THE DIAMOND JUBILEE

1994

"PRELUDE" *

And what is this seventy-five years when all is said,
That we should celebrate with conscious pride? -
Less than a life before its sands are sped,
Less than our dreams before their fire has died.

And yet for us this trifling span of years
Has meant hard striving and ceaseless quest,
Doubt and frustration, triumph, failure, fears,
Great thought and care in seeking for the best.

And laughter, too, and fun and friendships made
Have lit the path, and precious cameos
Of golden days abide and never fade,
But leap and quicken as the firelight glows.

And boys we knew, now better men than we
Who led them, bear the burden of the day,
And lead in turn with splendid certainty
Their younger brothers on our chosen way.

For though the players fade regretfully,
The game goes on and on without end,
Into the unknown mists of time to be,
While there are boys to serve who need a friend.

All that has gone before is just a chord,
The opening prelude to a mighty theme.
All the endeavor, all the work outpoured,
The mere unfolding of a future dream.

And others may, in greater times to be,
Look back at what we did, across the years,
And find we builded well and faithfully,
And say of us "These were the pioneers".

- an adaptation of the poem by Hubert Blore

There was much to celebrate in our 75th Anniversary year of the chartering of the Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America. From a "small acorn" planted in 1919, a great oak tree had grown. While our beginnings were modest, the Council was nurtured over the years by its strong leadership from the Council Executives, the Boards of Directors and dedicated Volunteer organizations. These men and women kindled the flame of Scouting for young people of all the Scouting generations and built a lasting fire that will be carried on to our future Scouts and leaders of the Council.

Winter came to Chester County in all its fury this year. A series of storms and cold weather hampered many activities this year in every community. Our Annual Council Recognition had to be postponed a week due to the "great ice storm" of 1994 that froze the entire Eastern seaboard. However, when it was held we had over 330 Scouters and Scouts turn out for a special celebration to welcome in the 75th year of service by the Chester County Council.

Memorabilia of Scouting's past was on display by Rob McCarter of West Chester, whose Scouting collection is one of the tops in the country. Eagle Scout David Henry of WPVI TV's Action News Team was our Master of Ceremony this evening. Hundreds of Scouters who had given devoted service were recognized along with the new generation of Eagle Scouts. We celebrated the fact that we had the highest number of Scouts achieving the Eagle rank in 1993. There were 110 Eagle Scouts that year.

Keynote Speaker of the evening was Elwood "Mickey" McAllister, retired Director of the BSA's International Division. He gave us an energetic journey through his Scouting memories and two sets of clothing. He was attired in a business suit at the start and as he brought home his final words of inspiration, he removed his outer clothing and revealed the next layer...his old original Scout uniform! Through his Scouting memories, he helped to remind each of us why it is that we volunteer our time. One could not miss the voice of a boy discovering the excitement of Scouting for the first time.

Four dedicated Scouters were presented with the Silver Beaver Award at the Dinner. They were Bruce Goodman, Robert B. Groff, Kenneth W. Tunnell and William H. Trowill, Jr.

In 1974, Bruce Goodman joined Scouting. He became a Scout in Troop 73 sponsored by the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company where he earned Eagle in 1980. In the Troop he held every leadership responsibility. Then he served on the Committee of Troop 73. He became an Assistant Scoutmaster and then Scoutmaster. The District and the Council have benefited from his efforts in Wood Badge, Camporees, Webelos Woods, First Aid Meets, Bowl-A-Thons, School Night and the Jewish Committee on Scouting. He was recognized with the Diamond Rock District Award of Merit and is recipient of the SHOFAR Award. He is a Vigil Honor member and actively supports the Council Finance program. Besides his activity in the Octoraro Lodge, he has been to two National Jamborees and has provided valuable support to the Council Camporees for the Handicapped since their inception in 1990.

As a Cubmaster of Pack 122 of the East Goshen School from 1964 to 1968, Bob Groff moved to being Scoutmaster of Troop 96 sponsored by the West Chester Grange and held that position until 1974. He then became Scoutmaster of Troop 21 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church where he served for ten years. Since then he has been a member of the Troop 21 Committee. He served on the Lenni-Lenape

District Roundtable Staff since 1983. Here his efforts resulted in helpful programs for Scouters in the District. He has been a mainstay at camporees and his pioneering and woodcarving skills are legendary. Those skills have been passed down to scores of youth in his 30 years of service.

