Camp Westmoreland, BSA

Alabama, a state renowned for its diverse landscapes, from the Appalachian foothills to the Gulf Coast, offers an incredible canvas for outdoor activities and youth development programs. Within this rich natural setting, organizations like the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) play a vital role in shaping young lives through outdoor education, character building, and leadership training. For Scout troops, Cub Scout packs, and leaders across the state, finding a dedicated and well-equipped camping facility is essential to delivering these transformative experiences.

Nestled in the beautiful Shoals area, near Florence, Alabama, Camp Westmoreland, BSA, stands as a premier destination for Scouting activities. With a rich history dating back to the 1920s, it's not just a campground; it's a legacy of Scouting excellence, offering a robust environment for learning, adventure, and camaraderie. This article delves into what makes Camp Westmoreland an "awesome camp," highlighting its facilities, location, and why it's consistently highly recommended by those who’ve experienced its unique charm.

Camp Westmoreland, BSA, located in Florence, Alabama, is a historic and highly regarded camp property of the Greater Alabama Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Established in the late 1920s, it is one of the oldest Boy Scout Camps in the United States and is even listed on the Alabama Historical Commission Register of Landmarks and Heritage, boasting a history matched by few other camps. While it ceased operations as a full summer camp in the 1980s, it remains extensively utilized today for a wide array of council and district activities, including short-term camping, Cub Scout activities, day camps, and crucial leader training events.

The camp spans over 290 acres, featuring a beautiful forest of hardwoods and pines, and borders Shoal Creek, a popular recreational waterway in North Alabama. Reviews consistently praise Camp Westmoreland as an "Awesome camp! Great for a weekend troop campout," and a "perfect place" for Scout troops. Visitors commend its facilities, which include a shower and bathroom facility, and a newly renovated dining hall and conference facility. Despite humorous mentions of it always raining during some visits, the presence of a "great pavilion" ensures troops can stay dry and enjoy their experience.

Camp Westmoreland embodies the spirit of Scouting, providing a dedicated and well-maintained environment where youth and leaders can develop skills, build character, and foster a love for the outdoors. Its enduring legacy and continuous use highlight its importance as a foundational site for Scouting in Alabama.

Camp Westmoreland, BSA, is conveniently situated at 596 Westmoreland Rd, Florence, AL 35634, USA. This location places the camp approximately 5 to 8 miles from the heart of Florence, Alabama, offering a perfect blend of rustic tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. Florence, a key city in the Shoals metropolitan area, provides all the necessary resources for visiting Scout groups and leaders.

The camp's proximity to Florence means easy access to a range of essential services. This includes grocery stores for provisioning campouts, emergency medical facilities, and various dining options. For any last-minute supplies or equipment, Florence's retail outlets are readily available, minimizing logistical challenges for troop leaders and event organizers.

Moreover, Florence is well-connected by major roadways, facilitating smooth travel to Camp Westmoreland from various parts of Alabama and beyond. This accessibility ensures that Scouting units, whether from Birmingham, Huntsville, or other communities, can reach the camp efficiently. The camp's border along Shoal Creek, a notable recreational waterway in northern Alabama, further enhances its appeal by offering potential water-based activities and a scenic natural setting. This strategic location, combining natural beauty with urban convenience, makes Camp Westmoreland an ideal and practical choice for Scouting events and training programs throughout the year.

Camp Westmoreland, BSA, is equipped with a range of facilities and services specifically tailored to support Scouting activities, training events, and group campouts. These offerings ensure that units have the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable, educational, and safe experience.

• Short-Term Camping Facilities: The camp provides numerous campsites (over 20 available) suitable for Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Venturing Crews for weekend and short-term camping. These sites likely include designated areas for pitching tents, and possibly fire rings and picnic tables.
• Shower and Bathroom Facility: Essential for comfort, the camp features a dedicated shower and bathroom facility, providing modern conveniences for personal hygiene. Some sources indicate there are two shower houses with individual shower rooms and flushing toilets.
• Dining Hall and Conference Facility: A newly renovated dining hall serves as a central hub for meals and larger gatherings. This versatile space also functions as a conference facility, suitable for leader training sessions, workshops, and indoor activities, offering protection from the elements.
• Pavilions: Reviews specifically highlight the presence of "great pavilions," which are invaluable for shelter during outdoor activities, rain or shine, allowing groups to stay dry and continue their programs.
• Orienteering Course: The camp features an orienteering course with 13 waypoints, installed as part of a Wood Badge project. This provides an excellent opportunity for Scouts to develop navigation and outdoor skills.
• Diverse Program Areas: While primarily a short-term camp, its history suggests areas suitable for traditional Scouting activities such as scoutcraft, nature studies, and potentially other merit badge work.
• Leader Training Venue: The facilities, particularly the dining hall/conference area, are well-suited for various leader training programs, helping to develop the skills of adult volunteers.
• Cub Scout Activities & Day Camps: The camp's layout and amenities are conducive to organized Cub Scout activities and day camps, offering age-appropriate spaces for younger Scouts to engage in outdoor fun.

