For 45 years, Camp Barree welcomed hundreds of Girl Scouts to learn life skills, explore the outdoors, sing songs, and make lasting friendships.

To commemorate the camp that was located in Rothrock State Forest in Huntingdon County, a group of volunteers organized a plaque dedication held on Sept. 14.

The program included participation from girls in Troop 44039, who led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Girl Scout Promise and sang “Make New Friends.”

Participants shared memories of the camp, which hosted resident programs for nine weeks each summer. Campers recalled unique traditions and sang songs with deep meaning for former campers, including “Barree” and “Green Trees.”

Camp Barree operated from 1938 to 1983.  In 1947, the camp hosted the Girl Scouts’ 35th Anniversary International Camp. Girl Scouts and Girl Guides attended from 23 countries, every state, the District of Columbia, the Canal Zone, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

Determined to keep the camp’s history alive, a group of former campers raised funds for the commemorative plaque that was placed on the original stone fireplace still standing at the site of the former Phillips Lodge. Along with the fireplace, all that remains of Camp Barree are some stone steps nearby, which the committee has also helped to preserve.

Written by Cathy Molitoris, Marketing Coordinator for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.