Ken Tunnell became a Committeeman of Devon Troop 50 in the early 1970's. He served actively on the Committee and was responsible in developing key long range plans for the continuing success of the Troop. He became an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow and actively helped in the program. He served on the District SME fund raising efforts and then provided valuable work on the Council's fund raising programs. He is particularly effective in dealing with senior level executives. His ability to represent and explain Scouting, in general, and in Chester County, in particular, has been unusually beneficial. He joined the Council Board and became actively involved in applying his business skills to the development of the Council's 1991 - 1994 Long Range Plans. His skill in assembling the right group of volunteers, creating a vision, maintaining a focus, and producing a very practical product, has helped this Council "stay on course."

The Scouting trail began in Berwyn Troop 11 for Bill Trowill. As a Scout, he developed an early love for Camp Horseshoe. He returned to Scouting when his son became a Scout in Troop 78 in Willistown. Bill has served in many positions in the Troop...Committeeman, transportation chairman and Assistant Scoutmaster. He has served as a member of the Diamond Rock District Camping Committee, Council Camping Committee and is currently a member of the Council Maintenance and Repair Committee. Bill has given leadership to many projects at Camp which include: installation of new kitchen at the Browning Memorial Lodge, the upgrading of the main kitchen in the Allen Memorial Dining Hall, relocation of the rifle range and the construction of new latrines. He is a Vigil Honor member of Octoraro Lodge and has received the Lodge's Founders' Award for exceptional service to the Order of the Arrow.

The emphasis this year turned once more to the Council's Exploring Program. While we had kept pace with the Career Awareness activities in the Schools additional opportunities presented themselves in other areas of the Council. Vice President of Exploring, Mark Gross, took an active interest in further developing this program. Mark Cahill, formerly the Diamond Rock District Executive, was promoted to the Explorer Executive spot and that of planning special events. They set about in rebuilding this important program for older boys and girls this spring.

Coming on board to replace Mark in the Diamond Rock District was Tim Healy. An Eagle Scout, Tim came from a family that was solidly into Scouting and he brings that enthusiasm to his work. Tom Dintaman continued his responsibilities with the Lenni-Lenape District in combination with his duties as a Field Director. Jeff Kravec lent his enthusiasm as the District Executive in Octoraro and Frank Risell continued his service as the Horseshoe Trail District Executive. Bill Hess, of course, is there overseeing the Horseshoe Reservation operation and Jim Horton continues his fine support in the area of advancement and camp reservations.

Speaking of the Council Staff, it is important to note the fine work of those who are providing support not only to the Executives but handling the myriad duties of service to the volunteers on a daily basis. Mary Malpass has been the mainstay on the Staff since 1978 as Executive Secretary and provided valuable support in keeping track of the patrons of this history publication. Joan Malin is our Accounting Specialist, responsible for bookkeeping and accounting as well as the financial statements. Maureen Fletcher Milman is the Trading Post Manager and responsible for the operation of the Program Resource Center. Betty Martin handles the fund raising records and membership records. Cindy Smith, a Cub Scout Wood Badge holder, mans the cheerfully mans the phones and is a Field Secretary for two District Executives. Stephanie Paulachok serves two District Executives as a part time Field Secretary.

Continuing the valuable duty of Camp Ranger is Roy Cole. As mentioned in the history, he is the third generation of Coles to serve in that capacity. He has been in that position since 1978 when his dad, George Cole, retired. The work he does and has done over the years has been vital to maintaining the Reservation in top condition. His wife, Matleen, has always been there to support the Camp in handling the Winter Camp Trading Post as well as creating items sold in the Post.

Leadership in each of the four Districts was and remains essential to the overall success of Scouting in the Council. The District Chairman this year were: Robert Hunter of the Horseshoe Trail District; Neil Chippendale of Diamond Rock; Bill Thresher of Lenni-Lenape; and Joe Gerling of the Octoraro District. Providing the Unit Service support to each of the Districts were District Commissioners: Tom Badman for Diamond Rock; Dennis Cook for Octoraro; Russ Neubauer, Lenni-Lenape; and Mike Reilly for the Horseshoe Trail District.

