The pool is one of the most popular destinations at Camp Horseshoe, and the program ranges from polar bear swim, open swim, merit badges, water polo competitions, and of course, the Water Carnival.
Perhaps the Horseshoe Pool helped train a future Olympian?
Heistand Pool
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
The Heistand Pool ca. 1960s (?).
Unknown Staffer
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
An unknown staff member of the 1960s (?) at the Camp Horseshoe Heistand pool.
Unknown Staffer
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
An unknown staffer from the 1960s (?) makes a phone call from the pool.
Aquatics Director
1979 – Contributed by Andrew Fish
Aquatics Director Rich Mason demonstrates Lifesaving Techniques to these 1979 campers.
High Flier
Contributed by Anonymous
The diving boards have always been a popular attraction at the Horseshoe Pool. Check out the high flier in this photo!
Pool Canoeing
1945 – Contributed by Anonymous
How to get in canoe demonstration by Chuck Miller, Waterfront Director, while Ernie Wright stands by. Demo probably held on “Roberts’ Day as dignataries and visitors watch.
Merit Badge Instruction
Contributed by Anonymous
Swimming and Lifesaving instruction has always been a primary focus at the pool.
Early Pool
1945 – Contributed by Anonymous
Chuck Miller, Waterfront Director, stands by deep end watching swimming competition. Council Board members and guests cheer Scouts along while others lifeguard.
Buddy Board
Contributed by Anonymous
The first stop when entering the pool is at the buddy board. This photo was taken prior to the pool entrance being moved to shallow end of the pool.
Free Swim
1944 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Lifeguards stand watch over a free swim in 1944.
Lifesaving Class
1944 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Aquatics Director Al Weeks teaches artificial respiration.
Lifesaving Class
1944 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Aquatics Director Al Weeks lifesaving class. Was Al Weeks the Aquatics Director, Program Director, or both in 1944?
Pool Staff and Scouts
1930 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
The brand new pool was a popular place to cool off in 1930 just like it is today.
Dip in the Octoraro
1928 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Prior to the Horseshoe Pools construction in 1930, Scouts would cool off in the Octoraro below Taylor campsite.
Lifesaving MB and Lifeguard BSA
2008 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
Aquatics director Will Stevens demonstrates to the Lifesaving Merit Badge and Lifeguard BSA classes.
BSA Lifeguard
2008 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
Scouts and leaders practice a rescue during Lifeguard BSA training.
Water Polo – Horseshoe Style
2007 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
A long standing tradition at the pool has been the Horseshoe style water polo games. While not quite measuring up to the Olympic standard, campers and staff have enjoyed the game using the ladders as goals in the red-white section of the pool.
Aquatics Merit Badge
2007 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
Scouts from the Swimming merit badge circle up with life vests while those participating in the Kayaking program practice strokes in the background.
Gunnel Race
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
A Scout demonstrates propelling his canoe while riding on the canoe gunnels.
Lifesaving Class
Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Chuck Miller teaches life saving techniques.
Lifesaving in the 1950s
1954 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Pool Director Ernie Heegard instructs a Scout (or staff member) in Lifesaving.
Camp Horseshoe Pool Open
1930 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
The Camp Horseshoe Pool is open and buddy check is enforced!
Taylor Beach Swimming
1928 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
Swimming at Taylor Beach on the Octoraro.
Boating Pictures
Display Details
Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rowing are merit badges that have been taught at the Camp Horseshoe boat docks, which has moved over the years from the southern edge of the Athletic Field over to past the Camp Horseshoe / Ware bridge, and then finally back to the Athletic Field.
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.
Water Carnival
Display Details
The Camp Horseshoe Water Carnival takes place every other week during summer camp, and it is full of competitions ranging from your average swimming race, to triathlons, bellyflop contests, and kayak jousting. It is truly a sight to behold!
American Gladitor-style jousting during the Water Carnival.
Troop 31 Cheerleading Section
2014 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Here is Chadds Ford Troop 31 providing a cheering section at the 2014 Week 6 Water Carnival.
Water Carnival Fun
Contributed by Andrew Coe
All the Scouts seemed to be involved in this Water Carnival event.
Tube Crawl
2006 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
A scout tries to do the tube crawl during Water Carnival without falling off.
Cheering Section
2006 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
The Devon 50 Cheering Section during the Water Carnival.
Taylor Beach Water Carnival
1928 – Contributed by Richard D. Foot
The first Water Carnivals were held at Taylor Beach prior to the installation of the Heistand pool.
Scramble
2007 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
Scouts scramble to collect the most somethings from the pool.
Scoutmaster Race
2007 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
Scoutmasters demonstrate teamwork during the 2-man freestyle race.
