Celebrating 50 Years of Girl Scouting at Camp Burke’s Mill Pond
The Gloucester Museum of History is launching a new exhibit featuring Girl Scout Camp Burke’s Mill Pond this Saturday. The exhibit, which will be available through 2023, will tell the story of the camp as it celebrates 50 years of operation. It will showcase 12 objects, including camp wear and official Girl Scout items from the 1970s. The exhibit will also include photographs and archival documents allowing guests to make connections with the thousands of Girl Scouts who have attended the camp over the past 50 years.
“Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast is excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Camp Burke’s Mill Pond in partnership with the Gloucester Museum of History,” Council CEO Tracy Keller said. “The exhibit will certainly bring back memories for many, while offering some history of Girl Scouting in the area for all.”
Camp Burke’s Mill Pond was established in 1972 near the site of an old flour mill. The mill pond had become a popular place for fishing and swimming and the site was quickly transformed into a Girl Scout camp. During the first years of Camp Burke’s Mill Pond, a small log cabin was constructed, and swimming, canoeing, and horseback riding were the main attractions. Other activities included crafts, camping, hiking, local history lectures, fishing, cooking, and an introduction to wildlife. Through the 1970s and 1980s, the camp grew with new activities and increased visitation from local and regional troops.
In 1993, a troop house funded by the J. Edwin Treakle Foundation was built by volunteers. It overlooks the mill pond and features a kitchen and assembly area that can be used for lodging. A bathhouse with running water was also constructed. More recently, in 2015, a swimming pool was dedicated.
Although the old mill building is no longer standing, the camp’s landscape retains its natural and historic feel. Girl Scouts and their families continue to visit annually to enjoy the amphitheater, archery range, nature trails, swimming, and various boats for use on the mill pond. There are also 11 platform tents for camping. Owned and operated by the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, Camp Burke’s Mill Pond is ready to host its next 50 years of Girl Scouts who are seeking adventure, fun, and outdoor recreation.
“Camp Burke’s Mill Pond is 40-acres of sheer Gloucester County beauty,” said Robert Kelly, Gloucester County’s Museums Coordinator. “It is known for its rolling hills, forest, and gorgeous water views. For over 50 years, this camp has been instrumental in shaping the lives of local Girl Scouts. It is important to tell this story and to help preserve the camp’s legacy.”
The Gloucester Museum of History partnered with the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast to produce the exhibit. The Museum is located at 6539 Main Street and is open Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, contact Kelly at 804-693-1234 or rkelly@gloucesterva.info.