In the years before the troop purchased the land, it was used as an ice pond and for planting crops. The owners of the land would dam up the creek in the winter so a large area of water would freeze. Remains of the former dams are found throughout the camp. Ice sleighs with sharp blades would cut the ice and it would be then packed in saw dust and shipped off for usage.

Hank and Gus thought this would be a good area to start their camp. The area was relatively flat and swampy though there were areas of forest and clearings and these areas were large enough to house campsites. The land was purchased for $100 an acre in Setember of 1961. From 1961 to the Spring of 1962, tremendous amounts of work was done to produce "Hawk Mountain Camp." The first structure built was a stone fireplace that stood about twenty feet away from the creek, near where the main cabin is. Many of the swampy areas were drained and filled with gravel to produce the first campsites. A latrine was built and construction began on a main or "staff" cabin to house a kitchen/eating area. The troop had an easy time finding a place to dig a well since the camp is located in a valley and the water table is perched in many areas. Even during the worst droughts, the well still provided water. All of these news structures were completed before August 3, 1962, just in time for the first Summer Camp.

The camp continued to develop over its first few years. Plans were made to build two ponds, one for fishing purposes and another for swimming. To control flooding; which frequently occurred, dams and flood control walls were built in order to ease the wrath of the Indian Run in the camp. The areas that were void of any trees (which is the areas that were flooded during the ice making days) also had to be maintained. The troop consulted the help of a local farmer, Norman Hess, to help them in their efforts. Norman also allowed us to store most of our equipment on his property for over 30 years.

At the end of the first Summer Camp, the members of the adult staff up at camp decided to create a special order to honor those who made this camp happen. On the Friday night before the last Saturday at camp, the adult leaders who were present became the first charter members of the Order of the Hawk. This order honors those people who help in the development, maintenance, and the operation of Hawk Mountain Camp. Recipients of this prestigious award have to serve the Scouts of Oreland 1 in an OUTSTANDING manner, and have to be elected unanimously by every member present at Summer Camp. The first elected member of the Order was Al Doering. Over the years, more members have been elected to the order, but there are some camps where no one receives the award.

Tremendous amount of work was done to the camp between 1963-69. In 1964, two lean-tos were built near the "Staff Cabin" facing the creek and two more facing them were added a year later. These cabins housed the troop's staff during camping trips. The fields were cleared of heavy grass and corn stubble for the their apporiate use. A chapel was created on an island to hold a small religious ceremonies. Before Chapel Island, the troop sat on the railroad bank facing the stream near the present chapel. The upper fishing pond was constructed and the lower swimming pond was constructed a few years later. In 1969, the first memorial was built at Hawk Mountain Camp. Al Doering and Phil Marcolina built a stone and iron arch leading to the chapel. They dedicated this to former scout Lt. David M. Wilson who was killed in action in Vietnam. Also in 1969, Scouts from the North Peel District Toronto Canada, were invited down to camp with the Scouts of Oreland 1 for the week of Summer Camp.

Memorial Chapel Arch

1969 Hawk Mountain Summer Camp

During the 1970's, Al and Hank decided to build lean-tos for the patrols. So from 1979-1982, three lean-tos were built on three tent sites for use by the patrols. A permanent Campfire site was also established above the fishing pond in 1978. Every time the camp was improved, Al Doering was a part of it. He planned out every project and completed each one with the up most care and dedication. Every project was done with out the use of any power tools and required hundreds of hours of manpower. As the camp grew older, many of the structures and bridges that were installed started to deteriorate. In 1990, our troop enlisted the help of Assitant Scoutmaster Warren Marley to rebuild many of the older parts of the camp. Instead of using wood and human power; Warren used steel and machines to replace many of the structures at camp including numerous bridges and a new well structure.

With the passing of Norman Hess in 1993, the troop needed a new place to store its equipment. Warren, along with Tore Vecchione, installed two steel sheds into the side of the road embankment. Tore has also donated his time and efforts in maintaining the camp. He has solved many of the drainage and pipe problems that have plagued the camp for some time. Tore has installed drainge swails, an additional outlet for the fishing pond, and has fixed the pipe that feeds the swim pond.

When Hank Jones died in January of 1992, the troop decided to name the staff cabin "Hank's Hall" in memory of him. For 30 Summer Camps, Hank served as cook and "Dining Hall Supervisor," and it was fitting that the cabin he spent so much time in, bares his name. Also, Al Doering passed away in 1995 and efforts are being made to commemorate Al in an outstanding manner.

A memorial nature trail was started in 1995 to commemorate Gus Irelnborn, a former Assistant Scoutmaster. This nature trail starts in the lower field, winds up and down the railroad bank, and currently ends near the upper pond. The trail highlights many of the natural habitats and history in the camp. The trail is used by the troop for nature walks and for advancement work.

In March of 2003, work started on a new 20X16 addition to Hank's Hall. This project was led by John Yike and Fran Busillo Sr. The addition includes, a new firplace, a 10 burner & 2 oven stove, a service counter, a wood burning stove, plus a 16X10 deck. (Also known as "La Veranda") Brand new enclosures and two new doors were completed for the addition also.