The Wood Badge Staff was gearing up early in the year for the NE-IV-66 Course to be held at Camp John H. Ware, 3rd. at the end of the summer. Bill Iorio was the Course Director and Advisors were Hab Butler and Steve Baldwin. Neil Chippendale was the Troop Committee Chairman and Rich Johnson served as the Course Senior Patrol Leader. Other members of the Staff included Herb Wittmaier, "JB" Rettew, Bill Cass, Jack O'Hara, Jim Klucar, Ralph Briskey, Dick Bensing, Karen Griffen, Russ Neubauer, Bruce Goodman, Tom Stoner, and Tim Healy, Staff Advisor.

The Order of the Arrow Banquet was at the Kimberton Fire Hall this year with another full house. Welcoming the Lodge Brothers and friends was Chief Jake Carrigan. Among the old timers at the event were Link Rice, Jim Gawthrop, Fred Gates, Ernie Heegard, Jim Kassel, Leonard McCabe, Tom McCabe, George Balderston and Clair Langham. A fine multi-media show entitled "This Land is Your Land" delighted the attendees. It was prepared and put on by Brothers Rich Johnson and Herb Wittmaier. The Founders' Awards for exceptional service to the Lodge were presented by Deputy Lodge Advisor Jim Gawthrop to Jeff Balmat, youth member, and to Allen Forssmark, the adult recipient. Bill Davis, President of the Vigil Honor Fellowship, was the Master of Ceremonies at the impressive Vigil Honor calling out ceremony.

Brian Bennett continued his leadership as Council President this year. Through a change in the Council Executive Board By-laws, the Council Board's fiscal year was changed to a calendar year. The Annual Meeting, customarily held in May, would now be held in January, 1995. Also, a newly created position was that of Council Senior Vice President. Kenneth Oliver was serving in this capacity this year and took on the responsibility of developing strategic Long Range Plans to take the Council through to the year 2000.

Scouters receiving Scouting magazine this spring were pleasantly surprised to open their March-April issue and find a major article about the Chester County Council and a number of its larger troops. The article was entitled "The Big-Troop Phenomenon" by Chet Fish. Of the over 350 councils in the Boy Scouts of America, Chester County Council has been recognized as having the highest percentage of big troops. About 35% of our Council troops qualify as "big troops," defined by the National Council as having 333 or more youth members. The national average is 11.4%.

The four page feature article includes observations and quotes of several Chester County troop leaders whose larger troops were at Camp Horseshoe for the start of 1993 summer camp season. The article provides observations that apply to many troops in the Chester County Council. Our successes are built upon these cornerstones of Scouting. The following are excerpts of that article.

"Now Chairman of Diamond Rock District in the BSA's Chester County (Pa.) Council, Chippendale has a wealth of ideas on what makes a big troop thrive. "I'd probably start by turning a couple of cartwheels to grab their attention," he says.

"If we planned to show them canoeing, we'd bring in a canoe and all its equipment."

Leaders of these troops have one quality you can't miss: enthusiasm. It comes through whether you're talking with relatively new Scoutmasters, like Troop 50's David E. (Buzz) Davis or Mark Elliot Graham of Troop 106 of the Baptist Church in the Great Valley or to a 38-year veteran, like Ernie Heegard of VFW Post 5203's Troop 78. A similar spirit is also evident in the assistant Scoutmasters and committeemen who were in camp with Troop 1, chartered to A Group of Citizens, Paoli, PA and of Troop 6, of the West Chester Monthly Meeting Religious Society of Friends.

I learned enthusiasm is just the starting point. Their leaders all agree on a few fundamental, learnable priorities but often differ on the fine points of putting them into action.

These troops are proud of their individual traditions, and Scouts maintain a friendly rivalry toward other big troops. This attitude showed up in the challenging cheers that rang through the dining hall at mealtime. It also was evident on the parade ground during the competition for the trophy awarded daily to the troop presenting itself best at the evening flag ceremony.

But, the leaders emphasized, there's no program without planning. And they agree that program, as much as possible, should be planned and run by Scouts.

I saw this concept in action during an evening I spent with Troop 78 of Willistown. Using a large, easel-mounted flip calendar, with one sheet per month, the patrol leaders' council worked out the troop's basic program.

