Camp Agawam - Slippery Rock Twnp (Law Co) PA

At some point in the early 1920’s the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) organization in Lawrence County acquired property at Kennedy Mills, a popular picnic area in Slippery Rock Township. They officially dedicated Camp John M. Phillips at that site on Wednesday, August 20, 1924. The camp offered summer programs and recreation activities for the various Boy Scouts troops throughout Lawrence County. The spacious facility, with eventually encompassed 255 acres, was renamed as Camp Agawam in the fall of 1950. (Jul 1943) (Photo courtesy of Deb Gillis) Full Size

The camp was named in honor in John M. Phillips (1861-1953), a wealthy Pittsburgh industrialist and nationally known conservationist. Phillips’ work led to the creation of the Pennsylvania Game Commission in 1895. He was also a dedicated advocate of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), which was founded in 1910. (c1905)

The sprawling property of Camp Phillips. (Jul 1943) (Photo courtesy of Deb Gillis) Full Size

Several of the buildings at Camp Phillips. (Jul 1943) (Photo courtesy of Deb Gillis) Full Size

Nelson “Mac” McCluskey (1898-1982) and his wife Dorothy were involved with the Boy Scouts for many years. At this time he is heading up Troop 37 from New Castle. McCluskey was a former steel worker in Farrell and served as the head custodian of Neshannock Township schools for many years. He retired in 1963 and later moved to Arizona. (Jul 1943) (Photo courtesy of Deb Gillis) Full Size

Troop 37 leader Mac McCluskey (on right) is at Camp Phillips with John J. Finnessey, an executive with the Lawrence County Boy Scouts Council. (Jul 1943) (Photo courtesy of Deb Gillis) Full Size

Mac McCluskey works his magic on the grill at Camp Phillips. (Jul 1943) (Photo courtesy of Deb Gillis) Full Size

John F. Finnessey was an executive member of the local Boy Scouts Council during from the late 1930’s and early 1940’s. (Jul 1943) (Photo courtesy of Deb Gillis) Full Size

A celebration was held at Camp Phillips as Boy Scouts member Chuck J. Meade (1924-1986), standing on right end, prepared to leave for service with the U.S. Army. He later transferred to the Army Air Corps. This is Kiwanis Troop 37 from New Castle, led by Mac McCluskey (center). (Jul 1943) (Photo courtesy of Deb Gillis) Full Size

The flag is raised at Camp Phillips. (Jul 1943) (Photo courtesy of Deb Gillis) Full Size

Mac McCluskey is shown here along the banks of the Slippery Rock Creek at Camp Phillips. His wife Dorothy is seated in front of him. On the right is Mrs. Jeannette Meade, the mother of Boy Scouts member Chuck J. Meade. (Jul 1943) (Photo courtesy of Deb Gillis) Full Size

A picnic was held at Camp Phillips in honor of Boy Scouts member Chuck J. Meade, as he prepared to join the military during World War II. (Jul 1943) (Photo courtesy of Deb Gillis) Full Size

Camp Phillips was renamed as Camp Agawam in 1950. In early 1973 the Lawrence County Boy Scouts merged with those from Butler and Armstrong Counties to form the new Moraine Trails Council. Boy Scouts from those three counties started attending camp at the facility. Camp Agawam was given a $1.5 million makeover in 2001 and turned into a year-round camp primarily devoted to Cub Scouts (aged 7-10). The project provided for a new swimming pool, upgraded campsites, improved access roads, and various recreational buildings. The Hoyt Training Center, a public retreat for corporate functions, was also established. This photo depicts the main entrance area of Camp Agawam on Frew Mill Road. (c2012) Full Size