On with the story!
As girls and leaders prepare for Girl Scout Camp, I felt it was best to kick off the new blog with a discovery from 1941. While reading the Frederick Girl Scout scrapbooks, I came across a section on Camp Hi-Catoctin.
In order to appreciate this tidbit of history, one must know the history of Catoctin Recreational Area, located just a few miles West of Thurmont.
Area 1, Misty Mount.
Area 2, Green Top.
Area 3, Hi-Catoctin.
Sound familiar?
In 1942 the Secret Service shut down all 3 areas to provide a secure area for Roosevelt during the war. Roosevelt loved the lodge at Hi-Catoctin, and renamed it Shangri-La. Later Truman would rename area 3 "Camp David".
Frederick Girl Scouts only used Hi-Catoctin one year, 1941. Prior to that, it was used for 3 years by federal employees and their families after the camp was completed. There are records of the Frederick Boy Scouts and the Salvation Army also using Hi-Catoctin as a summer camp facility that same year.
I will continue to research if any other Girl Scouts used Hi-Catoctin, but so far no records indicate Pennsylvania Girl Scouts or Girl Scouts of Washington County used the camp. I will also continue to look for more records of our stay at in 1941.
Each day as you head up Catoctin Mountain to Camp Westmar, smile - knowing we were likely (I am, at time of post, 90% certain) the only Girl Scout Association in the United States to use Camp David! Below are photos from the 1941 camp, as well as the brochure. It is very worth the time to read and enjoy a giggle.
And yes, our beloved Frances Delaplaine Randall (Frederick's oldest Girl Scout) was there! She recalls the Secret Service not allowing Girl Scouts to use the main lodge because they were getting it ready for Roosevelt.
 |
 |
| AN AUTOMOBILE AND A MAN AT ALL TIMES...... |
