OLDTOWN — A long tradition of resident summer Boy Scout camps at Camp Poto-mac is ending and the more than 300 local scouts participating in the camps will have to go a bit further for that summer experience.
“We will not have our resident summer camp ... we are repositioning the camp,” said Doug Olsen, Scout executive for the Potomac Council. About 360 boys participated in last year’s resident camps, Olsen said.
A combination of finances and efforts to provide a better camping experience drove the decision, said Olsen. “It’s a challenge to run a camp,” Olsen said.
The 114-acre camp will continue to provide programming for Scouts and be available for rentals by other organizations. “We never considered selling it,” Olsen said. “We plan on using Camp Potomac for a variety of programs.”
The resident weeklong camps will now take place at the 2,000-acre Heritage Reservation, affiliated with the Laurel Highlands Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The reservation includes a 270-acre lake, according to the reservation’s website. The reservation is located in Farmington, Pa.
“There’s a lot more there that can be offered to the boys,” Olsen said.
That includes the possibility of boating and other experiences not possible at Camp Potomac. “The biggest thing Potomac Council is focusing on is programming for the youth,” Olsen said. “We want the best program so they’ll have something memorable for the rest of their lives.”
The resident camp for boys ages 11 to 18 is focused on the pursuit of merit badges and team-building, Olsen said.
Contact Matthew Bieniek at mbieniek@times-news.com.
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Scouts staying the week at Camp Potomac ate the bulk of their meals in the dining hall Ken Nolan/Times-News
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Camp Potomac Boy Scout tradition ending
Youngsters will travel to Farmington, Pa., for summer experience
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