Scouting in Pennsylvania: Difference between revisions

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===Bucktail Council===
===Bucktail Council===
The Bucktail Council of the [[Boy Scouts of America]] serves [[Cameron County, Pennsylvania|Cameron]], [[Clearfield County, Pennsylvania|Clearfield]], [[Elk County, Pennsylvania|Elk]], [[Jefferson County, Pennsylvania|Jefferson]], and the western portions of [[Centre County, Pennsylvania|Centre County]]. The Council was organized on July 24, 1930, and headquartered in DuBois. The Council adopted its constitution and by-laws on April 28, 1931, thanks to the efforts of John Q. Groves of Dubois.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=DuBois Area Historical Society, Inc. :: Spring Walk At Camp Mountain Run, May 8 |url=http://duboishs.com/index.php/dubois-hs-blog/spring-walk-at-camp-mountain-run-may-8/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=duboishs.com}}</ref> The Council brought under a unified leadership several independent Boy Scout troops in the surrounding areas of [[Brockway, Pennsylvania|Brockway]], [[Brookville, Pennsylvania|Brookville]], [[Clearfield, Pennsylvania|Clearfield]], [[DuBois, Pennsylvania|DuBois]], [[Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania|Johnsonburg]], [[Mahaffey, Pennsylvania|Mahaffey]], [[Philipsburg, Centre County, Pennsylvania|Philipsburg]], [[Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania|Reynoldsville]], [[Ridgway, Pennsylvania|Ridgway]], and [[St. Marys, Pennsylvania|St. Marys]].
The Bucktail Council of the [[Boy Scouts of America]] serves [[Cameron County, Pennsylvania|Cameron]], [[Clearfield County, Pennsylvania|Clearfield]], [[Elk County, Pennsylvania|Elk]], [[Jefferson County, Pennsylvania|Jefferson]], and the western portions of [[Centre County, Pennsylvania|Centre County]]. The Council was organized on July 24, 1930, and is headquartered in [[DuBois, Pennsylvania|DuBois]]. It adopted its constitution and by-laws on April 28, 1931, thanks to the efforts of John Q. Groves of Dubois.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=DuBois Area Historical Society, Inc. :: Spring Walk At Camp Mountain Run, May 8 |url=http://duboishs.com/index.php/dubois-hs-blog/spring-walk-at-camp-mountain-run-may-8/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=duboishs.com}}</ref> The Council unified several independent Boy Scout troops from the surrounding areas, including [[Brockway, Pennsylvania|Brockway]], [[Brookville, Pennsylvania|Brookville]], [[Clearfield, Pennsylvania|Clearfield]], [[DuBois, Pennsylvania|DuBois]], [[Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania|Johnsonburg]], [[Mahaffey, Pennsylvania|Mahaffey]], [[Philipsburg, Centre County, Pennsylvania|Philipsburg]], [[Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania|Reynoldsville]], [[Ridgway, Pennsylvania|Ridgway]], and [[St. Marys, Pennsylvania|St. Marys]], under a single leadership.


The first Council President was Lyle G. Hall (1930 – 1938, 1971), the first Council Scout Executive was H. B. Knepper (1930 – 1937), and the first Council Commissioner was H. T. Gray.
The Council's name references the [[13th Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment]], also known as “Bucktails,” a volunteer infantry regiment that served in the [[Army of the Potomac]] during the [[American Civil War]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rauch |first=William H. |url=https://archive.org/details/cu31924026471023 |title=History of the Bucktails: Kane Rifle Regiment of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps (13th Pennsylvania Reserves, 42nd of the Line) |last2=Thomson |first2=O. R. Howard |publisher=Electric Printing Company |year=1906 |language=en}}</ref> When the regiment was first forming, one recruit —many of whom were woodsmen and lumbermen— decorated his hat with the tail of a [[white-tailed deer]] he had found in a butcher shop. Other men adopted the decoration, and the regiment came to be known as the “Bucktails.”<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The History of Ah’tic Lodge – Scouting Memories |url=https://scoutingmemories.org/the-history-of-ahtic-lodge/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=scoutingmemories.org}}</ref>


The name of the Council references the [[13th Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment]], also known as “Bucktails”, a volunteer infantry regiment that was part of the [[Army of the Potomac]] during the [[American Civil War]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rauch |first=William H. |url=https://archive.org/details/cu31924026471023 |title=History of the Bucktails: Kane Rifle Regiment of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps (13th Pennsylvania Reserves, 42nd of the Line) |last2=Thomson |first2=O. R. Howard |publisher=Electric Printing Company |year=1906 |language=en}}</ref> When the regiment was first forming, one recruit —many of which were woodsmen and lumbermen— ornamented his hat with a tail from a [[White-tailed deer]] he had found in a butcher shop. Other men liked this decoration and adopted the practice, causing the regiment to be known as “Bucktails”.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The History of Ah’tic Lodge – Scouting Memories |url=https://scoutingmemories.org/the-history-of-ahtic-lodge/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=scoutingmemories.org}}</ref>
On July 23, 2025, the leadership of Bucktail Council held a public meeting titled “The Future of Bucktail Council” at Camp Mountain Run, to address the Council’s financial status and long-term viability, including the future of Camp Mountain Run. During the meeting, Council leadership cited declining participation, outstanding debts, recent staff turnover, and a conditionally approved charter from the [[Boy Scouts of America|Scouting America National Council]]. As a result, Council leadership announced the serious consideration of a merger with the [[Laurel Highlands Council]], based in [[Pittsburgh]], as well as the sale of the nearly 100-year-old Camp Mountain Run. However, no final decision has been made.<ref>{{Cite web |last=staff |first=WJAC |date=2025-07-24 |title=Camp Mountain Run faces 'uncertain future' as scout numbers dwindle in Clearfield County |url=https://wjactv.com/news/local/camp-mountain-run-faces-uncertain-future-as-scout-numbers-dwindle-in-clearfield-county |access-date=2025-07-25 |website=WJAC |language=en}}</ref>


{{Infobox WorldScouting
{{Infobox WorldScouting
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| chiefscout =Vacant  
| chiefscout =Vacant  
| chiefscouttitle2 =President
| chiefscouttitle2 =President
| chiefscout2 =Scott Barber
| chiefscout2 =Ryan P. Sayers, Esq.
| chiefscouttitle3 =Commissioner
| chiefscouttitle3 =Commissioner
| chiefscout3 = Jim Davis
| chiefscout3 = Jim Davis
| website =[http://www.bucktail.org bucktail.org]
| website =[http://www.bucktail.org bucktail.org]
|location=Pennsylvania, United States|chiefscouttitle4=Camping Committee Chair|chiefscout4=Brad Sweet|chiefscouttitle5=OA Lodge Advisor|chiefscout5=Andrew Klark}}
|location=Pennsylvania, United States|chiefscouttitle4=Camping Committee Chair|chiefscout4=Scott Creighton|chiefscouttitle5=OA Lodge Advisor|chiefscout5=Andrew Klark}}


