The HISTORY of
CAMP LEWIS
A Lighter Perspective
Without a doubt, the history of Camp Lewis is fascinating, especially to a former camper or staff member. What follows are snippets of moments in time describing the history of our Dear Old Camp Lewis, presented in a somewhat light-hearted, subjective, and at times humorous way. For a more formal representation of the camp's history, see the references at the end of this page.
In the beginning...
THE BIRTH OF A SCOUT CAMP
To the surprise of many, our Dear Old Camp Lewis wasn't always our Dear Old Camp Lewis. It was more like Dear Old Camp Washington, or simply Camp Washingon. Yes, that was the name of the Bayonne Council's first summer camp, establishied on a 24 acre property in Hibernia, NJ, in 1907. Camp Lewis was more than a decade away from its formal existance.
85 Years at a Glance
TIMELINE
Putting it all into a nutshell, albeit a somewhat large nutshell, here's the evolution of Camp Lewis.
Enter the Rosenthals
LAND EXPANSION
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A New Name
ALAS, CAMP LEWIS
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A Place to Eat
THE DINING HALL
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Let's Make a Lake!
LAKE GOOD TURN
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The Road to Happiness
THE DAM ROAD
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The Lone Ranger
HENRY'S BACKYARD
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Location, Location, Location
THE CAMPSITES
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Seeking Shelter
MAJOR ROY & WILDERNESS
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Meals Fit For a King
COOKS OR KOOKS
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Built to Last
VILLAS, CHELATS, & MORE
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A Place to Go
THE LATRINES
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Taking Aim
FIELD SPORTS
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A Scout is Clean
WATER TOWER & SHOWERS
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On the Waterfront
AQUATICS
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A Scout is Reverent
CHAPELS OF LOVE
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Good Trails Make Good Neighbors
THE NEIGHBORHOOD
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You Can't Get There From Here
BEFORE THERE WAS
ROUTE 280
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Shrinkage
COUNCIL MERGERS
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Camp Give Birth to Cubs
CUBS COME TO CAMP
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Ultimate Survival Skills
WILL CAMP LEWIS SURVIVE?
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