“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
Exhibit Details
Originally known as Scoutcraft, this department is for first year campers at Horseshoe who want to explore the whole of what camp has to offer by getting a taste of each program area. Trailblazers also focuses on rank advancement up to first class.
Enjoy these photos of the Trailblazers having fun learning and laughing their way to first class requirements!
Knot Tying
2002 – Contributed by Anonymous
Instructor Bill Hohl demonstrates knot tying techniques to the Trailblazers.
Field Day Knot Race
2012 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
Scouts race to tie the knots that they learned earlier in the during the Trailblazer Field Day competition on Friday.
Trailblazers Stealth
2012 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
A stealthy trailblazer silently crosses the randomly placed benches in an attempt to go undetected by a blind folded staff member during the Trailblazer Field Day.
Clove Hitch
1944 – Contributed by John B. Rettew III
A Scout from Paoli 81 learning the ropes in 1944 during Scoutcraft, the predecessor to Trailblazers.
Trailblazers
2008 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
Josh Mateyk instructs his team of Trailblazers.
Trailblazers Hitching Post
2008 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
New Scouts learn knots at the hitching post during Trailblazers instruction.
Edible Plants Demo
2008 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Trailblazers Director Bill Hohl shows some edible plants to the new Scouts.
Leaving for the Outpost
2007 – Contributed by David B. Woodward
New scouts leave for a night of fun. Activities included a game of Capture the Flag, a campfire and sleeping under the stars.
Trailblazer Archery
2007 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
Trailblazers line up their arrows during one of their trips down to the archery range.
Trailblazers Area
Display Details
The Trailblazers area was mapped out in the late 1990s and construction on the site was conducted in 1997. The pavilion and outdoor classroom are ideal locations for young Scouts to have a educated-filled experience during their first year at Camp Horseshoe.
Trailblazers Entrance
2008 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The entrance to the Trailblazers area.
The Original Trailblazers Sign
1996 – Contributed by Andrew Smith
The original Trailblazers sign in 1996.
Trailblazers Pavilion
2008 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Trailblazer pavilion, built in the late 1990s.
Trailblazers Pavilion
2016 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
The Trailblazers Pavilion is being used by Troop 31 for the annual Summer Camp cookout on Saturday evening.
Trailblazers Knot Board
2008 – Contributed by Andrew Coe
A display of knots that Scouts need to learn for early Rank advancement hangs in the Trailblazers pavilion.
Trailblazers in 2021
2021 – Contributed by Anonymous
The Trailblazers pavilion in 2021.
Videos
Display Details
Here are a few videos of Trailblazers having an amazing adventure at Camp Horseshoe.
Trailblazers Young Scouts practice their new found skills at the Trailblazers area. 2002 – Contributed by Alexander MustoMorning Wakeup Troop 31 Trailblazers are treated to a morning serenade from the staff during Outpost in Eagle Grove. 2015 – Contributed by Anonymous
Memorabilia
Display Details
Trailblazers hasn’t generated a lot of memorabilia yet, but as we find more items, we’ll include it here.
See Also
Click HERE to see the museum’s main Memorabilia room.
Trailblazers Segment
2008 – Contributed by Anonymous
A Scout can earn this award by participating in the Trailblazers First Year Camper Experience during their week at Horseshoe.
Trailblazers Sticker
2023 – Contributed by Scott Hoopes
A sticker from the Camp Horseshoe program area Trailblazers.
Trailblazers Department Belt Buckle
Contributed by Grayson Pitman, Greg Comolli, and Michael Corbo
The Trailblazers Department Belt Buckle.
Scoutcrafter of the Year
2025 – Contributed by Grayson Pitman
Every year at Camp Horseshoe, the Trailblazers and Campcraft Director pick one member of the scoutcraft staff as Scoutcrafter of the Year. They selected based on knowledge, program, length of service, and cheerfulness. They are awarded with a Blue Silver Buckle.
2023 – Patrick English
2024 – Grayson Pitman
2025 – Austin Price
Trailblazers Area Directors
Display Details
Here is the listing of known Trailblazers area directors for Camp Horseshoe. Note: Trailblazers started at the end of the summer camp season of 1995. Prior to that, the program area was called Scoutcraft.
