- ABOUT US -

"They say that once you get the dust of Horseshoe
in your moccasins, you can't get it out"

HISTORY

In 1926, after numerous searches for a suitable camp for summer programs, the Chester County Council came upon a property owned by the Reynolds family of Maryland. The camp opened in 1927 with staff working on the first facilities, and it was originally named Camp Horseshoe for the shape that the Octoraro Creek makes as it winds around the property. Today, the Horseshoe Scout Reservation, is located  covers 1200 acres of wilderness area that straddles the Mason-Dixon line between Pennsylvania and Maryland

The history of the camp reaches much further in to the past. Native Americans from the Lenni-Lenape tribe once lived on what is today the Horseshoe Scout Reservation, as evidenced by an archeological dig conducted in 1988, that unearthed numerous artifacts and relics.

In recent years, Camp Horseshoe has undergone numerous changes. From the original farmland and the handful of campsites to follow, Horseshoe grew its program, expanded to fourteen campsites and built other excellent facilities to support the scouting movement in Chester County and beyond.

2007 marked the 80th Anniversary celebration of Camp Horseshoe's service to the youth of the east coast, having accommodated units from not only all of Pennsylvania, but troops from Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Connecticut, North Carolina, Florida and Virginia.

One of the few remaining seven day camps (Sunday to Sunday), Camp Horseshoe has a much heralded legacy and history as one of the finest traditional Boys Scout facilities in the United States.

CAMP HORSESHOE AT A GLANCE

• Nationally accredited BSA Camp
• 1200+ acres
• Located partly in Pennsylvania and Maryland, the Mason Dixon line runs through the camp
• 70+ trained staff
• Family style dining
• Fully stocked camp store
• Monday through Friday merit badge programs
• Olympic size swimming pool and boat docks
• Full rifle, shotgun and archery ranges
• Over 8 miles of hiking trails plus a Nature Trail

 

PROGRAM

Camp Horseshoe offers 40+ merit badges including:

The SPECIAL INTEREST PROGRAM (S.I.P.) is another popular opportunity which allows youth and adults to further explore one program or more areas throughout the week and a earn special segment for their uniform.

Camp Horseshoe also features an impressive retreat ceremony each evening as well as camp wide games, belt branding, inter-troop competitions, astronomy hikes, OA pageants and other troop and patrol activities designed to shape an awesome week of memories.

As well as the merit badge programs, Camp Horseshoe offers special programs for the newest scout up to the most experienced of campers.

The TRAILBLAZER PROGRAM was created as a First Year Camper Experience where new scouts can not only participate in every program area in camp, but also makes serious strides in rank advancement towards First Class.

Older scouts will enjoy PROJECT C.O.P.E., which provides them with team building and leadership challenges all while enjoying the world-class low and high ropes elements. An offshoot of C.O.P.E., the MOUNTAIN BIKING program provides older scouts with an opportunity to explore the many and varied trails that meander through the Reservation.

Adult leaders can of course participate in all that camp has to offer, from troop swims and open shooting ranges to special certification courses and so much more!!!

WHAT'S NEW

Can't make it to Camp Horseshoe the same week as your troop? -OR- maybe you just want to come for an extra week to experience everything Horseshoe has to offer.

PROVISIONAL CAMPING is the answer!

In 2007, Camp Horseshoe began it's provisional troop program with incredible success. All scouts are invited to participate in this special program where they have the opportunity to further their achievements while meeting scouts from other units. The troop is staffed by qualified, trained adult leadership selected by Horseshoe, but of course, in keeping with the aims and methods of scouting, the youth run the show.

Camp Horseshoe has something for just about everyone, whether you're interested in high adventure, rank or merit badge advancement, leadership opportunities or just having a great time!

Nationally Accredited

The Horseshoe Scout Reservation
is a Nationally Accredited
B.S.A. Facility.

Have a question? We would really love to hear from you! For more information about Camp Horseshoe and the Horseshoe Scout Reservation, its activities and facilities, or to express your interest in our summer and winter programs please be sure to contact us!