'''District'''
==== District ====
 
The Bucktail Council has a single district: PA Eastern Wilds. The district  covers the following school districts: [[Cameron County School District|Cameron County]], [[Saint Marys Area School District|St. Mary’s]], [[Bald Eagle Area School District|Bald Eagle]], [[Clearfield Area School District|Clearfield]], [[Curwensville Area School District|Curwensville]], [[Moshannon Valley School District|Moshannon Valley]], [[West Branch Area School District|West Branch]], [[Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District|Philipsburg-Osceola]], [[Johnsonburg Area High School|Johnsonburg]], [[Ridgway Area School District|Ridgway]], [[Brockway Area School District|Brockway]], [[DuBois Area School District|DuBois]], [[Brookville Area School District|Brookville]], [[Clarion-Limestone Area School District|Clarion-Limestone]], and [[Punxsutawney Area School District|Punxsutawney]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Districts |url=https://bucktail.org/districts/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Bucktail Council |language=en-US}}</ref>
Bucktail Council has a single District, PA Eastern Wilds, which covers the following school districts: [[Cameron County School District|Cameron County]], [[Saint Marys Area School District|St. Mary’s]], [[Bald Eagle Area School District|Bald Eagle]], [[Clearfield Area School District|Clearfield]], [[Curwensville Area School District|Curwensville]], [[Moshannon Valley School District|Moshannon Valley]], [[West Branch Area School District|West Branch]], [[Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District|Philipsburg-Osceola Area]], [[Johnsonburg Area High School|Johnsonburg]], [[Ridgway Area School District|Ridgway]], [[Brockway Area School District|Brockway]], [[DuBois Area School District|DuBois]], [[Brookville Area School District|Brookville]], [[Clarion-Limestone Area School District|Clarion-Limestone]], [[Punxsutawney Area School District|Punxsutawney]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Districts |url=https://bucktail.org/districts/ |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Bucktail Council |language=en-US}}</ref>


====Camps====
====Camps====
*Camp Mountain Run
*Camp Mountain Run
In 1931, the Council used Camp Coffman, the Oil City Scout Council's Camp (now part of [[French Creek Council]]), for their first summer camp program. On May 1, 1932, the Bucktail Council Camp Committee reported two sites had been inspected for the location of the Council’s own camp. One was near [[East Branch Clarion River Lake|East Branch Clarion River]] in Elk County and the second site near a beaver dam along Mountain Run Stream in [[Penfield, Pennsylvania|Penfield]], Clearfield County. The Council approved the leasing of the land on Mountain Run which would be developed into the 380+ acre present-day Camp Mountain Run Scout Camp.<ref name=":1" />
In 1931, the Council used Camp Coffman, then part of the Oil City Scout Council (now part of [[French Creek Council]]), for its first summer camp program. On May 1, 1932, the Bucktail Council Camp Committee reported that it had inspected two potential sites for a permanent Council camp: one near [[East Branch Clarion River Lake|East Branch Clarion River]] in Elk County, and another near a beaver dam along Mountain Run Stream in [[Penfield, Pennsylvania|Penfield]], Clearfield County. The Council approved the leasing of the Mountain Run site, which would be developed into the 380+ acre Camp Mountain Run Scout Camp.<ref name=":1" />


The land was first leased from the Kersey Mining Company and the [[Pennsylvania|Commonwealth of Pennsylvania]]. Later the [https://visitpago.com/the-history-of-the-shawmuts-rise-and-fall/ Shawmut Mining Company], which acquired the Kersey Mining Company’s portion, sold its tract of land to the Council in 1939 for one dollar. In 1962, through the efforts of J. Hall Stackpole (Seventh President, 1957 - 1960), his company, the [https://www.stackpole.com/about/history.html Stackpole Carbon Company] arranged a trade of 614 acres for the 307 acres still owned by the Commonwealth which he deeded to the Council.<ref name=":0" />
The land was initially leased from the Kersey Mining Company and the [[Pennsylvania|Commonwealth of Pennsylvania]]. In 1939, the [https://visitpago.com/the-history-of-the-shawmuts-rise-and-fall/ Shawmut Mining Company], which had acquired Kersey's portion, sold its tract to the Council for one dollar. In 1962, through the efforts of J. Hall Stackpole (Seventh President, 1957–1960), his company, the [https://www.stackpole.com/about/history.html Stackpole Carbon Company], arranged a land trade of 614 acres for the 307 acres still owned by the Commonwealth, which he then deeded to the Council.<ref name=":0" />


The Stackpole Carbon Company’s outstanding generosity continued by building and funding the original swimming pool in 1935 and supplied funding in 1960 for the renovation of its filtration system. In 1970, the [https://www.thecourierexpress.com/news/stackpole-hall-foundation-reflects-on-70-years-of-giving-back/article_804dfbb0-9b2e-11ec-8230-175b77022425.html Stackpole-Hall Foundation] provided a large donation for the expansion and renovation of the Camp’s dining hall.<ref name=":0" />  
The Stackpole Carbon Company’s generosity continued with the construction and funding of the original swimming pool in 1935, and additional funding in 1960 for the renovation of the pool's filtration system. In 1970, the [https://www.thecourierexpress.com/news/stackpole-hall-foundation-reflects-on-70-years-of-giving-back/article_804dfbb0-9b2e-11ec-8230-175b77022425.html Stackpole-Hall Foundation] provided a substantial donation for the expansion and renovation of the Camp’s dining hall.<ref name=":0" />  


====Order of the Arrow====
====Order of the Arrow====
*Ah'Tic Lodge #139
*Ah'Tic Lodge #139
In the Spring 1937, the leaders of Bucktail Council wanted to recognize those Scouts and Scouters who were “Honor Campers”, those who best exemplified the ideals of the [[Scout Promise|Scout Oath]] and [[Scout Law|Law]]. The Council did so by organizing a Camp Honor Society. Shortly thereafter, the Council’s Executive Board in January 1938 voted to apply for an [[Order of the Arrow]] Lodge Charter. This effort, led by John H. Keller (Second Council Executive, 1937 - 1942), would form the Lodge’s charter membership from those members of the original Honor Camper Society. On June 1, 1938, a ceremonial team from [[Laurel Highlands Council|Camp Twin Echo]] came to Camp Mountain Run to initiate those first members into the Order of the Arrow. The first official meeting of Ah’Tic Lodge was July 27, 1938, the name “Ah’Tic” taken from the [[Ojibwe|Chippewa]] language meaning “Standing Elk”.<ref name=":0" />{{Clear}}
In the spring of 1937, leaders of Bucktail Council sought to recognize those Scouts and Scouters who were “Honor Campers,” those who best exemplified the ideals of the [[Scout Promise|Scout Oath]] and [[Scout Law|Law]], creating a Camp Honor Society for this purpose. In January 1938, the Council’s Executive Board voted to apply for a charter from the [[Order of the Arrow]] (OA).  
 
This initiative, led by John H. Keller (Second Council Executive, 1937–1942), established the lodge’s charter membership from members of the original Honor Camper Society. On June 1, 1938, a ceremonial team from [[Laurel Highlands Council|Camp Twin Echo]] visited Camp Mountain Run to induct the first members into the Council's OA Lodge.  
 