Older Scouts ran the meeting. Adult leaders, including Scoutmaster Ernie Heegard and Assistant Scoutmaster Mike Spritzer, were present, but mostly to offer advice (if requested) and ask an occasional question.

A big troop run by older Scouts allows younger members to see continuous examples of older boys serving in roles of responsibility.

High adventure is a key ingredient in the programs of all these bit troops.

Leaders also keep their older Scouts directly involved in all aspects of running the troop. For example, Troop 106 of Devon takes full advantage of the Troop Guide position. The troop requires Troop Guides-older Scouts who work with a patrol of new Scouts-to be Eagle Scouts. This assures that they have the expertise to guide and train new Scouts.

"In Troop 106," said Scoutmaster Mark Elliot Graham, "we consider reaching Eagle to be pay-back for what a Scout has gained from the program."

I talked with Robert Cunningham, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 1 (or Paoli 1 as they call themselves) at a campsite well off the beaten path.

"We did most of the work ourselves to make this site suitable for troop camping," he pointed out. "And we named it 'Lisle,' to honor one of our troop's first Scoutmasters." (Its members believe that Paoli 1, started in 1911, has a strong claim to being the nation's oldest continuously-operating troop.)

"I wish you could be here when Dick Bensing, our Scoutmaster, is in camp," Cunningham lamented.

Leaders of all five big troops agreed it's essential to keep close ties to one or more Cub Scout packs. The term "feeder pack" came up in several discussions. A favorite tradition is to provide den chiefs for Webelos Scout dens of nearby packs.

Leaders of these five troops place a high priority on recruiting adult leaders in every aspect of troop operation. "Our Scoutmaster, Fletcher Swanson, is our master recruiter of uniformed leaders, " said Assistant Scoutmaster Wade Rogers of Troop 6. "Fletcher believes in the philosophy of recruiting the best people you can find, delegating responsibility to them, and then getting out of their way to let them do their job."

A troop needs a substantial pool of adults available to serve. Each parent who volunteers must squeeze Scouting into an already busy schedule and can only be expected to contribute a limited amount of time. Therefore, the responsibilities for a volunteer's task or job should be specked out as specifically as possible.

What would these leaders do if they found themselves in a troop that needs building up?

They'd rely on fundamentals, they say. They'd focus on leadership, starting with an enthusiastic Scoutmaster.

Scouters should never forget that Scout-age boys have a wide range of other choices, say Ernie Heegard. He strongly advocates 'a few sparklers,' especially camping trips, in troop program planning."

On another event, the West Chester Paper of April 15, 1994 reported:

"Henderson senior honored for saving a trapped woman's life"

The car of a West Whiteland Township woman, hitting a patch of ice was sent sliding into the icy water of a pond and turned over on its roof. The woman had managed to free herself of her seat belt, but she could not open the car door, which was jammed against the mud. The water was starting to come up over her head when she heard the crash of a window. An arm reached in and pulled her to safety. The person who pulled her to safety was Kevin Dougherty who happened along in a car with friends at the time of the accident. Police Officer Sandra Smith, at the accident scene, asked for help and Kevin jumped in the water to make the rescue.

Kevin Dougherty is an Eagle Scout of West Chester Troop 6 who saw his duty and reacted. How often are Scouts called upon in moments of bravery to use their emergency training to react to situation as this. Scouting does prepare an individual to be of service!

As this book was going to press , application was being made by the Chester County Council to the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America for a national life saving award for unusual heroism to recognize his brave deed.

The OA Lodge 22 officers were elected at the April Ordeal weekend following intense 'campaigning' by the candidates. Following the posting of election ads by the candidates, there were the nominating speeches and the speeches by each candidate to convince the members to vote for them. The outcome of this spring's election was: Jake Carrigan re-elected as Chief; Jason Constant and Neville Austin new Lodge Vice Chiefs; Jeff Balmat, Recording Secretary; Chris Flipse, Corresponding Secretary; and, Josh Thresher as Treasurer.

