Scouts from Troop 334 spent a crisp, sunlit autumn weekend camped on the hallowed ground of Treasure Island. Set in the middle of the Delaware River—between Pennsylvania and New Jersey—this storied island has long been held sacred: first by the Lenape people, who lived along the river valley for nearly 12,000 years, and later by generations of Scouts who have walked its trails for more than a century.
Scouting America (then the Boy Scouts of America) was founded in 1910, and just three years later, the Philadelphia Council opened Treasure Island as a summer camp. By 1915, it had become the birthplace of the Order of the Arrow, and eventually the longest continuously run Scout camp in the nation. To camp here is to step directly into Scouting history. Earning the old TIS (Treasure Island Scout) or TIC (Treasure Island Camper) patch once required a formidable display of Scoutcraft skills—skills still echoed in every tent pitched and fire built on its soil.
For decades, Treasure Island was the summer home of Troop 334. Many of our current leaders fondly recall endless days and nights spent along its shores, where lessons of service and fellowship were as constant as the river’s flow.
“To begin the journey you cross this mighty river from mainland Pennsylvania to the softly rounded stones that make up the shores of the island. A carefully guided barge trip makes the impossible attainable. For young and old, the passage provides a long look at the island from a distance and hints at the promise that is soon to be delivered.”
— C.A. Wiese
An Island Lost and Found
After decades of continuous operation, a series of devastating floods in the 2000s destroyed millions of dollars in recent repairs and restorations. After the last official Summer Camp was held in 2008, Council decided to abandon the island — moving core Scouting artifacts to Scout museums in other states around the country, and leaving the island to waste away. For nearly ten years, Treasure Island sat derelict—ravaged by looters, weather, and time, but never forgotten.
A dedicated group, Friends of Treasure Island (FTI), rallied and eventually partnered with new private owners who purchased the property in 2018. Their shared mission: to restore the island and bring Scouts back. Today, FTI operates a robust program for Scouts on Treasure Island, offering weekend camping for Scouts and a full slate of activities and merit badges in the spring and fall.
Troop 334 returned in 2023, again in spring 2024, and once more this past October weekend. Each visit feels like a homecoming.
A Perfect Slice of Autumn
We left the warmth of Leverington Church around 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24. Three vehicles—stuffed with Scouts, gear, and leaders—made their way north through the deep Pennsylvania woods as the sun sank and the temperature dropped.
Scoutmaster Dave Craighead (Troop 334 Eagle Scout #12) led the charge, joined by Assistant Scoutmasters Don Dunn (#25), Assistant Scoutmaster Adrian Hoppel (#21), Committee Member Tyler Loftus (#61), and Committee Member Rob, who generously hauled most of the gear.
By the time we reached the tiny, torch-lit parking lot beside the haunted Ranger House, twenty units from across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and even upstate New York were converging on the same destination. Our troop included several newer Scouts—many camping without their parents for the first time—who quickly discovered what “cheerful service” truly means. Hauling bins and bags across staging areas, down to the riverbank, and finally onto the barge was a test of patience, strength, and teamwork.
Crossing the Delaware under the night sky cast its usual spell. The island, rising slowly into view, promised adventure. It was nearly 9:00 p.m. before the first tent was up—a testament to our Scouts’ perseverance. By 10:30 p.m., temperatures had plunged into the mid-thirties, and every Scout was zipped tightly into their sleeping bags, soon to be wiser for the experience. By morning, a few wished they had heeded their leaders’ advice a little more carefully.
Saturday: Scouting at Its Best
“Nothing cheers away the shadows of a cold, dark night like a morning campfire.”
The next morning brought the kind of clear, golden autumn day that feels like a gift. After a frigid night, the campfire crackled to life—an act of pure necessity and tradition.
The troop gathered for morning colors on the Parade Field, joining dozens of other units as FTI staff conducted the flag ceremony with equal parts reverence and good humor. Committee Member Tim Greene (#63) joined us that morning, and soon Scoutmaster Dave found himself surrounded by a small army of his former Scouts, each eager to share a story or two.
Breakfast was hearty—eggs, sausage, orange juice, and fruit prepared by Scoutmaster Dave himself—and fueled the morning’s history hike led by Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Cullen, who guided the troop around the north end of the island. After a quick stop at the Trading Post followed by lunch, we joined a fascinating Indian lore demonstration at the Ceremonial Grounds, complete with traditional musical instruments, tools, clothing, and animal furs.
At 2:00 p.m., it was time for the archery range. Scout Kaden D. quickly proved himself a natural, ultimately winning the campwide archery tournament—a proud moment for the entire troop. Tim even managed to shoot the balloon on Scoutmaster Dave’s target, earning a free soda and eternal bragging rights.
As the sun dipped lower, evening colors were held, and the troop returned to camp for dinner. On the menu: Dave’s Meatloaf—a running joke that turned into a genuine hit. The Scouts’ verdict? The highest possible praise for camp food: “I wish I could have this at home.”
Nightfall and Firelight
As darkness fell, the entire camp gathered at the Dining Hall for a torch-lit procession to the Ceremonial Grounds. Drums and chanting echoed through the woods as hundreds of Scouts assembled around a massive fire. The evening was filled with skits, songs, and laughter, with brief pauses for awards—including Kaden’s recognition as archery champion.
Returning to camp, the cold bit harder, but now everyone knew what to expect. Hot water bottles were quietly distributed into the sleeping bags of those least enthusiastic about round two of almost-freezing temperatures (including one for the Assistant Scoutmaster who thought of it).
Sunday: Breaking Camp
Sunday morning dawned clear and golden. After a quick breakfast, Scouts began the long process of breaking camp—stage by stage, boat by boat, load by load—until we found ourselves back across the river, packing vehicles and saying quiet goodbyes to the island.
We’d hoped to leave by 11:00, but true to form, it was closer to 12:30. No one seemed to mind. Spirits were high, and we all knew we had been part of something special—part of a living tradition as old and enduring as Scouting itself.
By the time we pulled back into the Leverington Church parking lot, parents were waiting to hear tales of “the coldest night ever” and adventures in the misty woods of the Delaware. And rightly so.
Troop 334 — still abiding.
Scouting traditions — still abiding.
Treasure Island — still abiding.
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