign was installed near the White House at Camp Horseshoe in June 2022.
The Stockade Sites
2022 – Contributed by Damon Sinclair
This sign was installed near the Stockade Trailhead at Camp Horseshoe in June 2022.
The Stockade Sites
2022 – Contributed by Damon Sinclair
This sign was installed near the Stockade Trailhead at Camp Horseshoe in June 2022.
Buzzard’s Rock
2022 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Buzzard’s Rock sign was installed near the trailhead of the Red Trail at Camp Horseshoe in June 2022.
Buzzard's Rock
2022 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
This sign was installed near the trailhead of the Red Trail at Camp Horseshoe in June 2022.
Camp John H. Ware 3rd History
2023 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
This sign was installed at the fence line in the Camp John H. Ware 3rd parking lot.
The Charles M. Heistand Swimming Pool
2024 – Contributed by Steve T Miller
The sign was installed in June 2024 at the bottom of the trail to the Charles M. Heistand Pool at Camp Horseshoe.
Sign Installers
2025 – Contributed by Steve Miller
Steve Miller (left) and Sam Mantenga after installing the 6th HSRAA Historical sign.
Sign Creator
2025 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Mason-Dixon Line Marker Historical sign and its creator, Andrew Coe.
Mason-Dixon Historical Sign
2025 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The 6th HSRAA Historical Sign, this one dedicated to the Mason-Dixon Line Marker found at Camp Horseshoe.
Camp Beginnings
2022 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The design for the HSRAA Historical sign for Camp Beginnings.
Stockade Sites Historical Marker
2022 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Stockade Sites Historical Marker original design file.
Buzzard's Rock
2022 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The design for the HSRAA Historical sign for Buzzard’s Rock.
Camp John H. Ware 3rd History
2023 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The design for the HSRAA Historical sign for Camp Ware history.
Charles M. Heistand Pool
2024 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The design for the HSRAA Historical sign for the Charles M. Heistand pool.
Mason-Dixon Line Marker Sign Design
2025 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The design for the HSRAA Historical sign for the Mason-Dixon Line Marker.
DuPont Plaque – 2022 to 2024
Display Details
This HSRAA project co-funded with Chester County Council created a plaque to honor Pierre S. DuPont, one of the earliest benefactors to Camp Horseshoe.
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.
DuPont Plaque
2023 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Pierre S. DuPont plaque is first unveiled at the 2023 HSRAA Reunion.
DuPont Plaque
2024 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
This plaque about Pierre S. DuPont, one of the largest early benefactors of Camp Horseshoe, was installed on one of the rocks lining the Camp Horseshoe parking lot entrance.
Plaque Design
2023 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Here is the Dupont plaque design that was drafted before the plaque was created by the vendor.
Videos
DuPont Plaque At the 2023 HSRAA Annual Reunion, Damon Sinclair discusses the Pierre S. DuPont connection with the funding and founding of Camp Horseshoe in 1927, and unveils the finished plaque in his honor. 2023 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Parade Field Wall – 2024
Display Details
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.
