About Moses Scout Reservation
The Horace A. Moses Scout Reservation is a vast Boy Scout camp owned by the Western Massachusetts Council in Russell, MA. Spanning roughly 1,295–1,300 acres of forest and fields around Russell Pond, it serves as a summer camp and year-round retreat for Scouts and visiting groups (www.wmascouting.org ) (www.wmascouting.org ). The camp is named for industrialist and philanthropist Horace A. Moses, who sold his dairy farm and estate to the Scouts in 1945 on the condition that it bear his name (www.wmascouting.org ). Today it remains a legacy of Moses’s vision, featuring the stately hillside Manor House that overlooks the camp, an 80+ acre private lake (Russell Pond) for boating and fishing, and miles of trails across the Cobble Mountain watershed (www.wmascouting.org ) (thewestfieldnews.com ). This semi-wilderness setting near the Berkshires offers a classic outdoor experience: timber-framed cabins, lean-to shelters and tent sites at wooded campsites, a dining hall for shared meals, an outdoor amphitheater around a fire ring, athletic fields, and specialized program areas (archery, shooting ranges, ropes course, blacksmith shop, etc.) all staffed by trained leaders. In short, Moses Scout Reservation is a destination camp that blends Scout traditions with the natural beauty of western Massachusetts (www.wmascouting.org ) (www.wmascouting.org ).
Over the years, the reservation has been a cornerstone of local Scouting. Since its first summer camp season in 1946, it has hosted thousands of Scouts from the surrounding four counties, helping generations of youth develop leadership and outdoor skills (www.wmascouting.org ). Historic highlights include annual summer camps for Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts, Scouts’ camporees, training weekends, and even anniversary celebrations. For example, in 2021 the camp marked its 75th anniversary with a special open day that included guided tours, museum displays, and family activities (www.wmascouting.org ). The reservation also serves the wider community – local nonprofits, churches, and schools regularly rent cabins or campsites for retreats and picnics, and the camp grounds are known as a peaceful Berkshire getaway in all seasons. (A Mule-drawn Christmas hayride by the lake or night hike under the stars are among the camp’s quiet traditions.) With its mix of historic charm and rugged scenery, Moses Scout Reservation remains a beloved part of the region’s outdoor and Scouting heritage.
Events and Programming
The reservation’s primary events are the annual summer camps for youth Scouts. Scouts BSA (ages 10–17) attend week-long resident camps each July, earning merit badges, exploring nature, and challenging themselves. In recent years the council has even offered themed specialty weeks (for example, a “Spooktacular” merit badge adventure in late July) and a Cub Scout (ages 6–10) progrm in a separate area called Camp ‘Woronoak’. Camp Frontier provides primitive outpost camping for older Scouts wanting a backcountry experience. Typical activity schedules include swimming and boating on Russell Pond (with certified lifeguards), archery and shooting sports (under certified supervision), high-ropes and climbing tower challenges, campcraft (fire building, camping skills), nature hikes, conservation projects, handicrafts (blacksmithing, woodworking), sports on the parade field, evening campfires, and more. Non-Scouting groups using the site often run similar outdoor programs (for example, a school group might arrange canoeing and orienteering).
In addition to the standard camp programs, important annual events keep the reservation active. Each fall the council holds a “Moses Work Day,” inviting volunteers to come repair trails, paint cabins, and prepare for the next camping season (www.wmascouting.org ). In recent years the camp even hosted public outdoor-days run by its partner Woronoco Heights Outdoor Adventures, where families could pay a small fee (around $5) to try scouting-type activities like shotgun shooting, AAU-style climbing, and ax-throwing (www.wmascouting.org ). And as noted, milestone celebrations (like the 75th anniversary in 2021) bring Scouts and alumni back for tours of the camp and the Harris M. Tanner Scouting museum display in the dining hall (www.wmascouting.org ). In general, programming reflects the camp’s Scout heritage: over 70 years of Scouting tradition with the addition of new and inclusive activities, all timed to coincide with school calendars and community events. (Camp staff meetings and hands-on training courses are held in late spring, summer camp runs daily from early July through late July, and weekends year-round are booked for troop campouts and family retreats.)
