A large wooden sign hangs by the entrance of the Horace Moses Scout Reservation in Russell. (File photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
RUSSELL – The Western Massachusetts Council of the Boy Scouts of America has announced plans to expand the programs at Horace A. Moses Scout Reservation (HAMSR) in Russell. The property was purchased by the local Boy Scout council from industrialist and philanthropist Horace A. Moses in 1945 to serve local Boy Scouts. Moses also founded Junior Achievement and left several endowments for local charities.
Since the founding of the Boy Scout movement in 1910, the four counties of western Massachusetts have used upwards of 25 camp properties, often moving to new locations better suited to the needs of Boy Scouts. Camp names like Coolidge, Chesterfield, Sherman, or Eagle, reflect popular personalities, locations, or icons of the day.
The Great Trails Council merged with Pioneer Valley Council in 2008 to form the current Western Massachusetts Council (WMC). For the past two years the Strategic Properties Planning Committee, made up of volunteers from the WMC, has been evaluating the two properties owned by the council as a result of the merger and assessing the needs of the Scouts served by the council. Based on the recommendation of this committee, the executive board voted on March 22 to sell the Chesterfield Scout Reservation (CSR) to help fund improvements at HAMSR.
As the premier regional outdoor resource for scouting; the Moses Scout Reservation has three distinct camps: Camp General Knox for traditional Boy Scout programs, Camp Woronoak for Cub Scout programs and Camp Frontier for primitive outpost camping.
Planned improvements to the camp will include an extensive trail system within the over 1,200 acre property. This system will be used for hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ATV safety training and other possible uses. Other planned improvements will include a new 50+foot climbing tower, bouldering wall, and Gaga ball pit. Campsites will see many improvements, and cabins will receive upgrades and additional ones are planned. Plans also include new restroom and shower facilities, and a welcome center. Improvements to the Scoutcraft and Nature areas will bring new learning opportunities to Scouts attending the camp.
The property development committee will seek additional funding for a new state-of-the-art shooting facility available for regional training. The council’s longer range plans include winterizing the dining hall and repurposing the old Woronoak dining hall into a year-round program hall. A new STEM facility is also part of the redevelopment plan, among other infrastructure and program facility improvements.
During the last year, a human foosball court has been constructed, a disk golf course has been added, and an ATV safety program has been incorporated into the program, each finding great use and popularity with the Scouts. Other improvements during the last year include new metal roofs on four of the cabins and the ranger’s home, improved basketball court, new hand-washing stations, and a new shotgun range.
“These new additions will complement the existing COPE (high-ropes) course, waterfront, blacksmith, welding, and other programs offered at Moses. Each will enhance the outstanding character development and leadership training, that are the hallmarks of the Scouting program, in a fun exciting outdoor environment,” said John Willemain, VP for program.
The Horace A. Moses Scout Reservation is available for use by outside church, school and civic groups for retreats, picnics and other activities. Inquiries may be made directly to the council service center in Westfield (413) 594-9196.
