I’ve been interested in all aspects of Boy Scout camping for many years,
literally about sixty years. As a youth I loved everything about summer
camp. I learned to swim at camp, I learned table manners at camp, I loved
nature, the Patrol Method, campfires, etc.
When I transitioned from patch collector to a Scouting historian, I began to
study all aspects of Scout camping. I was on the Council Camping Committee,
I was on the Regional Camp Inspection Team. As a Scoutmaster I made a point
of visiting different camps and comparing program opportunities. I became
interested in the history of camps, ultimately leading up to writing the
History of Camp Owasippe. Early Scout camping was so different than modern
camps. In the early years there was competition in everything, tent
inspections, dining hall participation, camp program areas, etc. Campers
were graded by camp staff members. Satisfactory campers were awarded a
badge; others received nothing.
In the modern era competition is virtually
eliminated; camp is a kinder-gentler place. Not a complaint, just an
observation.
I’ve had a longstanding involvement in the Order of the Arrow. Chapter
Chief, ceremonial team, advisor, etc. I became interested in the history not
only of the OA, but of the hundreds of other groups that existed.
Twenty-five years ago, I was the “expert” on camp societies. Dave Eby got
interested in the subject, and we collaborated using material that I had
collected and developed. Dave was interested in identifying every camp
society by name. At that time, I had other interests (I wrote Rank and
Region books). Dave did a terrific job developing the
http://usscouts.org/honorsociety/honorscout.asp. After writing Owasippe the
Camp & Lodge my interest was renewed and Dave’s enthusiasm waned.
In the modern era, people don’t read books. I’ve printed four and lost money
on everyone, so I developed the information into a website. I have to pay
for a web developed but it’s worth it. I hope you enjoy it. I think of this
as a work in progress and intend to add to it in any way possible. If you
have information to share I’d gladly add it, or link to it and give you
credit. |