Tickets and Booking
There is no traditional “box office” or ticket vendor for Moses Scout Reservation. Scouts and units must register through the Western Massachusetts Council’s booking system. Summer camp registration typically begins in late fall or winter via the council’s online portal (Tentaroo/BSA reservation system), where units reserve a campsite with a \$100 non-refundable deposit (www.wmascouting.org ). Each Scout also pays a \$100 non-refundable deposit to hold their spot, with the balance due by mid-May. (Early-bird discounts of about 5–10% may apply if payments are made by spring deadlines (www.wmascouting.org ).) As of 2024, the basic week-long fee per Scouts BSA camper runs around \$530–\$565 (depending on early/loyalty or late-registration discounts), with up to two adult leaders at \$150 each (www.wmascouting.org ). Cub Scout camp and day camp programs have similar deposit structures and lower fees (roughly \$280–\$300 for a short week) (www.wmascouting.org ). All payments are handled through the council office or camping portal; tickets in the usual sense are not sold.
Outside of Scout-led camps, the Moses Reservation is available for facility rentals by churches, schools, clubs and family groups. Interested parties should contact the Western Mass Council service center. Facilities (cabins, lodges, picnic shelters, the dining hall, waterfront, etc.) may be booked for weekends or events. For example, cabins like the Aquatics Lodge or Guyton Lodge can hold 20–30 people, while Adirondack shelters and tent sites are offered for tent campers (www.wmascouting.org ). Non-Scout groups must sign a use agreement and carry general liability insurance as required by council policy (www.wmascouting.org ). Rental rates (different for Scouts vs. outside groups) are listed in the council’s Facility & Equipment Rentals guide, and can be viewed or downloaded online.
Seating and Layout
Moses Scout Reservation doesn’t have fixed “seating” like a theater – it’s an outdoor campground. However, there are well-defined activity and gathering areas. The main area, Camp General Knox (named after Lt. General Henry Knox), contains the large Knox Dining Hall (for meals) and a stone amphitheater surrounding a fire ring – benches are arranged on a sloped lawn and rock risers for evening programs. Across camp are multiple campsites (cleared fields or meadows with fire ring and flagpole) and rustic Adirondack shelters (three-sided lean-tos) grouped by program. For example, Camp Woronoak (the Cub area) has smaller primitive shelters, while Camp Frontier (primitive camping area) offers fully wooded tent platforms. all sites have signposts and flagpoles, but no assigned “seat” – it’s all general campfire seating once unrolled.
For indoor lodging, the reservation provides several heated cabins and lodges. These include both cabins with bunks and larger lodges with kitchens/baths. Notable examples are the Aquatics Lodge (sleeps ~30), Cabin 1 and 2 (24 each), Guyton Lodge (24), Quimby Lodge (14) and the Hillside Lodge/Training Lodge (each ~24) (www.wmascouting.org ). These cabins are spread throughout the camp – some near the waterfront and others on wooded ridges – so each has different views. The best “seats” in camp are usually on a ridge overlooking Russell Pond or around the amphitheater in front of the stage/fire-ring area. Acoustic echoes and sightlines in the amphitheater are generally good for campfires and skits, but distant picnic tables or a view down the parade field might not see every word. In short, visitors should prepare to sit on logs or bring a camping chair for outdoor performances, and view the camp as a collection of outdoor “seats” rather than fixed seating arrangements.
Getting There and Parking
Moses Scout Reservation is located at 310 Birch Hill Road in the town of Russell, MA (zip code 01071) (www.wmascouting.org ). It lies in the Hampden County hilltowns, about 8 miles northwest of Westfield and roughly 25 miles west of Springfield. If coming by car, the camp is most easily accessed via U.S. Route 20 and Massachusetts Route 8. For example, from the east or west, take the Mass Pike (I-90) to Exit 4 (West Springfield/US-20 North) and follow US-20 through Westfield toward Russell. From the south, one can also use I-91 to US-20 West. In any case, look for signs to Russell and then Birch Hill Road; the camp entrance is clearly marked by a wooden sign. The drive is scenic but rural: expect narrow two-lane roads once off the highway, and follow GPS carefully.
Ample free parking is available in lots throughout the camp. The main parking area is next to the administrative headquarters and dining hall, with additional parking by various lodge areas; please park only in designated spots. As per camp rules, the speed limit within camp roads is 15 MPH (www.wmascouting.org ), and all vehicles should stay on gravel roads – no off-road driving. Large RVs or trailers are not typically needed (cabins accommodate most visitors), but trailers must be parked in designated areas only. Note that there is no public transportation to the camp. There are no nearby bus or train stations in Russell. The nearest commuter rail/Amtrak service is in nearby Westfield or Springfield, but from there one must arrange a taxi or rideshare. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) are often unavailable deep in the Berkshires, so plan to drive. If flying in, Bradley International Airport (BDL) in CT is about 45 miles away across the border, or Westfield-Barnes regional airport (CEF) is about 15 miles away, though both require a rental car or shuttle.