Kayak Race
2007 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
Two scouts, aided by a pair of well placed ropes, race their paddle-less kayaks during the Week 5 Water Carnival.
Anything for the Team!
2007 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
Assistant Scoutmaster Ray Thompson of Hibernia 116 puts it all on the line for the boys.
Big Air!
2007 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
This leader from Marshallton 52 catches big air before smashing belly first into the Horseshoe pool.
Water Carnival Introduction
2007 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
The Roman challenge on the diving board opens the Week 5 Water Carnival.
Big Splash Sequence
2007 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
This sequence captures a leader during week 5 making a big hit during the Splash competition.
Pool Audience
1969 – Contributed by Rev. Thomas Shanklin
A pool audience in 1969, possibly for Water Carnival.
Water Carnival
1969 – Contributed by Rev. Thomas Shanklin
A pool audience in 1969, possibly for Water Carnival.
Water Carnival
1969 – Contributed by Rev. Thomas Shanklin
A pool audience in 1969, possibly for Water Carnival.
Water Carnival
2004 – Contributed by G. Ernest Heegard
Scouts wearing PFDs participate in a Water Carnival swimming contest in 2004.
Videos
Scoutmaster Diving Competition Scoutmaster A. Ray Coe of Troop 31 does a spiral back flop thingy into the Horseshoe pool during the Scoutmaster Diving Competition, renown for its big splashes and poor form. 2002 – Contributed by AnonymousSwimming Race Water Carnival participants race in the pool. 2002 – Contributed by Alexander MustoSynchronized Swimming Some Scouts take part in synchronized swimming during the Water Carnival. 2002 – Contributed by Alexander MustoWater Carnival Crowd The videographer here gets the sweeping shot of all the audience members at the Water Carnival. 2002 – Contributed by Alexander MustoMusical Chairs – H2O Edition Participants have to grab a ball when the music stops in this watery version of the classic Musical Chairs game. 2002 – Contributed by Alexander MustoBellyflop Contest Lots of adults participate in this judged competition at the water carnival – for style and lack of grace (i.e., biggest splash). 2002 – Contributed by Alexander MustoGreased Pig Scouts fight over the “greased pig” – a greased-up watermelon that is surprisingly hard to catch! 2002 – Contributed by Alexander MustoTriathlon A mini-triathlon of swimming, biking and running is in store for the most athletic of Water Carnival participants. 2002 – Contributed by Alexander MustoWater Fight Though not the largest in the world, this water fight does do Camp Horseshoe proud at the Water Carnival. 2002 – Contributed by Alexander MustoMining for Gold In 1944, one of the Water Carnival activities was “Mining for Gold” in the Octoraro Creek. 1944 – Contributed by Tom McCabeCanoe Race This canoe race appears to be a part of a 1944 Water Carnival competition. 1944 – Contributed by Tom McCabe
Tubing
Display Details
The Octoraro Creek hosts evening tubing rides guided by the Aquatics staff; a truly relaxing and fun experience to have with your troop.
End of Trip – Taylor Beach
2012 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
Scouts complete the trip from the Boat Docks to Taylor Beach just in time to head to the campwide game.
Troop Tubing
2010 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
An aquatics staff member leads the way by kayak as Troop members follow in tubes.
Twilight Tubing
2010 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
As the sun drops, the Troop makes their way down the Octoraro to the destination, Taylor Beach.
Octoraro Tubing
Contributed by Anonymous!
Octoraro tubing fun!
Troop 93 Tubing
2023 – Contributed by Anonymous
West Chester Troop 93 Scouts enjoy some time on the Octoraro Creek during summer camp.
Tubing Launch
2025 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The “Tubing Launch” sign found down on the Horseshoe – Ware trail (Old Boatdocks Trail).
Miscellaneous
Display Details
Check out the range of activities in the pool and on the creek in this display.
This sign was hung on the Chateau which was used for the Aquatics Staff housing.