The job of Octoraro Lodge 22 Lay Advisor continued to be carried out in fine fashion by Chris Morris. He had accepted the position several years earlier with some trepidation, realizing that he was following Ernie Heegard who had set the pace for the Lodge for so many years. Chris, however, soon found that he had the full support of the Lodge's membership. A number of matters challenged him as he took on the job. The first was the new direction by the National Order of the Arrow and its decision to admit females to the OA membership; another was the increased sensitivity towards minority groups including Native Americans and others; and, the other concerned youth protection. Chris comments:

"There have been a number of changes in the past several years that have made this a challenging and interesting job. The acceptance of females in the OA is but one of these changes that have been recently brought about. Attitudes towards female members has changed in our Council and has been accepted by our membership as it has by lodges nationally. It has been particularly helpful to have my wife, Karen, by my side during this transition period. On another hand the Native American matter has caused us and other lodges to modify some of the verbiage used in the various ceremonies so not to offend this group nor the individual religious freedoms.

One of the changes is in the way new candidates are recognized. It was formerly called a 'tap-out' and sometimes became more physical than ceremonial. The recognition of Scouts elected for Ordeal membership is now referred to as 'call-out' and there is a symbolic recognition in this ceremony. Also, the 'Indian face and body paint' used as part of the costuming for the ceremonies has undergone changes. It still is acceptable to wear such paint provided it conforms to the local Native American tribal custom. Actually, this was an interesting experience for us and our Scouts in that we met with local members of the Lenni-Lenape organization to obtain a 'map' of their accepted face paint designs that we now follow for the principals in the ceremony...Nutiket, Meteu, Kitchekinette and Allowat Sakima. No others are allowed to use face paint."

Chris in further discussing the role of Octoraro Lodge and its relationship with the Council and Camp Horseshoe comments:

"While the tenants of the OA in the Council remains to promote good Scout camping and the recognition of top Scout campers, the Lodge's role has changed to one of helping the Council to raise funds for the maintenance of Camp and procuring of supplies. We raised some $12,000 through the sale of patches to help in recent renovations at Camp. We are presently pointing towardsraising funds for the redecking of the Camp Ware pool and surfacing of the Ware road.

As we speak, there is an OA crew at work at the 'White House' involved with its renovation. This Lodge project is under the leadership of Glenn Bedford who has worked on other restorations, Harold Weber and Herb Wittmaier. Glenn has secured some funding and it is intended that the structure will be restored to its original condition on the out side and that it will serve eventually as the home for the Camp Director and his family while in Camp.

As with many leaders, Camp is a form of renewal. It is to Chris Morris as he reflects on his experiences at Horseshoe:

"I've come to Camp in October when no one else is about and find a calm source of renewal and opportunity to reflect on life and its meanings. Even during the times that Camp is filled with boys laughing, shouting, singing, playing or just being boys there is another sense of renewal and one that is uplifting and inspiring."

May 1994. A dinner meeting was held when 'old timers' "JB" Rettew, Ernie Heegard, Bill Lenker and Edward B. "Casey" Jones had a reunion to talk of early Horseshoe days. Recollections of the Retreat Cup, the Bell-chime tower, the early morning bird hikes with Forrest Lenker and the people who made such a difference in their lives and those of thousands of others over the years.

The June Ordeal weekend of the Order of the Arrow saw much work being accomplished by the Lodge members. Work was done on the new latrines and the roof of the OA Lodge Building was replaced. Trees that had been identified as potential hazards were felled. Preparations for the opening of camp...setting up tent platforms, tents etc. were handled. Also, this weekend the newest to be 'called out' for the Ordeal membership took their ordeals; Brotherhood candidates were tested on their knowledge and Vigil members prepared themselves for their 'vigil.'

Warren Lawrence, former Scoutmaster of Troop 57 in Kennett Square, OA Ordeal Advisor for 15 years and Secretary of Vigil Honor of the Lodge first came to Horseshoe as a leader in 1962 or 1963. He comments about his experience of the Vigil Honor's vigil:

"It was one of the most moving and meaningful experiences in my life. It was a clear moonlit night and you could see all over camp...it was a time of contemplation...and of even a few prayers to the 'Great Scoutmaster."

Warren Lawrence also provided an interesting note when the conversation got around to weddings, etc. happenings in Camp. He inquired as to whether there was any mention of the Reynolds family that once owned the Horseshoe property and the fact that one of the descendants of the Reynolds had recently died. The obituary from about a year earlier he provided indicated that there was a birth on the property many years before - Lydia Ann Reynolds Kendig. It read:

"Lydia Ann Kendig, 105, died (in) Kennett Square. She was born in West Nottingham, on the homestead of what is now Chester County Boy Scout Camp Horseshoe..."