Inside the Venue
Upon arrival at the camp, visitors should report to the camp office or Ranger’s station to check in. A campmaster or ranger will record your unit’s presence and give any orientation needed. All campers (Scouts and leaders alike) should have up-to-date BSA medical forms on file; non-Scouts visiting for private events may also need to register and provide insurance as required by the council. Once checked in, guests are free to explore the grounds. Hiking maps are posted at the camp office and most major intersections. The camp office is also the hub for information.
The atmosphere inside Moses Reservation is always rustic and outdoorsy. There is a Chesapeake Bay-scented dining hall (Knox) with a fully equipped commercial kitchen that serves meals (for Scout camp events) under a camp chef and staff. Outside of mealtimes, the camp has no fast-food stands or restaurants – it is expected that units bring their own food supplies or cook at their campsite (either open fire in rings or with camp stoves). Most campsites have picnic tables. Visitors should bring their own water containers (though potable water is piped to many sites via the camp’s well water system (www.wmascouting.org )). There is no general “canteen” or store, but during large events (like summer camp) a trading post may be set up to buy snacks, beverages or Scout supplies. Otherwise, there are no vending machines or shops at the campsite; the nearest stores are in Westfield.
Modern amenities are limited. The camp has flush toilets at the main lodge areas and simple vault or pit toilets at remote sites. Showers exist in the Ravi Nashak Dining Hall basement or in campsite restrooms, but their winter availability is limited. For tech needs: cell phone reception is spotty at best within the forest (AT&T and Verizon work near the dining hall) and there is no Wi-Fi available; plan to be unplugged. Bring extra batteries or a power bank if needed. As an outdoor camp, there is no cloakroom or permanent coat check, so pack and lock what you need. Coat racks might be found at the dining hall. There is no formal dress code – comfortable outdoor attire is expected. Scouts at camp should wear their uniforms for flag ceremonies and evening campfires, but hiking boots, shorts and t-shirts are fine during daytime. Visitors often wear layers, as summer mornings can be cool and nights get cold. In the winter off-season, campsites may still be used for day trips or cold-weather camping, but anyone planning a winter visit should be prepared for snow, ice, and no heat in cabins (though some larger lodges have stoves).
Nearby Amenities
Moses Scout Reservation is in a very rural setting, so immediate amenities are limited. There are a few small businesses in Russell (for example, a local diner and markets a few miles away) but no hotels or major restaurants in town. Most visitors for non-scouting events drive home each night or stay in accommodations in Westfield or Springfield. Westfield (8–10 miles northeast on US-20) has chain hotels (like the Quality Inn and Westfield Inn), gas stations, grocery stores, and a variety of restaurants (fast food, pizza, diners and pubs). Springfield (about 25 miles east) offers even more options, including familiar chain hotels and eateries along I-91 and Route 5. If you plan to arrive via an Uber or taxi after dark, Westfield is the closest town with reliable service; rideshare apps often won’t pick up on rural Birch Hill Road.
For pre-camp or post-camp meals, many units picnic at a Westfield park on the drive home or eat at a family-style restaurant. Some popular local spots near Westfield include Classic Grille, Friendly’s, or the dining options at the Hampton Inn conference center. Late-night services are almost nonexistent – plan to arrive or depart before 10 PM. If you need medical or other emergency services, select institutions in Westfield (like Baystate Noble Hospital) would be the nearest full-service hospitals, roughly 15 minutes away. Otherwise, there are no on-site medical clinics; first aid in camp is handled by trained staff and visiting adults. In summary: stock up on supplies in Westfield or Springfield before heading to the remote camp, and call ahead if you need to arrange any special transportation.
What Makes This Venue Special
Horace A. Moses Scout Reservation is special because it encapsulates nearly a century of Scouting history and the personal legacy of its namesake. The camp’s centerpiece is the historic Manor House – once the mansion of Horace and Alice Moses – which still “graces the hilltop” of the reservation (thewestfieldnews.com ). Scouts on camp can see the stone facade of the 1900s-era estate (now slowly being restored by generous volunteers) and the family’s antique fireplace. Camp lore holds that “what kids remember is the Manor House” and it’s often called the “crown jewel” of the entire camp (thewestfieldnews.com ). Nearby is Russell Pond, where Moses’s dairy farm once stood; its quiet waters and wooded shores make it a peaceful spot for kayaking and swimming. In good weather the pond glassily reflects the birch and pines, earning the reservation a reputation for breathtaking dawn and dusk views.
