Winnebago Scout Reservation
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The Winnebago Scout Reservation is a Boy Scout camp in Rockaway, New Jersey. History Although the camp was founded in 1941, the history of the property dates back farther. The Lenni Lenape Indians fished and sailed their canoes in Durham Pond. Their village was near what is now known as the camp's dining hall. During the Revolutionary War iron mines were established. Norwegian immigrants came and built dairy farms in the 1800s. In 1916, a troop from Montclair camped by the pond. However, they had to leave after a week due to complications. Camp beginnings The land was purchased in 1940. By 1941, an actual camp was established. The admission fee was $7.50 per scout. Each campsite had an icebox, stove, and a latrine with water pumped from a well. Food was included in the price, but it had to be cooked by the campers. There were 5 campsites, each with room for 30 campers. Scouts slept on mattresses stuffed with straw inside tents. Notable Staff * James J. Devine, political consultant, philosopher, journalist. * "Wink" Dousa, master leatherworker, has a cabin named in his honor. * Richard Mager, longest consecutive employee, worked at WSR for over 50 years. * Members of The Pat Foley Experience are counselors at WSR.
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