J.B. Rettew's note: Warren Lawrence passed away a month after this interview. He was a man dedicated to Scouting and the Order of the Arrow. He always maintained a positive outlook on life and believed in the fundamental good of people.

Camp Horseshoe and Camp John H. Ware, 3rd. were in full form this summer as our history was being "put to bed". Glenn Runyon was back as Director of Horseshoe; and, this year the Camp Ware Director was Steve McCall-Carter. Steve, by the way was the grandson of one of the first Staff members at the Explorer Base, Frank Pearson. Roy Cole was our third generation Camp Ranger and Bill Hess, Horseshoe Reservation Manager, was providing valuable oversight to the camping operation.

The 1994 Staff at Camp Horseshoe was set off on a good start under the leadership of Glenn Runyon. Pete Mendez from Baltimore was back on board as Program Director. Rich Foot returned as the Director of the newly relocated Nature Lodge. Nature Lodge was at the Rothrock Lodge this year to make room for the Roberts Lodge's use for troop camping. He was assisted by Willie Scott along with Instructors Tim Long, Fran Donovan, John Callahan and Mike Beadner. Pete Lesley was Aquatics Director assisted by Instructors Matt McAloon, Joel Furfari, Rick Alloway, Jim Obernier and David Bingham. Up and coming Staff included Josh Commolli at the Boat Docks and Joe Obernier at Aquatics. Jake Carrigan was Director of Handicraft along with Instructors Jeremiah Rosenlund, Chris Flipse and Jon DeVirgilio. Director of Campcraft was Dave Franz assisted by Pete Horvath. Campcraft Instructors were Jeff Balmat, James Pine and Dave Schurr. Scoutcraft Director Eric Wilson was assisted by Brenden Battefelder and Brian Williams. Eric Kutay was Director for Shooting Sports and Will Cass was Archery Director. Jermiah Dunn was Instructor in Shooting Sports.

Feeding campers well-balanced and appealing meals is always a challenge in a Scout camp and one of the most important parts of camp life and more importantly at the Allen Memorial Dining Hall. This year, Mike McKinney returns to his former job of Food Service Director. Horseshoe's First Cook was Joe Curran, assisted by Josh Foreman and Eric Stout. Richard Riale was the Preparation Cook. The Dining Hall Steward was Joe Lombardo; Book Keeper Doug Densmore; and, Head Dishwasher John Boldin. Dishwashers were John Dean, Chris Honeycutt, Curtis Lauser, Gene Smith and Jim Ewaka. The challenging job of Maintenance Director was given to Mike Berkeheiser assisted by Eric Baughman. Also serving in a key spot as Trading Post Manager on the Horseshoe Camp Staff this summer was Lisa Runyon, the Camp Director's spouse. She was assisted by Nate Markowski and Chip Childers. Business Manager was Scott Davis and Headquarters Director was Andy Smith. Matt Acton was HQ Clerk. Tom Hillhouse was Camp Commissioner.

Mary Ann Foard served as Health Officer. Jim Rattie and Richard McQuillis assisted her at the Morrison Memorial Health Lodge.

Indicative of the dedication of the Staff to Camp Horseshoe, is the fact that all four previous recipients of the "JB Rettew" award were serving on the 1994 Camp Staff.

Glenn Runyon had many fine camping experiences at Horseshoe which began in the Octoraro campsite in 1978 as a member of Troop 14 of West Chester. Ernie Heegard served as an inspiration to him in the many years as a camper and later as an adult leader and when he was on the Camp Staff. Setting a good example and the need to protect and build on the traditions of Horseshoe are the key goals that Glenn has set for his Staff and Horseshoe. He comments:

"I love Camp Horseshoe...this job is fun and I enjoy it because of that. Horseshoe attracts me and others...you really can't point to any one thing that makes Horseshoe attractive, it is for a conglomerate of reasons."