The first official meeting of the Council's OA Lodge was held July 27, 1938. The name “Ah’Tic,” meaning “Standing Elk,” in the [[Ojibwe|Chippewa]] language, was chosen in reference to the large elk population in the nearby area.<ref name=":0" />{{Clear}}


===Chester County Council===
===Chester County Council===
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|members=
|members=
|chiefscouttitle=President
|chiefscouttitle=President
|chiefscout=
|chiefscout=Steve Carroll
|chiefscouttitle2=Council Commissioner
|chiefscouttitle2=Council Commissioner
|chiefscout2=
|chiefscout2=Gus Sauerzopf
|chiefscouttitle3=Scout Executive
|chiefscouttitle3=Scout Executive
|chiefscout3=Jeff Spencer
|chiefscout3=Jacob Segal
|website=http://www.cccbsa.org
|website=http://www.cccbsa.org
}}
}}
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===Chief Cornplanter Council===
===Chief Cornplanter Council===
{{primarysources|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox WorldScouting
{{Infobox WorldScouting
|name=Chief Cornplanter Council #538
|name=Chief Cornplanter Council #538
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|website=[https://www.cornplanterbsa.org/ cornplanterbsa.org]
|website=[https://www.cornplanterbsa.org/ cornplanterbsa.org]
}}
}}
Known as "America's Oldest Council," CCC is the oldest existing, continuously registered council in the United States. In 1910, members of the community of [[Warren, Pennsylvania|Warren]] first explored Scouting activities. In 1913, the Boy Scouts of America gave a charter to an organization known as the [[Warren County, Pennsylvania|Warren County]] Council. Then in 1954 the council's official name was changed to Chief [[Cornplanter]] Council to honor the famous [[Seneca people|Seneca]]-[[Iroquois]] war chief and diplomat. In 2013, the council celebrated its 100th anniversary as the longest-tenured, unmerged Boy Scout Council in America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cccbsa.com/history.shtml|title=cccbsa Website|access-date=27 October 2016}}</ref>
Known as "America's Oldest Council," CCC is the oldest existing, continuously registered council in the United States.{{citationneeded|date=October 2025}} In 1910, members of the community of [[Warren, Pennsylvania|Warren]] first explored Scouting activities. In 1913, the Boy Scouts of America gave a charter to an organization known as the [[Warren County, Pennsylvania|Warren County]] Council. Then in 1954 the council's official name was changed to Chief [[Cornplanter]] Council to honor the famous [[Seneca people|Seneca]]-[[Iroquois]] war chief and diplomat. In 2013, the council celebrated its 100th anniversary as the longest-tenured, unmerged Boy Scout Council in America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cccbsa.com/history.shtml|title=cccbsa Website|access-date=27 October 2016}}</ref>


====Camps====
====Camps====
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===Columbia-Montour Council===
===Columbia-Montour Council===
{{Expand section|1=examples and additional citations|date=March 2013}}
{{primarysources|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox WorldScouting
{{Infobox WorldScouting
| name =Columbia-Montour Council #504
| name =Columbia-Montour Council #504
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|website=[http://www.Frenchcreek-BSA.org Frenchcreek-BSA.org]
|website=[http://www.Frenchcreek-BSA.org Frenchcreek-BSA.org]
}}
}}
The '''French Creek Council''' serves scouts in six counties in northwestern [[Pennsylvania]] and [[Brookfield Township, Trumbull County, Ohio|Brookfield Township in Ohio]]. The council was organized in 1972 from a merger of the former Washington Trail Council of [[Erie, Pennsylvania|Erie]], Custaloga Council of [[Sharon, Pennsylvania|Sharon]], and Colonel Drake Council of [[Oil City, Pennsylvania|Oil City]]. Its headquarters is located in Erie, PA. The council is divided into three districts, Oliver Perry, Colonel Drake and Chief Kiondashawa, to effectively execute operations across Northwest Pennsylvania.
The '''French Creek Council''' serves scouts in six counties in northwestern [[Pennsylvania]] and [[Brookfield Township, Trumbull County, Ohio|Brookfield Township in Ohio]]. The council was organized in 1972 from a merger of the former Washington Trail Council of [[Erie, Pennsylvania|Erie]], Custaloga Council of [[Sharon, Pennsylvania|Sharon]], and Colonel Drake Council of [[Oil City, Pennsylvania|Oil City]]. Its headquarters is located in Erie, PA. The council is divided into two districts: Lakes and Rivers, to effectively execute operations across Northwest Pennsylvania.


====Camps ====
====Camps ====
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|members=
|members=
|chiefscouttitle=President
|chiefscouttitle=President
|chiefscout=Jeffrey Euclide
|chiefscout=Joseph Hartz
|chiefscouttitle2=Council Commissioner
|chiefscouttitle2=Council Commissioner
|chiefscout2=
|chiefscout2=
|chiefscouttitle3=Scout Executive
|chiefscouttitle3=Scout Executive
|chiefscout3=James Milham
|chiefscout3=Davis Fox
|website={{url|http://www.hmc-bsa.org |hmc-bsa.org}}
|website={{url|http://www.hmc-bsa.org |hmc-bsa.org}}
}}
}}
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===Moraine Trails Council===
===Moraine Trails Council===
{{Expand section|1=examples and additional citations|date=March 2013}}
 
{{Infobox WorldScouting
{{Infobox WorldScouting
|name=Moraine Trails Council #500
|name=Moraine Trails Council #500
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===Susquehanna Council===
===Susquehanna Council===
{{Expand section|1=examples and additional citations|date=March 2013}}
{{primarysources|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox WorldScouting
{{Infobox WorldScouting
|name=Susquehanna Council #533
|name=Susquehanna Council #533
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|chiefscout=Robert Dluge<ref name="susquehannabsa.org">{{Cite web|url=https://susquehannabsa.org/connect/staff-assignments/|title = Staff Assignments}}</ref>
|chiefscout=Robert Dluge<ref name="susquehannabsa.org">{{Cite web|url=https://susquehannabsa.org/connect/staff-assignments/|title = Staff Assignments}}</ref>
|chiefscouttitle2=Council Commissioner
|chiefscouttitle2=Council Commissioner
|chiefscout2=R. "Butch" McCusker<ref name="susquehannabsa.org">{{Cite web|url=https://susquehannabsa.org/connect/staff-assignments/|title = Staff Assignments}}</ref>
|chiefscout2=R. "Butch" McCusker<ref name="susquehannabsa.org"/>
|chiefscouttitle3=Scout Executive
|chiefscouttitle3=Scout Executive
|chiefscout3=Dennis Dugan<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://susquehannabsa.org/connect/|title = Connect}}</ref>
|chiefscout3=Dennis Dugan<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://susquehannabsa.org/connect/|title = Connect}}</ref>
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===Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania===
===Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania===
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania was created by a merger on April 28, 2007 between the Girl Scouts of Freedom Valley, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Great Valley Councils. The merger became effective on May 1. Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania serves Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Philadelphia counties.<ref>{{cite web |title=Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, About Us |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/our-council/about-gsep.html |website=Girl Scouts of Eastern PA |access-date=19 January 2019}}</ref>
Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania was created by a merger on April 28, 2007 between the Girl Scouts of Freedom Valley, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Great Valley Councils. The merger became effective on May 1. Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania serves Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Philadelphia counties.<ref>{{cite web |title=Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, About Us |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/our-council/about-gsep.html |website=Girl Scouts of Eastern PA |access-date=19 January 2019}}</ref> The current CEO is Kim E. Fraites-Dow. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Staff Directory {{!}} Girl Scouts |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/discover/our-council/search-staff-directory-leadership.html |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=Girl Scouts of the USA |language=en}}</ref>