Camp Westmoreland, BSA, stands out due to several significant features and highlights that contribute to its "awesome" reputation and make it a highly recommended destination for Scouting in Alabama:

• Historic Significance: As one of the oldest Boy Scout Camps in the United States, established in the 1920s and listed on the Alabama Historical Commission Register, the camp offers a rich historical backdrop that adds a unique dimension to any Scouting experience.
• Versatility for Scouting Units: The camp is ideally suited for a wide range of Scouting groups, including Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Venturing Crews, for various activities such as weekend campouts, day camps, and training events.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Reviews consistently praise the camp's excellent facilities, including a "newly renovated" dining hall and conference facility, and a functional shower and bathroom complex, ensuring comfort and utility.
• Reliable Shelters: The presence of "great pavilions" is a crucial highlight, providing essential shelter from unpredictable weather, allowing activities to continue smoothly even during rain, as noted by appreciative campers.
• Bordering Shoal Creek: Its location bordering Shoal Creek offers access to a "hot recreation waterway," potentially providing opportunities for water-based activities or simply enhancing the natural beauty of the surroundings.
• Dedicated Training Venue: Camp Westmoreland is a primary training facility for the Boy Scouts, indicating a well-equipped environment designed to foster leadership development and skill acquisition for adult leaders.
• Orienteering Course: The availability of a dedicated orienteering course adds a valuable educational and recreational element, promoting outdoor navigation skills.
• "Perfect Place" for Campouts: Multiple glowing reviews describe it as the "perfect place" for troop campouts and recommend it highly for outings, underscoring its suitability for its primary purpose.

As a camp property of the Boy Scouts of America's Greater Alabama Council, Camp Westmoreland operates within a specific framework for its usage and fees, which are generally structured to support Scouting programs rather than offering public promotions in the traditional commercial sense. Fees for utilizing Camp Westmoreland are typically set by the Greater Alabama Council and are specific to registered Scouting units and their activities.

Information regarding specific rates for short-term camping, facility rentals (like the dining hall or pavilions), or leader training events would be managed directly by the Greater Alabama Council. While there might not be "discounts" in the retail sense, the value offered through its facilities and the purpose-driven environment for Scouting development is the core benefit.

It is important to note that many BSA councils offer incentives or specific pricing for units that participate in service projects at the camp, or for those who commit to multiple bookings. However, these are generally communicated directly to unit leaders. For the most accurate and current information on booking Camp Westmoreland, including any applicable fees or reservation procedures, interested Scout leaders or event organizers should contact the Greater Alabama Council directly.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Camp Westmoreland, BSA, and its facilities for Scouting activities and training, please use the following contact details:

Address: 596 Westmoreland Rd, Florence, AL 35634, USA

Phone: (662) 842-7669 (Note: This is the phone number provided in a previous prompt for Tombigbee State Park. For Camp Westmoreland, as a BSA camp, the contact would typically be through the Greater Alabama Council. The provided number (662) 842-7669 might be a general inquiry line for a state park, which is not directly associated with Camp Westmoreland, BSA. For accurate contact for Camp Westmoreland, BSA, please refer to the Greater Alabama Council website or their main contact number.)

Mobile Phone: +1 662-842-7669 (Same note as above regarding the phone number source.)

To ensure you reach the correct contact for Camp Westmoreland, BSA, it is highly recommended to visit the official website of the Greater Alabama Council (1bsa.org) or search their directory for direct contact information related to their camp properties, as the provided phone numbers might be generic or associated with a different entity.

For Scouting units and community groups across Alabama, Camp Westmoreland, BSA, in Florence stands as an exceptionally suitable and invaluable resource. It offers a unique combination of historical significance, purpose-built facilities, and a natural setting that perfectly aligns with the goals of youth development and outdoor education within the state.

Firstly, its deep roots in Alabama's Scouting history mean it's more than just a place to camp; it's a foundational site where generations of local Scouts have learned, grown, and forged lasting memories. This historical connection provides a sense of pride and continuity for local troops, reinforcing the values and traditions of Scouting within the community.

Secondly, the camp's tailored facilities directly cater to the needs of Scouting activities. From "awesome campgrounds" for weekend troop campouts to a "great pavilion" that offers essential shelter regardless of the weather (a frequent concern for Alabama's climate!), and a dedicated dining hall/conference facility, the infrastructure supports comprehensive programming. The presence of a shower and bathroom facility ensures comfort, while the orienteering course provides a practical, skill-building activity right on site. This means local leaders have a reliable, well-equipped venue that simplifies event planning and enhances the overall experience for their Scouts.

Finally, the convenient location near Florence offers the best of both worlds. It provides the immersive outdoor experience crucial for Scouting, while remaining easily accessible for local units, reducing travel time and logistical burdens. Proximity to urban amenities in Florence also ensures that any unforeseen needs can be met quickly, adding an extra layer of practicality for organizers. For Alabama's dedicated Scout leaders and enthusiastic young members, Camp Westmoreland is not just a camp; it's a living legacy, a reliable training ground, and a perfect setting for countless outdoor adventures, making it an indispensable asset to the local Scouting community.