Tyrone’s Camp Anderson, established in 1927 as a camp for Boy Scouts in Tyrone and the surrounding area, is slated to be closed and sold by the Laurel Highland Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

But a group of Tyrone scout and community leaders are not giving up on the historic camp.  They believe that it still has a bright future and are planning a fund raising campaign to purchase the property and place it under permanent local control.

They would like the community’s help to collect stories about the camp and its importance to the community.

“In order to keep the camp open and put it under local control, we will have to raise a significant amount of money.  If people could tell us how important the camp is to them, it might be helpful to recruit potential donors,” said local scout leader and Camp Anderson Capital Campaign Chairman Cummins McNitt.

According to McNitt, between 10,000 to 12,000 people use the camp annually. About 6,000 camping nights were logged last year alone.  In addition, numerous church groups, family reunions, and class reunions also use the camp facilities. Every Halloween the camp hosts a very popular haunted house.  But all of this would be lost if the plan to close and sell Camp Anderson occurs.

“Camp Anderson is a great part of boy scouts in central PA,” said Tyrone scout Ryan Vance, who is currently working toward his Eagle Scout badge.

“I don’t think closing the camp is a good idea,” said local scout and TAHS sophomore Christian Fink, “Many hours of volunteer work has gone into it. It is a very historic place for this area, not only for Boy Scouts. All the people in the surrounding areas use this camp for many things like fishing, camping, or just enjoying the outdoors. Losing this camp with put an end to all of that.”

“I’m upset that the camp could be closing and anybody who ever camped there knows it is a big part of this community,” says Tyrone senior and former scout Adam Zook.

“I have been going to the camp ever since I could remember. I have had a lot of good memories there and everyone I have talked to is sad about the chance of it closing,” said scout Bryce Bauer.

“This camp is a part of mine and everyone else’s childhood,” added Zook.

“My favorite memory is when my Troop went up to Anderson for the yearly winter camp out. There was a campfire, tents, and lots of food. Camp Anderson helps to make a troop stronger,” said Vance.

“Children and family members love to spend time there,” said Tyrone local scout Matt Beam.

If you would like help by sharing your own Camp Anderson stories, please fill out and submit the following form.  If possible, we ask the each person submitting a story also submit a current photo for our upcoming story.

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