The camp’s culture and setting also stand out. It’s one of the few remaining camps dedicated entirely to the original “Scouting spirit” – focused 100% on outdoor education, leadership, and conservation. Legends include 75 years of Scout flag ceremonies beneath maple trees, summer camp pageantry, and a long tradition of environmental stewardship (such as teaching Leave-No-Trace camping and managing 15,000 acres of wilderness around Cobble Mountain (www.wmascouting.org )). Famous occasions have included visits by state governors and Presidents of Scouting or major funders; traveling scout bands once played on the parade field in Russell. Local folklore says that in every camper’s heart, Moses Reservation is “the place you graduate to from backyard camping,” a sentiment echoed by Scouts who return with their own children decades later. In short, its combination of historical architecture, deep ties to its philanthropic founder, stunning natural surroundings, and unchanging Scout traditions make this camp uniquely treasured by both Scouters and the local community alike.
Visitor Tips and Information
Prepare for a genuine outdoors experience. Bring sturdy hiking boots (trails can be rocky), layered clothing (even summer nights are cool), and rain gear. Pack bug spray and a flashlight/headlamp for campfire programs after dark. Dietary needs: if attending summer camp, note any food allergies during registration; the camp kitchen can often accommodate restricted menus if asked. Otherwise, bring any specialty foods; camp-provided meals are generally hearty but fairly standard. Respect local wildlife: do not feed or attract deer, raccoons and bears (food should be stored in bear boxes or vehicles at night). Also, no personal firewood – all firewood must be camp-supplied (to prevent invasive pests) (www.wmascouting.org ). For daytime activities, wear a hat and sunblock, and remember that cell reception is spotty – tell family you might be “off-grid.”
Observe rules: pets are absolutely not allowed (www.wmascouting.org ), and alcohol/drugs are forbidden (www.wmascouting.org ). In camping areas, each party should keep their site clean, use provided trash dumpsters, and leave the spot better than they found it. Campfires are only permitted in fire rings; put them out fully with water and sand before leaving. Follow the “two-deep leadership” rule: an adult must always be with Scouts, especially after dark. Adhere to quiet hours (usually 10 PM) since this is a communal campground. Finally, be considerate of the smoke from fires if you have asthma; some cabins are downwind of communal fire rings. If you need a day shelter during rain, the dining hall or pavilion can be requested from the Ranger.
A few insider notes: at summer camps, the staff is usually happy to take a moment to show visitors the Climbing Tower, traditional crafts like the blacksmith shop, or the historic K’nexlike statue collection by the rifle range. On special camp weekends, arriving by 9:00 AM is smart (programs often start around 10:00 AM). Check the calendar carefully – no one tops the deck chairs or starts a boat after posted swim hours (lifeguards set a strict schedule). When packing gear, double-check the camp packlist on the council website for required forms and recommended items. Unlike theme parks, Moses Scout Reservation has no late-night concessions or after-hours entertainment – so once evening programs end, most people pack up and head to their tents or cabins. Enjoy it for the adventure and company rather than modern conveniences. In summary, treat this like a classic Scout outing: respect the wilderness, follow the guidelines, and you’ll have a safe, unforgettable stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for summer camp at Moses Scout Reservation?
All Scouts sign up through the Western Massachusetts Council’s camp reservation system. A Scout unit leader will log into the council’s online camp registration portal (usually called Tentaroo) to book a campsite and pay a deposit (typically \$100 per Scout and unit) (www.wmascouting.org ). Once the deposit is paid, the leader submits a roster of attending Scouts and adults. Final payment is due by May 15 for July camps. Individual Scouts may also join as “provisional campers” by contacting the camp office in spring if they don’t go with a unit.
What are the fees for a week of summer camp at Moses Scout Reservation?
For 2024–2025, a standard week of Scouts BSA resident camp is about \$550–\$595 per youth, depending on early or late registration fees (www.wmascouting.org ). Units that sign up early (before April 1 and with the required deposits) often get a 5–10% discount, bringing the cost closer to \$530 per Scout (www.wmascouting.org ). Adult leaders are \$150 each (with two leaders free per unit at most). Cub Scout week and 4-day programs are lower (around \$280–\$300 per Cub). These fees include meals and program instruction. Bear in mind each Scout pays a \$100 deposit up front which is applied toward the fee (www.wmascouting.org ).
