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.
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