Farewell, Camp Redwing
We learned sad news in the Thursday, Sept. 25, edition of the Butler Eagle, namely that Camp Redwing in Forward Township, which has hosted Girl Scouts since 1921, is closing its doors.
The Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania made the announcement Tuesday, saying it would sell the 123-acre camp.
“Costs to repair and maintain the camp have exceeded what the council can sustain, and relocating the camp away from the creek is not feasible,” said Lisa Shade, vice president of brand marketing for the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania. “After careful review of all options, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close and sell Camp Redwing.”
It’s an understandable decision. The camp is situated along Connoquenessing Creek, and the organization looked at options that included moving the site of the camp before deciding to sell.
The camp has always been popular, and during the 100th anniversary celebration in 2023, we spoke with women who’d attended the camp as girls and then became leaders of Girl Scout troops that spent time there.
They shared memories of activities like soap carving and group fun like singalongs that included the “Turkey Song,” “Washington Waddle” and the “Buffalo Song,” among other camp favorites.
The public will have one more chance to visit the camp, as a closing celebration will be held this fall. No details were available yet, but we hope it’s a fitting tribute to a camp that touched so many lives.
— JK
