Camp Horseshoe gets state funding for improvements

WEST NOTTINGHAM » The Chester County Council, BSA will receive $750,000 in state funding for the construction and installation of expanded shower facilities at its Camp Horseshoe Scout Reservation in West Nottingham Township.

The funding, secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta, will support the installation of three separate shower houses, as well as an additional 17 shower stalls in an existing shower house. Each of the proposed shower houses will include seven private, gender-neutral combination bathroom/ shower stalls, in addition to the new shower stalls created through the renovation and modernization of the existing shower house. Both these parts of the project will help better serve all campers and leaders.

“Scouting has a rich heritage of developing character and leadership skills in our young people and it’s important that those opportunities are available and open to all children and teens,” Comitta said. “I support the Chester County Council, BSA in welcoming and encouraging equity and diversity in scouting programs and activities. These investments will help ensure that more young people can access and enjoy the wonders of summer camp while maintaining an emphasis on health and inclusivity.”

Last year, the Chester County Council, BSA was forced to close its camps due to the pandemic. With increased scout membership, camps experienced a surge in attendance this year and are already seeing more reservations for 2022. In response, the Council is now working to modernize its facilities to accommodate all campers with gender-neutral amenities.

Rated a top BSA camp in the area, Camp Horseshoe is located on the MasonDixon line separating Pennsylvania and Maryland, its name is derived from the Octoraro Creek, a tributary of the Susquehanna River, that makes a meandering 4-mile horseshoe through the property. The camp offers a multitude of scouting programs and opportunities, including more than 50 merit badges, a computer lab, STEM offerings, various outdoor activities, and programs for first-year and older scouts alike.

The Chester County Council, BSA is the local operation of Scouts, BSA (formerly the Boy Scouts of America), serving Chester County, Pennsylvania and the northwestern corner of Cecil County, Maryland. With a charter dating back to 1919, the Council has a rich heritage of developing character and leadership skills in youth, recently celebrating its 100th Anniversary. It serves nearly 5,000 youth annually through thousands of dedicated, talented volunteers and a small number of professional staff and it partners with over 110 community organizations to deliver quality scouting programs.

In 2018, the Scouting program began serving both boys and girls from kindergarten through fifth grade. The Scouts, BSA program launched in February 2019 and serves boys and girls, ages 11 to 18, thus allowing more young people than ever before to experience the benefits of a time-tested program that builds character and leadership.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) is a Commonwealth reimbursement grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the state budget, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Camp Horseshoe has received $750,000 for improvements.