Can non-Scout groups rent cabins or facilities at Moses Scout Reservation?
Yes. Outside groups (families, churches, schools, civic groups) can book the camp any time outside of summer Scout camps. Lodges and cabins (like the 30-person Aquatics Lodge or 24-person cabins) are available, as are lean-to sites, the dining hall, amphitheater, and waterfront (www.wmascouting.org ). You must contact the Western Mass Council office to reserve facilities through their online system. Non-Scout groups must sign a use agreement and provide liability insurance as required by council policy (www.wmascouting.org ). Fee schedules for rental weekends (often per cabin or per tent site) are provided by the council. All rentals require 100% payment at booking time (www.wmascouting.org ).
What is the address of Moses Scout Reservation?
The camp’s address is 310 Birch Hill Road, Russell, MA 01071 (www.wmascouting.org ). It’s located a few miles north of Westfield, in the western part of Massachusetts. Use that address in GPS or maps to navigate there. Once you reach Birch Hill Road in Russell, follow the boy scout signs to the camp entrance.
Is parking available at Moses Scout Reservation?
Yes. The camp provides free parking for visitors. There are paved/gravel parking areas by the main camp office and dining hall, and smaller unpaved lots beside some of the cabins. Please park only in designated areas (don’t block camp roads or cabin areas). Drive slowly (speed limit 15 MPH) (www.wmascouting.org ). Private vehicles actually stay parked after unloading your gear – campers walk through the camp on foot or by camp-provided golf carts (for gear).
Can I reach Moses Scout Reservation by public transportation?
Moses Scout Reservation is in a rural area, so there is no direct public transit. The nearest bus or train service is in Westfield or Springfield (both 15–25 miles away). From those towns you would need to arrange a taxi or rideshare, though rideshares may be unreliable in the countryside. In practice, visiting the camp almost always requires a car or bus charter. Consult local transit agencies for trips to Westfield, then plan to drive or drive-share from there.
Is there an outdoor amphitheater or seating area at the camp?
Yes. Moses Scout Reservation has an outdoor amphitheater with log seating around a central fire ring, adjacent to the Knox Dining Hall. This is where evening campfires, skits, and ceremonies take place. Rows of wooden benches and stone seats face a flat cleared area and stage. There is no roof overhead—bring a jacket if it’s cool after dark. It’s general admission seating; first-come is the rule (some people bring small folding stools for extra comfort).
How are the campsites organized within the reservation?
The camp is divided into three main areas: Camp General Knox (Boy Scout camp), Camp Woronoak (Cub Scout camp), and Camp Frontier (primitive/outpost camping) (thewestfieldnews.com ). Each area has several numbered campsites for tents and Adirondack shelters. For example, Camp Knox has sites arranged around the dining hall and parade field, Camp Woronoak has smaller sites near the Manor House, and Frontier has scattered backcountry sites. Each site has a flagpole and fire ring. Leaders check in and select a campsite for their unit. During open camping days, units usually stay in whichever site is assigned by the camp ranger. All seating (firewood, picnic tables) is “first-come” at the ceremony circle, but campsites themselves can often be reserved in advance for events.
Are there cabins or lodges for sleeping indoors?
Yes. In addition to tent sites and shelters, the camp offers several cabins/lodges with bunks that can be used year-round. These include Aquatics Lodge (30-person), Cabin 1 and Cabin 2 (24 each), Guyton Lodge (24), Quimby Lodge (14), the Training Lodge (24, with kitchen/restroom) and others (www.wmascouting.org ). These structures are typically heated and have electricity, and are used for staff housing or rentals in cooler weather. During summer camp, units usually stay in outdoor sites or shelters by default; cabins are booked for special needs or off-season use.
Can we bring pets to camp?
No. The camp’s official policy strictly forbids pets of any kind (www.wmascouting.org ) (service animals only as defined by law). The only animals permitted are a few that belong to the resident camp ranger. This rule is in place to protect local wildlife and avoid disrupting other campers. Please leave your dogs, cats, etc. at home.
What about alcohol and smoking?