Steve Carter, Camp John H. Ware, 3rd Director, had as his Program Director, Ben Bruton. Ben was one of several brothers that had served on the Camp Ware Staff over the years. Other Ware Staff members were Richard Anacker, Business Manager; Michelle Wiggins, Health Officer; and, Tim Mazur, Maintenance Director. Matleen Cole was the Trading Post Manager assisted by Craig Reynolds. Dexter Massorotti was the Maintenance Assistance. Clark Greene was the Shooting Sports Director as well as the chief photographer of troops staying at both Camp Horseshoe and camp Ware. He was assisted by Andy Gentry, Rifle range Director and Scott Arni as Archery Director. Both Alex McCausland and Pete Laspina assisted at Shooting Sports. The Assistant Nature Director was Rick Mann with Instructors Eric Sadi and Alex Kehler.

At Camp Ware's pool, Bill Radford was the Aquatics Director with Kelly Forczek serving as Pool Director. Instructors included Aaron Boyd and Liam Coughlin. Kevin Wilson was the Campcraft Director and Assistant Program Director. Eric Rosenberger and Eric Dill were his Instructors. Barbara Parsons was the Handicraft Director with Instructors Luke Owens (brother of Paul Owens, former Ware and Horseshoe Director) and Tom Leret assisting.

Providing the meals for the campers including Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts at Camp John H. Ware,3rd were Head Cook Junior Webber, Cook Brett Montich along with Dining Hall Steward/ Commissary head Ross Flaharty. The Dishwasher crew included Matthew Peterson, Matthew Kratz and Tom Kravitz.

Reported at the time this passage was being written was an activity that 150 Scouts enjoyed at Camp Ware. A special "auction" event was held. Each Scout camper was able to procure 'money' (play, of course) during the day which they could use to bid on items at the auction that evening. They bid on such things as - a midnight swim, the first to be able to go home from camp on Saturday and a number of other offerings of a fun and unusual nature. According to Bill Hess, Reservation Manager, it was a "real fun time!' (It is not known how many items Bill may have bid upon.)

The Founder's Circle was formed by the Council this spring. Its membership is reserved for those "Friends of Scouting" who contribute $1000 or more annually to support the character building mission of the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. and Mrs. Norman Phelps hosted a special reception at their home in Malvern during the summer to recognize the members. Dick Vermeil was a special guest and spoke of the value of Scouting and the need for continued support of the program.

Plans for the Board this summer included a retreat at Ocean City, New Jersey. President Bennett agenda for the Council included a number priority items. Funding the Council's operation was to be a key topic along with the strategic Long Range Plan for the Council.

The actual celebration of the Council's Diamond Jubilee Anniversary was being planned for the weekend of October 14, 15 and 16, 1994 at the Chester County Council's Camporee. Much planning was being done for the event to take place at Hibernia County Park. Dan Berdell is in charge of the "Diamond Jubilee Camporee" and among those serving on the Committee are Bill Cass and Rich Johnson. Plans are subject to some change at the time of the writing of this history. However, they include a Show'N'Do of Scouting past and present; a re-union of old-timers; the issuance of a newspaper with the highlights of the year 1919 when the Council was chartered; a special "sound and slide" show in the evening; awards; and, many other exciting activities that will pique the interest of the Scouts, leaders and old friends of scouting. The written record of the Council's 75 years will be a part of the celebration.

As the Chester County Council moves towards its centennial, the preservation of its history and that of Scouting takes on a more important perspective. In reality, the need to retain and maintain Scouting memorabilia - written documents, pictures, uniforms, patches and the like - became the vision of Robert McCarter whose years in Scouting began as a boy in West Chester. He attended Horseshoe, eventually serving on the Horseshoe Camp Staff; and, then as the leader of Camp Jubilee in 1980. He is an active Scouter and his interest in collecting Scouting mementos has resulted in his collection being among the best in the entire area let alone the country. His ambition to open a Scouting museum is nearing fruition as plans are being made to use a private facility adjoining the Valley Forge Memorial Chapel in the Valley Forge National Park.

The guide posts for a camper's life at Camp are as they were in 1919 when our first Council Camp Lafayette opened at Icedale Lake; as they were in 1921 at Camp Rothrock; and, as they were at Camp Horseshoe when it opened in 1928...the Scout Oath and the Scout Law form the rules under which a Scout lives...and remembering to do a "Good Turn Daily" and to "Be Prepared."