{{Infobox WorldScouting
{{Infobox WorldScouting
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|founder=
|founder=
|members=
|members=
|chiefscouttitle=President
|chiefscouttitle=Chief Executive Officer
|chiefscout=
|chiefscout=Kim E. Fraites-Dow
|chiefscouttitle2=Council Commissioner
|chiefscouttitle2=
|chiefscout2=
|chiefscout2=
|chiefscouttitle3=Scout Executive
|chiefscouttitle3=
|chiefscout3=
|chiefscout3=
|website= [https://www.gsep.org gsep.org]
|website= [https://www.gsep.org gsep.org]
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====Camps====
====Camps====
* Camp Mosey Wood is a year-round camp in [[Kidder Township, Pennsylvania|Kidder Township]] ([[Carbon County, Pennsylvania|Carbon County]]). The camp is {{convert|425|acres}} with a {{convert|13|acres|adj=on}} lake.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mosey Wood |url=http://www.gsep.org/en/camp/resident-camps/mosey-wood.html |website=Girl Scouts of Eastern PA |access-date=19 January 2019}}</ref>
During the summer, Eastern Pennsylvania camps are open for all registered Girl Scouts. The camp is operated by paid staff who work for the council. Campers sign up for a program session of their choice, which can be as short as two nights and as long as four weeks. Each program has its own themed activities. Campers are also asked at the start of the week what they would like to do (this is called Girl Planning,) and the activities they choose are worked into their schedule.{{cite magazine |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Program Registration Information |url=https://www.gsep.org/content/dam/gsep-redesign/documents/news/newsroom/25_Camp%20and%20Program%20Guide%20Final%202%20(2).pdf |access-date=September 18, 2025 |magazine=GSEP Summer Camp Guide |publisher=Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania |location= |page=70 |issue=2025}}
* Camp Wood Haven ([[Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania|Schuylkill County]])<ref>{{cite web |title=Camp Wood Haven |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/resident-camps/camp-wood-haven.html |website=Girl Scouts of the USA |access-date=17 May 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
 
* Camp Laughing Waters in [[Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania|Gilbertsville]] ([[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Montgomery County]]) is {{convert|400|acres}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Camp Laughing Waters |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/resident-camps/camp-laughing-waters.html |website=Girl Scouts of the USA |access-date=17 May 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
In the summer of 2025, camps Wood Haven and Mountain House adopted a "classic camp" model. This eliminated the themed programs for the two camps, and instead had campers sign up for themeless week-long sessions with more girl planning time. {{cite magazine |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Classic Camp |url=https://www.gsep.org/content/dam/gsep-redesign/documents/news/newsroom/25_Camp%20and%20Program%20Guide%20Final%202%20(2).pdf |access-date=September 18, 2025 |magazine=GSEP Summer Camp Guide |publisher=Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania |location= |page=14 |issue=2025}}
* Camp Shelly Ridge in [[Miquon, Pennsylvania|Miquon]] ([[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Montgomery County]]) also serves as the council headquarters.<ref>{{cite web |title=Camp Shelly Ridge |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/day-camps/camp-shelly-ridge.html |website=Girl Scouts of the USA |access-date=17 May 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
 
