GWP 60  Campaign for Improvements at Camp

George W. Pirtle Scout Reservation is 60 years old!
Nestled on the shores of Lake Murvaul in rural East Texas, George W. Pirtle Scout Reservation has introduced several generations of young people to Scouting’s outdoor program. The East Texas Area Council has maintained this resource as a “classic” scout camp. The enduring nature of GWP is evident at the camp’s entrance, where the elements the Scout Law greet all who arrive and drive through the gate. What GWP lacks in modern amenities, it compensates with authentic, rustic charm. Nevertheless, maintaining its appeal to current youth and leaders requires infrastructure development beyond routine upkeep and maintenance, as well as compliance.

For Scouts in the East Texas Area Council, the ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!

Pirtle History
In response to the growth of Scouting in East Texas, the East Texas Area Council opened a new Scout Camp in 1964. The land in Panola County was provided by George W. Pirtle, and the facilities were built through the resources of a capital campaign headed by Robert Cargill. The Cargills personally funded the camp’s dining hall. The summer camp program at GWP has been staffed by Crew 777. Over the years, the color orange has been the traditional staff color, although Nehi purple has also had its time.

Camp Assets
The pioneers in GWP’s development built an infrastructure on the natural assets of the site. The Dining Hall overlooks a beautiful lake cradled in the deep East Texas pinewoods forest. The waterfront area harbors the camp’s watercraft in one of Lake Murvaul’s secluded coves. The layout of 14 campsites facilitates Scouts building their outdoor skills while shooting sports can be experienced at various ranges.

Camp Staff
It is the camp staff that creates Scouting memories that last a lifetime. Whether it is a Cub Scout event some weekend or a week at summer camp with a Scouts BSA unit, an enthusiastic staff has been there to deliver the program. Camp Pirtle offers such a wide-array of learning activities and Scouting fun swimming and boating, crafts and nature studies, climbing and outdoor skills. Attracting a knowledgeable staff for a few weeks in the summer, or as volunteers for Turkey Camp, is always a challenge. But comfortable staff housing with homelike amenities can make serving on camp staff a rewarding experience.

Camp Improvement Plans

• ETAC is committed to keeping GWP as a first rate resource for the enjoyment of young people of all ages, as well as a site for strengthening character, physical and mental fitness, and good citizenship. Building on the camp’s history and traditions, the Council has identified a number of projects for improvement of the facilities and expansion of programs.
• A high priority is improvement of the Staff Area to create a yearround facility for program staff to reside while providing leadership to program activities and their related camp functions. We want to enhance staff sleeping quarters by providing electricity to each of the tent pads. Utilizing donated materials, the construction of cabins can be completed and be ready to house key staff members. A major part of the plan is to completely renovate the staff showers. Additionally, we can begin cosmetic improvements to the Directors’ Cab-ins and Headquarters Building.
• The location of GWP on lakefront property makes the camp a prime site for programming aquatics activities. So many Scout camps do not have the facilities to effectively train Scouts in handling watercraft. Related to the waterfront, upgrades to the pool are a priority for maintaining a comprehensive aquatics program. The pool needs to be resurfaced, nonskid paint applied to the deck, and lane and depth markings refreshed. Rebuilding the pump and drainage system is a critical necessity. Can we envision offering aquatics programming beyond the weeks of summer camp?
• Central to the Scout Camp experience is the Dining Hall. To better serve campers and their volunteer leaders, we have a plan for additional restroom facilities.

Appeal
The East Texas Area Council is celebrating the sixty year history of George W. Pirtle Scout Reservation by initiating a fund drive to raise $ 60,000. Contributions will be used to complete much needed camp improvements. The capital funding of GWP 60 is a critical component to the NEXT 60 years of camp.

We are appealing to all Friends of GWP for donations to improve the camp infrastructure. It will take many generous donations to meet the fundraising goal. Please help GWP remain a Scouting resource available for all youth in East Texas.