Videos
PDQBALLS The staff covers the elements of PDQBALLS – Physical Fitness, Discipline, Qualified Supervision, Buddy System, Ability Groups, Lifeguard, Lookout and Safe Swim Area. 2005 – Contributed by AnonymousCanoeing Andrew Rettew and others learn the finer points of Canoeing merit badge by taking a few strokes up and down the Octoraro creek. 1995 – Contributed by John B. Rettew IIISunny Day at the Pool A bright sunny day at the Heistand Pool is about as good as it gets. 1995 – Contributed by John B. Rettew IIIBuddy Board The 3 sections of the Heistand Pool Buddy Board. 2005 – Contributed by AnonymousSwimming Staff hanging out at the pool. 2001 – Contributed by Alexander MustoWater Polo Scouts having fun playing water polo and swimming in the deep end of the pool. 2001 – Contributed by Alexander MustoKayaking Keith Beigel instructs Scouts on Kayaking, and then the class gets onto the Octoraro Creek for some fun. 2002 – Contributed by Alexander MustoLifesaving Joe Bradley instructs Scouts on the proper techniques of using a rope for life saving. 2002 – Contributed by Alexander MustoWater Polo Scouts spend some of their afternoon time getting competitive with Water Polo in the Heistand Pool. 2002 – Contributed by Alexander MustoVolleyball Though technically not “Aquatics” in nature, the Volleyball court gets lots of use throughout summer camp by the Aquatics staff and various teams of troops competing against each other. 2002 – Contributed by Alexander MustoHeistand Pool The Heistand Pool in 1943. 1943 – Contributed by Tom McCabeWater Polo Each week, the staff picks one or two troops to challenge them in water polo. This video shows Troop 191/10 scoring a goal against the staff. The scorer was Liam P. 2025 – Contributed by Grayson Pitman
Memorabilia
Display Details
Check out the Aquatics department memorabilia from below, ranging from segments to shirts and everything in between.
See Also
Click HERE to see the museum’s main Memorabilia room.
Polar Bear Segment
2008 – Contributed by Anonymous
A Scout or Scouter can earn this award by taking an early morning dip in the Horseshoe pool 5 out of 6 days.
Aquatics SIP Segment
2008 – Contributed by Anonymous
A Scout or Scouter can earn this award by attending the Aquatics SIP 4 out of 5 days during the summer camp week.
Horseshoe Life Guard Patch
Contributed by Andrew Coe
In previous years, this patch was awarded to those who participate as Life Guards at the Camp Horseshoe.
Horseshoe Lifeguard T-Shirt
Contributed by Mark C. Hammond
The lifeguard shirt worn by the 1988 and 1989 Aquatics Staffs.
Canoeing Postcard
Contributed by Scott Hoopes
This postcard displays some tranquil canoeing activity on the Octoraro Creek.
Boating Postcard
Contributed by Karl W. Winsch
This postcard from the late 1930s depicts boaters on the Octoraro. Note the size of the trees in Eagle’s Grove, the size of the lifeguard stand and the White House in the background.
On the Octorara Postcard
Contributed by Anonymous
On the ‘Octorara’ Horseshoe Reservation Scout Camp, Chester County Council BSA
Horseshoe Life Guard Patch
Contributed by Steve D'Antonio
Another variation of the Horseshoe Life Guard Patch.
Life Guard Patch
Contributed by Paul Munscher
Another version of the life guard patch.
Life Guard Patch
Contributed by Paul Munscher
Another version of the life guard patch.
Life Guard Patch
Contributed by Paul Munscher
Another version of the life guard patch.
Aquatics Area Directors
Display Details
Here is the listing of known Aquatics area directors for Camp Horseshoe.
Contributed by Karl W. Winsch
1928 Jules Prevost
1929 – 1935 Unknown
1936 A. R. Ewing
1937 Al Weeks
1938-1939 Mercer Sloan
1940 – 1943 Unknown
1944 Larry Phelan
1945 – 1946 Charles Miller
1947 – 1951 Herbert Ellison
1952 Unknown
1953 Ronny Shiban
1954 – 1955 G. Ernest Heegard
1956 – 1957 William Smeader
1958 Lynn Ritchey
1959 Gordon Wise
1960 – 1963 Unknown
1964-1965 Roy Hall
1966 Unknown
1967 Mike Parlett
1969 Phil Swab
1974 Dave Anderson
1975 – 1976 Bill Grubb
1977 J. Frederick Hoopes
1978 Chuck Cline
1979 Richard M. Mason, Jr.
1980 Pete Ross
1981 – 1982 Dave Gurnee
1983 – 1984 Eric Longnecker
1985 – 1987 John J.D. Munday
1988 – 1990 Pete Lesley
1991 – 1992 Glenn Runyon
1993 Bill Radford
1994 Tim Healey
1995 Ed George
1996 Joe Sivco
1997 Tom Hillhouse
1998 – 1999 Richard D. Foot
2000 – 2005 Joe Bradley
2006 – 2007 Walter Boyd
2008 – 2012 Will Stevens
2013 – 2014 Wade Bastian
2015 – 2016 Tyler Storr
2017 Chris Hessler
2018 Christian Miller
2019 Liam O’Neill
2021 Christian Trowbridge
2022 Nate Motel
2023 Matthew Iseman
2025 Aaron Webster
Boating Area Directors
Display Details
Here is the listing of known Boating area directors for Camp Horseshoe.