* Camp Mountain House is a day camp in the [[Lehigh Valley]] ([[Salisbury Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania|Salisbury Township, Lehigh County]])<ref>{{cite web |title=Camp Mountain House |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/day-camps/camp-mountain-house.html |website=Girl Scouts of the USA |access-date=17 May 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Camp Mountain House |url=https://allentownpa.myrec.com/forms/6138_my23_camp_mountain_house.pdf |access-date=17 May 2025}}</ref>
During the school year, the camps are open for anybody to rent. Troops are allowed to rent out the sites for their own events, and entire service units can rent out the sites for "[[Camporee|Camporees]]." People outside of Girl Scouts are also allowed to rent the sites for events like [[Wedding|weddings]], [[Field trip|field trips]], and [[School Dance|school dances]]. Girl Scouts are generally supervised by [[Volunteering|volunteers]] during off-season camping, but paid staff may be present to facilitate activities like [[swimming]] and [[Ropes course|ropes courses]]. The council also holds events at the camps throughout the year. {{cite magazine |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Program Registration Information |url=https://www.gsep.org/content/dam/gsep-redesign/documents/news/newsroom/25_Camp%20and%20Program%20Guide%20Final%202%20(2).pdf |access-date=September 18, 2025 |magazine=GSEP Summer Camp Guide |publisher=Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania |location= |page=70 |issue=2025}}
* Valley Forge Day Camp ([[Valley Forge, Pennsylvania|Valley Forge]])<ref>{{cite web |title=Camp Valley Forge |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/day-camps/camp-valley-forge.html |website=Girl Scouts of the USA |access-date=17 May 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
* Camp Mosey Wood is an overnight camp in [[White Haven, Pennsylvania|White Haven]] ([[Carbon County, Pennsylvania|Carbon County]]). The camp is {{convert|425|acres}} with a {{convert|13|acres|adj=on}} lake. Campers may stay in platform [[Tent|tents]] or a lodge. Activities include dueling [[Zip line|ziplines]], two high [[Ropes course|ropes courses]], a low ropes course, two [[Climbing wall|climbing walls]], a [[bouldering]] wall, [[archery]], [[Gaga (game)|gaga]], and [[swimming]] and [[boating]] in the lake. It is currently directed by April "Ape" Beattie. <ref>{{cite web |title=Camp Mosey Wood |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/resident-camps/camp-mosey-wood.html |access-date=18 September 2025 |website=Girl Scouts of Eastern PA}}</ref>
* Camp Wood Haven is an overnight camp in [[Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania|Pine Grove]] ([[Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania|Schuylkill County]]). Campers may stay in platform [[Tent|tents]], [[Adirondack lean-to|Adirondack shelters]], [[Conestoga wagon|Conestoga wagons]], or Birdsong, which is a [[Tree house|treehouse]]. Activities include [[Equestrianism|horseback riding]], [[archery]], a low [[ropes course]], a [[climbing wall]], a "tree element" (a high [[Ropes course|ropes]] element where participants propel themselves up a rope), [[Gaga (game)|gaga]], and [[swimming]] in a [[Swimming pool|pool]]. Wood Haven was one of the two camps that adopted the "Classic Camp" model in the summer of 2025.<ref>{{cite web |title=Camp Wood Haven |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/resident-camps/camp-wood-haven.html |access-date=17 May 2025 |website=Girl Scouts of the USA |language=en}}</ref> {{cite magazine |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Camp Wood Haven |url=https://www.gsep.org/content/dam/gsep-redesign/documents/news/newsroom/25_Camp%20and%20Program%20Guide%20Final%202%20(2).pdf |access-date=September 18, 2025 |magazine=GSEP Summer Camp Guide |publisher=Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania |location= |page=54 |issue=2025}}
* Camp Laughing Waters is an overnight camp in [[Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania|Gilbertsville]] ([[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Montgomery County]]). It is {{convert|400|acres}}. Campers may stay in platform [[Tent|tents]] or [[Log cabin|cabins]]. Activities include [[Equestrianism|horseback riding]], a high ropes and low [[ropes course]], a [[climbing wall]], [[bouldering]], [[disc golf]], [[Gaga (game)|gaga]], [[archery]], and [[swimming]] in a [[Swimming pool|pool]]. It is currently directed by Caroline "Smilez" Rahmlow.<ref>{{cite web |title=Camp Laughing Waters |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/resident-camps/camp-laughing-waters.html |website=Girl Scouts of the USA |access-date=17 May 2025 |language=en}}</ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Camp Laughing Waters |url=https://www.gsep.org/content/dam/gsep-redesign/documents/news/newsroom/25_Camp%20and%20Program%20Guide%20Final%202%20(2).pdf |access-date=September 18, 2025 |magazine=GSEP Summer Camp Guide |publisher=Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania |location= |page=35 |issue=2025}}
* Camp Shelly Ridge is the only camp in the council to offer both day and overnight options. It is located in [[Miquon, Pennsylvania|Miquon]] ([[Montgomery County, Pennsylvania|Montgomery County]]) and also serves as the council headquarters. There is also a council shop onsite with a [[Build-A-Bear Workshop]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Shop |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/discover/our-council/about-gsep/shop.html |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=Girl Scouts of the USA |language=en}}</ref> Overnight campers may stay in platform [[Tent|tents]] or a lodge. Activities include a low [[ropes course]], a [[climbing wall]], [[bouldering]], [[Gaga (game)|gaga]], [[archery]], and [[swimming]] in a [[Swimming pool|pool]]. It is currently directed by Amanda "Perry" Hunsberger. <ref>{{cite web |title=Camp Shelly Ridge |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/day-camps/camp-shelly-ridge.html |website=Girl Scouts of the USA |access-date=17 May 2025 |language=en}}</ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Camp Shelly Ridge |url=https://www.gsep.org/content/dam/gsep-redesign/documents/news/newsroom/25_Camp%20and%20Program%20Guide%20Final%202%20(2).pdf |access-date=September 18, 2025 |magazine=GSEP Summer Camp Guide |publisher=Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania |location= |page=26 |issue=2025}}
* Camp Mountain House is a day camp in [[Allentown, Pennsylvania|Allentown]] ([[Lehigh County, Pennsylvania|Lehigh County]]). Activities include a low [[ropes course]], [[Gaga (game)|gaga]], and [[archery]]. Mountain House was one of the two camps to adopt the "Classic Camp" model in Summer 2025. It is currently directed by Katie "Rodeo" Butler. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Camp Mountain House |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/day-camps/camp-mountain-house.html |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=Girl Scouts of the USA |language=en}}</ref> {{cite magazine |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Camp Mountain House |url=https://www.gsep.org/content/dam/gsep-redesign/documents/news/newsroom/25_Camp%20and%20Program%20Guide%20Final%202%20(2).pdf |access-date=September 18, 2025 |magazine=GSEP Summer Camp Guide |publisher=Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania |location= |page=17 |issue=2025}}
* Camp Valley Forge is a day camp in [[Valley Forge, Pennsylvania|Valley Forge]] ([[Chester County, Pennsylvania|Chester County]]). Alongside camp, it holds one of the council's shops<ref name=":2" /> and a museum of Girl Scout history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Museum of Girl Scouts History |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/discover/our-council/about-gsep/museum-of-girl-scouts-history.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250618051412/https://www.gsep.org/en/discover/our-council/about-gsep/museum-of-girl-scouts-history.html |archive-date=2025-06-18 |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=Girl Scouts of the USA |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref> Activities include a low [[ropes course]], [[archery]], [[Gaga (game)|gaga]], and [[swimming]] in a [[Swimming pool|pool]]. It is currently directed by Haley "Jazz" Spletzer. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Camp Valley Forge |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/day-camps/camp-valley-forge.html |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=Girl Scouts of the USA |language=en}}</ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Camp Valley Forge |url=https://www.gsep.org/content/dam/gsep-redesign/documents/news/newsroom/25_Camp%20and%20Program%20Guide%20Final%202%20(2).pdf |access-date=September 18, 2025 |magazine=GSEP Summer Camp Guide |publisher=Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania |location= |page=21 |issue=2025}}
* Philly Camp is a low-cost day camp program for Girl Scouts who live within a [[Philadelphia]] zip code. It runs for four weeks in roaming locations across the city. Breakfast and lunch is provided, alongside a bus route to and from the camp location.  Activities include [[Experiment|science experiments]], [[STEM]] activities, and local [[Field trip|field trips]]. It is currently directed by Jess "Dora" White. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Girl Scout Philly Camp |url=https://www.gsep.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/day-camps/camp-philly.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250618045118/https://www.gsep.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/day-camps/camp-philly.html |archive-date=2025-06-18 |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=Girl Scouts of the USA |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=December 4, 2024 |title=Philly Camp |url=https://www.gsep.org/content/dam/gsep-redesign/documents/news/newsroom/25_Camp%20and%20Program%20Guide%20Final%202%20(2).pdf |access-date=September 18, 2025 |magazine=GSEP Summer Camp Guide |publisher=Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania |location= |page=58 |issue=2025}}


====Past camps====
====Past camps====
Line 761: Line 771:
According to a June 16, 2011 report, the council has decided to divest in Camp Tweedale, Camp Tohikanee, and Camp Hidden Falls.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gsep.org/blog/blog.php?ID=1 |title=Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania - GSEP Property Blog |access-date=2011-06-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625070743/http://gsep.org/blog/blog.php?ID=1 |archive-date=2011-06-25 }}</ref>
According to a June 16, 2011 report, the council has decided to divest in Camp Tweedale, Camp Tohikanee, and Camp Hidden Falls.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gsep.org/blog/blog.php?ID=1 |title=Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania - GSEP Property Blog |access-date=2011-06-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625070743/http://gsep.org/blog/blog.php?ID=1 |archive-date=2011-06-25 }}</ref>
Camp Hidden Falls closed in 2012, while Camp Tweedale and Camp Tohikanee closed in 2015.
Camp Hidden Falls closed in 2012, while Camp Tweedale and Camp Tohikanee closed in 2015.
<ref>https://www.facebook.com/SaveCampTweedaleAndTohi/ {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref> In 2018, Hidden Falls became a part of the National Park Service's Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.<ref>{{cite web |title=Camp Hidden Falls saved |url=https://natlands.org/news/camp-hidden-falls-saved/ |website=Natural Lands |access-date=19 January 2019}}</ref> Camp Tweedale was sold to the Chester Water Authority in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |title=Save Camp Tweedale! Facebook Group |website=[[Facebook]]|url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/123056881113000//}}</ref>
<ref>https://www.facebook.com/SaveCampTweedaleAndTohi/ {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref> In 2018, Hidden Falls became a part of the National Park Service's Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.<ref>{{cite web |title=Camp Hidden Falls saved |url=https://natlands.org/news/camp-hidden-falls-saved/ |website=Natural Lands |access-date=19 January 2019}}</ref> Camp Tweedale was sold to the Chester Water Authority in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |title=Save Camp Tweedale! Facebook Group |website=[[Facebook]]|url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/123056881113000//}}</ref> Camp Tohikanee is now an independent [[campsite]] called Tohi. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Tohi - Woodland Retreat |url=https://www.tohiwoodlands.com/ |access-date=2025-09-18 |website=TOHI |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
==== Jane Seltzer ====
Jane Seltzer is a shop and service center in Philadelphia. <ref name=":2" />
 