Absolutely no alcohol or illicit drugs are allowed anywhere on camp property (www.wmascouting.org ). This is standard Boy Scout policy and is strictly enforced by camp staff. Smoking is discouraged and should only be done in designated areas well away from youth program sites. If you smoke, step far away from campsites and dining areas. Violators of the no-alcohol/drug policy will be asked to leave immediately.
Are campfires and fireworks allowed?
Open campfires are allowed, but only in the existing fire rings at campsites or the central amphitheater fire pit. All fires must be supervised by adults and put out completely before bedtime. No new fire rings or holes may be dug without ranger permission (www.wmascouting.org ). Fireworks of any kind are never permitted. Remember also that no open flames are allowed inside tents or cabins. You should bring your own kindling; the camp sells firewood and strongly forbids bringing outside firewood (to prevent invasive pests) (www.wmascouting.org ).
Are there restrooms and showers on site?
Yes. The camp has restroom and shower facilities at major hubs. The dining hall area (Camp Knox) has flush toilets and coin-operated showers downstairs that are available in summer. Each patrol-site circle typically has a vault latrine (outhouse) nearby for toilet use. New restroom and shower facilities have been added in recent years to some campsites as well. During large Scout events, port-a-lets may also be brought in. If you stay in a cabin/lodge, it will have its own bathroom and possibly hot-water showers. Bring your own toiletries and towel.
Is food available at the camp, or should we bring our own?
During official Scout camps, meals are provided three times a day in the camp dining hall (Knox) by the camp staff. For other visits, no on-site cafeteria is open. The camp does not have a restaurant or snack bar, so you must bring and prepare your own food unless a meal service has been arranged. Camping units generally plan meal menus and bring groceries. The camp sells fresh campfire cooking items (hamburgers, hot dogs, etc.) at cost from the Commissary store if reserved in advance. There is a small trading post open some weekdays of summer camp that sells candy, snacks and some toiletries, but it’s not a full grocery. If you need groceries or restaurant meals, you must go off-site to Westfield or bring everything with you.
Is there Wifi or good cell coverage at Moses Scout Reservation?
No. Moses Scout Reservation is a rustic camp; there is no public Wifi network. Cell coverage (Verizon, AT&T) is spotty and mostly limited to the higher ridges near the dining hall or snowmobile trail. Don’t plan on streaming or reliable calls. If you need to make an emergency call, the camp office has a landline. Otherwise, plan to be offline; use Jan/Feb style group comms or local radios if needed. Many campers say that disconnecting is part of the experience.
What activities are available on the lake?
Russell Pond is an 80+ acre semi-private lake on the camp property. In summer months it is used for supervised aquatics: swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboating and sail-boating (windsurfing/kayaking) with certified lifeguards on duty. Scouts can earn swimming and boating merit badges here. Life jackets must be worn in boats. Fishing from the shore or boats is also popular (license required for adults). In winter, the lake freezes later than others and is NOT used for ice activities due to warming inflow; so no ice skating or ice fishing. If you visit the camp not during summer program, water use may be restricted.
How many acres is Moses Scout Reservation?
The reservation covers about 1,295–1,300 acres (www.wmascouting.org ). This makes it one of the largest Scout camps in Massachusetts. Within these acres are forests, fields, wetlands, the 80-acre Russell Pond, and numerous facilities. Hiking the entire perimeter would easily take a full day. The acre count reflects the land originally sold by Horace Moses, and has remained around that size for decades.
Can the general public visit the camp?
Moses Scout Reservation is private property of the Boy Scouts. It is generally not open for random public drop-ins. Visitors must be part of a registered group (Scouts, school trip, family event, etc.) or come for an official camp event. Sometimes the council opens the camp for special community days (like the 75th anniversary in 2021 (www.wmascouting.org )), but otherwise you need permission or a reservation from the council. At all times visitors should respect posted signs; do not wander in off-limit areas. If in doubt, contact the Western Mass Council office for permission or booking.
What is the Manor House on the campgrounds?
The Manor House is the original summer estate home of Horace A. Moses on the camp property (thewestfieldnews.com ). It’s a large, multi-room stone mansion built in the early 1900s. Today it serves as a historic landmark at the camp’s center – in the past it has been used as a gathering hall, training facility, and office space. It has no modern-day function for daily camp use at present, as it is undergoing renovation/restoration work to preserve its structure. Visitors may see the Manor House from the road or on tours, but most programs take place in other buildings. The camp newsletter always refers to the Manor House as “the crown jewel” of the property (thewestfieldnews.com ).