==== Luella ====
Luella is a mobile shop van that stops at locations around the council. <ref name=":2" />


===Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania===
===Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania===

Latest revision as of 13:19, 13 November 2025

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Scouting in Pennsylvania has a long and rich tradition, from 1908[1]Template:Rp to the present day, serving thousands of youth in programs that suit the environment in which they live. Template:TOC limit

History

Early history (1908–1950)

One of the earliest Scouting groups in Pennsylvania began in 1908 in Pottsville, when a Superintendent with the Pennsylvania State Police, Lynn G. Adams, formed a troop using Baden-Powell's handbook, Scouting for Boys. The troop was made up of two patrols, one sponsored by the Pottsville Mission and the other by the YMCA. Adams became the first Scoutmaster in Pennsylvania in 1910 soon after the BSA was incorporated.[1]Template:Rp The oldest Pennsylvania Scout troop still in existence is "Troop Bala One" in Bala Cynwyd, which was founded in 1908 by Frank H. Sykes.[2]

The first council in Pennsylvania was the Delaware & Montgomery County Council in 1911. This council eventually became the former Valley Forge Council, now part of the Cradle of Liberty Council.

File:Scout Basketball.jpg
Warren, Pennsylvania, Boy Scout basketball team, 1912

Sixteen councils were chartered in America between 1910 and 1913. The seventeenth was the Warren County Council headquartered in Warren, Pennsylvania. This council later changed its name to Chief Cornplanter Council and is still in operation. It is currently the oldest existing, continuously registered council in America. The other preceding 16 councils either went out of business or merged with another council at some point in their history. The information for this paragraph was provided by the Registration Department of the National Office of the BSA, Irving, Texas, in October 2007.[3][4][5]

Also in 1913, the Philadelphia Council opened the first American scout camp, Treasure Island Scout Reservation, near Point Pleasant. Two years later, Dr. E. Urner Goodman and Carrol Edson founded the Order of the Arrow, which inducted its first members on July 16, 1915 at Treasure Island.

In 1914, the Allegheny County Council, forerunner of today's Laurel Highlands Council, was chartered. Also in 1914, the Philadelphia Council was chartered.

In 1915 charters were first granted to the councils headquartered in Erie, Wilkes-Barre, and Oil City.

In 1916, councils were chartered in Reading,[1]Template:Rp Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Scranton, among others. The council in Harrisburg is now part of New Birth of Freedom Council.

In 1917 Meadville, State College and Bethlehem were granted charters by the National Office, along with nine other councils.

1919 saw the councils in Williamsport, Altoona and Chester County formed. Like Chief Cornplanter, the Chester County Council is still in operation, one of only a handful of small one-county councils left in America. The other one in Pennsylvania, Bucks County Council, received its first charter in 1927.

By 1920, forty-six councils had been chartered in Pennsylvania. Most of these were small councils no larger than the town they were named after. Some of these were known as "Second Class Councils". In the following years, other currently chartered councils were started: Juniata Valley in 1929; Bucktail in 1930; Columbia-Montour and Schuylkill County Area[1]Template:Rp in 1931; and York-Adams in 1932.

1937 saw the formation of the current Westmoreland-Fayette Council in Greensburg.

All other current councils in Pennsylvania are the result of mergers which began to occur in the 1960s through the present day.

1941 saw the creation of Camp Ockanickon in Bucks County Council.

Among the claimants for First Boy Scout Troop in the United States is Troop 1 in Bala Cynwyd.

Pennsylvania is home to the oldest annual Scouting event in the nation, the Valley Forge Pilgrimage and Encampment.

In 1928, Eagle Scout (and Erie native) Paul Siple was one of the first Scouts to travel to Antarctica with Admiral Richard Byrd. Byrd had held a national contest to invite worthy Eagle Scouts onto the expedition. Paul Siple later went on to develop what is now known as the "Wind Chill Factor"

The 1921 and 1931 National Order of the Arrow Lodge Meetings were held at Philadelphia, the 1922 and 1927 National Lodge Meetings were held at Reading, and the 1940 National Lodge Meeting was held at Ligonier.

In 1924, the McKean County Council (#499) was formed, changing its name to the McKean-Potter Area Council (#499) in 1926. In 1936, the council changed its name to the McKean-Potter Area Council (#499) in 1936. In 1947, the council changed its name to the Elk Lick Council (#499).Template:Listref

Recent history (1950–1990)

The 1950 National Scout Jamboree was held at Valley Forge. That positive experience led to National Jamborees in 1957 and 1964 as well.

Outside of the few small councils mentioned above, the history of Pennsylvania councils over the past 50 years has been one of mergers.Template:Listref

Beginning in 1962, the Mid-Valley Council, headquartered in Peckville, merged with the former Dan Beard Council in Scranton to form the Forest Lakes Council. Meanwhile, in 1970, the former Anthracite Council (Hazleton) merged with the former Wyoming Valley Council (Wilkes-Barre) to form the Penn Mountains Council. In 1984, the area comprising the former Anthracite Council removed itself from the Penn Mountains Council and joined neighboring Minsi Trails Council. Forest Lakes Council and Penn Mountains Council merged in 1990 to form the current Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, in Moosic.

In 1967, the former Nemacolin Trails Council in Washington, Pennsylvania, merged with the Allegheny Council in Pittsburgh to become the Allegheny Trails Council. This council merged again in 1993 with East Valley Council to become the Greater Pittsburgh Council.

In 1969, the Lehigh County Council (Allentown), Bethlehem Area Council and Delaware Valley Area Council (Easton) merged to form the current Minsi Trails Council in Allentown.

In 1970, the former Appalachian Trail Council and Daniel Boone Council merged to form the current Hawk Mountain Council in Reading.[1]Template:Rp 1970 also saw the merger of the Blair-Bedford Area Council (Altoona), William Penn Council (Indiana) and Admiral Robert E. Peary Council (Johnstown) into the Penns Woods Council in Ebensburg.

In 1971, the Lancaster County and Lebanon County councils merged to form the Lancaster-Lebanon Council. This council changed its name in 1995 to the Pennsylvania Dutch Council and is headquartered in Lancaster.

In 1972, the Washington Trail Council (Erie), Colonel Drake Council (Oil City) and Custaloga Council (Sharon) merged to form the current French Creek Council, headquartered in Erie.

1973 saw the merger of the former Lawrence County Council (New Castle) with the former Pioneer Trails Council (Butler), forming the current Moraine Trails Council, host to two National Jamborees (see below).

Also in 1973, the former Elk Lick Council, in Bradford, merged into the Allegheny Highlands Council headquartered in Falconer, New York.

In 1974, the former West Branch Council (Williamsport) and Susquehanna Valley Area Council (Sunbury) merged to form the current Susquehanna Council in Williamsport.

In 1973, the Allegheny Highlands Council (#382) was formed from a merger of the Seneca Council (#750) and the Elk Lick Council (#499).Template:Listref

Other notable happenings in Pennsylvania Scouting at this time include:

The 1950, 1957, and 1964 National Scout Jamborees were held at Valley Forge.

Half of the 1973 National Scout Jamboree ("Jamboree East") was held at Moraine State Park in Butler County, where the 1977 National Scout Jamboree and Campaganza 2010 were also held.

During 1975 and 1976, Scouts in the Philadelphia area could earn a "Colonial Philadelphia" merit badge. It could only be counted towards palms, not any rank, and came in a green border and a very yellow-green border. This was the only time BSA National approved a regional merit badge for any such use.

Boy Scouts of America in Pennsylvania Today

Bucktail Council

The Bucktail Council of the Boy Scouts of America serves Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, and the western portions of Centre County. The Council was organized on July 24, 1930, and is headquartered in DuBois. It adopted its constitution and by-laws on April 28, 1931, thanks to the efforts of John Q. Groves of Dubois.[6] The Council unified several independent Boy Scout troops from the surrounding areas, including Brockway, Brookville, Clearfield, DuBois, Johnsonburg, Mahaffey, Philipsburg, Reynoldsville, Ridgway, and St. Marys, under a single leadership.

The Council's name references the 13th Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment, also known as “Bucktails,” a volunteer infantry regiment that served in the Army of the Potomac during the American Civil War.[7] When the regiment was first forming, one recruit —many of whom were woodsmen and lumbermen— decorated his hat with the tail of a white-tailed deer he had found in a butcher shop. Other men adopted the decoration, and the regiment came to be known as the “Bucktails.”[8]

On July 23, 2025, the leadership of Bucktail Council held a public meeting titled “The Future of Bucktail Council” at Camp Mountain Run, to address the Council’s financial status and long-term viability, including the future of Camp Mountain Run. During the meeting, Council leadership cited declining participation, outstanding debts, recent staff turnover, and a conditionally approved charter from the Scouting America National Council. As a result, Council leadership announced the serious consideration of a merger with the Laurel Highlands Council, based in Pittsburgh, as well as the sale of the nearly 100-year-old Camp Mountain Run. However, no final decision has been made.[9]

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District

The Bucktail Council has a single district: PA Eastern Wilds. The district covers the following school districts: Cameron County, St. Mary’s, Bald Eagle, Clearfield, Curwensville, Moshannon Valley, West Branch, Philipsburg-Osceola, Johnsonburg, Ridgway, Brockway, DuBois, Brookville, Clarion-Limestone, and Punxsutawney.[10]

Camps

  • Camp Mountain Run

In 1931, the Council used Camp Coffman, then part of the Oil City Scout Council (now part of French Creek Council), for its first summer camp program. On May 1, 1932, the Bucktail Council Camp Committee reported that it had inspected two potential sites for a permanent Council camp: one near East Branch Clarion River in Elk County, and another near a beaver dam along Mountain Run Stream in Penfield, Clearfield County. The Council approved the leasing of the Mountain Run site, which would be developed into the 380+ acre Camp Mountain Run Scout Camp.[6]

The land was initially leased from the Kersey Mining Company and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 1939, the Shawmut Mining Company, which had acquired Kersey's portion, sold its tract to the Council for one dollar. In 1962, through the efforts of J. Hall Stackpole (Seventh President, 1957–1960), his company, the Stackpole Carbon Company, arranged a land trade of 614 acres for the 307 acres still owned by the Commonwealth, which he then deeded to the Council.[8]

The Stackpole Carbon Company’s generosity continued with the construction and funding of the original swimming pool in 1935, and additional funding in 1960 for the renovation of the pool's filtration system. In 1970, the Stackpole-Hall Foundation provided a substantial donation for the expansion and renovation of the Camp’s dining hall.[8]

Order of the Arrow

  • Ah'Tic Lodge #139

In the spring of 1937, leaders of Bucktail Council sought to recognize those Scouts and Scouters who were “Honor Campers,” those who best exemplified the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law, creating a Camp Honor Society for this purpose. In January 1938, the Council’s Executive Board voted to apply for a charter from the Order of the Arrow (OA).

This initiative, led by John H. Keller (Second Council Executive, 1937–1942), established the lodge’s charter membership from members of the original Honor Camper Society. On June 1, 1938, a ceremonial team from Camp Twin Echo visited Camp Mountain Run to induct the first members into the Council's OA Lodge.

The first official meeting of the Council's OA Lodge was held July 27, 1938. The name “Ah’Tic,” meaning “Standing Elk,” in the Chippewa language, was chosen in reference to the large elk population in the nearby area.[8]

Chester County Council

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The Chester County Council is a Boy Scouts of America service council that serves members of the Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing programs in Chester County, Pennsylvania and Northeastern Cecil County, Maryland.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Camps

Horseshoe Scout Reservation

Order of the Arrow

Chief Cornplanter Council

Template:Primarysources Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Known as "America's Oldest Council," CCC is the oldest existing, continuously registered council in the United States.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". In 1910, members of the community of Warren first explored Scouting activities. In 1913, the Boy Scouts of America gave a charter to an organization known as the Warren County Council. Then in 1954 the council's official name was changed to Chief Cornplanter Council to honor the famous Seneca-Iroquois war chief and diplomat. In 2013, the council celebrated its 100th anniversary as the longest-tenured, unmerged Boy Scout Council in America.[11]

Camps

  • Camp Olmsted

Order of the Arrow

  • Gyantwachia Lodge #255

Columbia-Montour Council

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Columbia-Mountour Council is headquartered in Bloomsburg. It serves Columbia and Montour counties. The council operates Camp Lavigne with an office at 35 Camp Lavigne Road, Benton. During the summer season Camp Lavigne conducts a Boy Scout summer camp program, Cub Scout and Webelos Scout resident program, as well as a Cub Day Camp program. During the non-summer season, Camp Lavigne hosts a Klondike Derby, Cub Winter Fun Day, Orienteering Competition, Cub Skill Weekend, and Haunted Harvest Fest. The council's Order of the Arrow lodge is Wyona Lodge #18.

Cradle of Liberty Council

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The Cradle of Liberty Council (#525) is a Boy Scouts of America council created in 1996 with the merger of the former Philadelphia Council (covering the city and county of Philadelphia) and the former Valley Forge Council (covering Delaware and Montgomery counties).

Camps

Order of the Arrow

French Creek Council

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The French Creek Council serves scouts in six counties in northwestern Pennsylvania and Brookfield Township in Ohio. The council was organized in 1972 from a merger of the former Washington Trail Council of Erie, Custaloga Council of Sharon, and Colonel Drake Council of Oil City. Its headquarters is located in Erie, PA. The council is divided into two districts: Lakes and Rivers, to effectively execute operations across Northwest Pennsylvania.

Camps

  • Custaloga Town Scout Reservation (Carlton)

Order of the Arrow

  • Langundowi Lodge #46

Hawk Mountain Council

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The Hawk Mountain Council serves Berks, Schuylkill, and Carbon counties in Pennsylvania. The council has headquarters near Reading, PA. The Council was formed in 1970 with the merger of the Appalachian Trail and Daniel Boone councils.[12]

Camps

  • Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation

Order of the Arrow

  • Kittatinny Lodge #5

Juniata Valley Council

Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Blair, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Centre & Juniata Counties

Camps

  • Seven Mountains Scout Camp

Order of the Arrow

  • Monaken Lodge #103

Laurel Highlands Council

Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Laurel Highlands Council serves youth in Allegheny, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, and Washington counties in Pennsylvania; Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, and Mineral counties in West Virginia; and Allegany and Garrett counties of Maryland. Laurel Highlands Council was formed when the Greater Pittsburgh and Penn's Woods Councils merged in 2011. Potomac Council was then added in 2014.

Camps

  • Camp Anawanna
  • Camp Baker
  • Camp Guyasuta
  • Heritage Reservation (containing camps Liberty, Freedom, Eagle Base, and Independence)
  • Camp Potomac
  • Camp Seph Mack
  • Camp Twin Echo. (1928-2020) closed July 2020

Order of the Arrow

  • Allohak Menewi Lodge 57

Minsi Trails Council

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Minsi Trails Council serves Scouts of eastern Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley and Pocono regions as well as parts of western New Jersey. The council serves six counties: Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe, Carbon, Luzerne, and Warren.

The council was formed in 1969, after the merger of the Bethlehem Area, Delaware Valley Area, and Lehigh councils. The council consists of six districts and maintains two camping properties: Camp Minsi in Pocono Summit, and Trexler Scout Reservation in Jonas.

Districts

  • Anthracite District
  • Forks of Delaware District
  • North Valley District
  • Pocono District
  • South Mountain District
  • Trexler District

On January 1, 2021 Minsi Trails Council realigned its districts by counties to form Carbon-Luzerne District, Lehigh District, Monroe District, Northampton District, and Warren District.

Camps

Order of the Arrow

  • Witauchsoman Lodge #44

Moraine Trails Council

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Districts

  • Glacier Ridge District (Butler)
  • King Beaver District (Lawrence)
  • River Valley District (Armstrong/NW Westmoreland Counties)

Camps

Order of the Arrow

  • Kuskitannee Lodge #168

New Birth of Freedom Council

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The New Birth of Freedom Council serves south-central Pennsylvania. The council was formed by a merger of the York-Adams Area Council and Keystone Area Council on April 1, 2010.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Council

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, with headquarters in Moosic, formed in 1990 from the merger of the Forest Lakes and Penn Mountains councils. The council serves units in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Its Order of the Arrow lodge is Lowwapaneu Lodge #191. It has two districts: Two Mountains and Dan Beard. The council operates two camps: Goose Pond Scout Reservation and Camp Acahela. Since its founding the council has conducted a biennial Traveling Camporee that takes Scouts to camp at locations that rotate among Williamsburg, Virginia, Baltimore Maryland, Boston, Massachusetts, Niagara Falls, New York, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Camps

  • Camp Acahela
  • Goose Pond Scout Reservation

Pennsylvania Dutch Council

Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Pennsylvania Dutch Council is in south-central Pennsylvania serving Lebanon and Lancaster counties. The council has two districts: Iron Forge and Susquehanna.

Camps-

  • Bashore Scout Reservation
  • J. Edward Mack Scout Reservation

Order of the Arrow

  • Wunita Gokhos Lodge #39[14]

Susquehanna Council

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Camps

Order of the Arrow

  • Woapeu Sisilija Lodge #343

Washington Crossing Council

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". The Washington Crossing Council (formerly Bucks County Council)mserves Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Hunterdon County, NJ, and Mercer County, NJ.

Westmoreland-Fayette Council

The Westmoreland Fayette Council was formed in 1937. The council is made up of three districts, Old Trails District based primarily out of Fayette County, Bushy Run District based primarily in Westmoreland County along with Laurel Hills District also based primarily in Westmoreland County. Throughout the time in which the council has been serving there have been 6 different districts. These districts were Braddock Trails, Bushy Run, Chestnut Ridge, Forbes, Laurel Hills, and Old Trails Districts. Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Camps

  • Camp Conestoga
  • Camp Buck Run
  • Camp Tenacharison

Past camps

  • Camp Wesco
  • Camp Wildwood
  • Camp Pleasant
  • Camp Paul Bunyan

Order of the Arrow

  • Wagion Lodge #6 [15]

Non-Pennsylvania-based Boy Scout councils

Allegheny Highlands Council

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Baden-Powell Council

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Five Rivers Council

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Potomac Council

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Mason-Dixon Council

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Girl Scouting today

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Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania

Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania was formed on May 1, 2007 through the merger of Hemlock (Harrisburg), Penn Laurel (York), Penn's Woods (Wilkes-Barre), and Scranton-Pocono (Scranton) Girl Scout councils.[16][17]

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Camps

Past Camps:

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania was created by a merger on April 28, 2007 between the Girl Scouts of Freedom Valley, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Great Valley Councils. The merger became effective on May 1. Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania serves Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Philadelphia counties.[23] The current CEO is Kim E. Fraites-Dow. [24]

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Camps

During the summer, Eastern Pennsylvania camps are open for all registered Girl Scouts. The camp is operated by paid staff who work for the council. Campers sign up for a program session of their choice, which can be as short as two nights and as long as four weeks. Each program has its own themed activities. Campers are also asked at the start of the week what they would like to do (this is called Girl Planning,) and the activities they choose are worked into their schedule.Template:Cite magazine

In the summer of 2025, camps Wood Haven and Mountain House adopted a "classic camp" model. This eliminated the themed programs for the two camps, and instead had campers sign up for themeless week-long sessions with more girl planning time. Template:Cite magazine

During the school year, the camps are open for anybody to rent. Troops are allowed to rent out the sites for their own events, and entire service units can rent out the sites for "Camporees." People outside of Girl Scouts are also allowed to rent the sites for events like weddings, field trips, and school dances. Girl Scouts are generally supervised by volunteers during off-season camping, but paid staff may be present to facilitate activities like swimming and ropes courses. The council also holds events at the camps throughout the year. Template:Cite magazine

Past camps

Divesting in camps

According to a June 16, 2011 report, the council has decided to divest in Camp Tweedale, Camp Tohikanee, and Camp Hidden Falls.[34] Camp Hidden Falls closed in 2012, while Camp Tweedale and Camp Tohikanee closed in 2015. [35] In 2018, Hidden Falls became a part of the National Park Service's Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.[36] Camp Tweedale was sold to the Chester Water Authority in 2016.[37] Camp Tohikanee is now an independent campsite called Tohi. [38]

Jane Seltzer

Jane Seltzer is a shop and service center in Philadelphia. [28]

Luella

Luella is a mobile shop van that stops at locations around the council. [28]

Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania

The Western Pennsylvania Council was formed through the merger of five regional councils:[39] Keystone, Girl Scouts of Beaver and Lawrence Counties, Girl Scouts of Penn Lakes Council, Girl Scouts of Talus Rock Council and Girl Scouts-Trillium Council.Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Camps

Non-Pennsylvania-based Girl Scout councils

Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways

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International Scouting units

See also

Template:Sister project

Notes

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References

Template:Reflist

Template:Scouting in the United States

  1. ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Troop Bala One History
  3. ↑ legis.state.pa.us
  4. ↑ doubleknot.com
  5. ↑ Warren Times-Mirror February 9, 1967
  6. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Template:Url
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1". Gives a history of the camp.
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  35. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/SaveCampTweedaleAndTohi/ Template:User-generated source
  36. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  37. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  38. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  39. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  40. ↑ St. Gregory the Illuminator, Armenian Apostolic Church, http://www.saintgregory-phily.org,
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