High Rock Girl Scout Camp

- Staten Island, NY 10306

Nestled within the serene and expansive Staten Island Greenbelt, the historic High Rock Girl Scout Camp represents a vital piece of New York City’s natural heritage and a cherished local destination for outdoor education and recreation. While the property's history is closely tied to the Girl Scouts of Greater New York and its mission of providing enriching outdoor experiences for youth, the surrounding area is now largely protected as the celebrated High Rock Park. This significant dedication to preservation ensures that the tranquil ponds, deep woods, and scenic trails remain accessible for generations of New Yorkers seeking an escape from the urban pace.

The site’s legacy as a place for camping and natural discovery is profound. Once a fully operational camp, its land was fiercely protected by local conservationists in the 1960s, ultimately leading to its establishment as a public park and a cornerstone of the Greenbelt. This history highlights its crucial role in establishing and preserving the largest remaining natural area in New York City. The former camp's spirit lives on in the nature-focused activities and the sense of peace that visitors experience here, reinforcing its status as a Natural Environmental Education Landmark.

The historical location of the High Rock Girl Scout Camp is central to its identity, situated within the heart of Staten Island's 2,800-acre Greenbelt. The Greenbelt Conservancy Headquarters is now found within High Rock Park, and its primary address helps ground this natural sanctuary in the community: Staten Island, NY 10306, USA.

For local New York residents, its accessibility is a major draw. Located just a short drive or bus ride from various Staten Island neighborhoods, it offers true close-to-home convenience. The surrounding High Rock Park, a designated “Forever Wild” area, features a parking lot on Nevada Avenue to accommodate visitors. This location is not only geographically central on the island but also emotionally accessible, offering a profound natural retreat without the need for a long, interstate journey. It is a genuine urban oasis, easily reached by Staten Islanders and those from the other boroughs looking for a quick nature fix. The area is part of a complex of protected lands, including Blood Root Valley and nearby LaTourette Park, further solidifying its place as a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the NYC region.

While the original Girl Scout Camp programming evolved and parts of the land were dedicated to the public High Rock Park, the spirit of outdoor education and community service remains vibrant in the surrounding area. Based on the historical use and the current park offerings, the services and facilities available focus heavily on conservation, education, and passive recreation:

• Environmental Education Programs: The Greenbelt Conservancy, headquartered in the former camp's area, offers a variety of educational and enrichment programs for all ages, from pre-school to college level, focusing on the natural world.
• Access to Extensive Hiking Trails: Visitors can explore six well-marked walking trails, including the trail named for conservationist Gretta Moulton, which winds through forests, seasonal wetlands, and crosses a small creek.
• Natural Area Preservation: The area operates as a protected Nature Area with five ponds, various wetlands, and a focus on conserving local flora and fauna.
• Visitor Facilities: The public High Rock Park provides accessible amenities such as public restrooms and picnic tables for day-use visitors.
• Observation Points: The property offers access to scenic viewpoints, including the climb up Mt. Moses, which provides one of New York City’s most spectacular 360-degree panoramic views.

The features of this former camp location and the current parkland highlight its unique natural and historical value to the New York community:

• National Environmental Education Landmark: High Rock Park was recognized by the United States Department of the Interior in 1971, underscoring its importance as a setting for teaching about the natural world.
• The Heart of the Greenbelt: It is considered a cornerstone of the Staten Island Greenbelt, the largest area of preserved parkland in New York City.
• Diverse Ecosystems: The park contains five distinct ponds and various wetlands, including Walker Pond and Loosestrife Swamp, supporting a rich diversity of wildlife like wood ducks, great blue herons, and muskrats.
• Historic and Scenic Trails: Visitors can explore forests of red maples and rare groves of persimmon, following trails that are part of the complex’s long history as a haven for scouting and conservation.
• Greta Moulton Gate: A commemorative gate, designed by landscape architect Bradford Greene, welcomes visitors and honors the conservationist who fought to save the land from development.

For information regarding the preserved parkland and the Greenbelt’s activities in the High Rock area, the following public information is relevant:

Address: Staten Island, NY 10306, USA (General area of the former camp, now High Rock Park)

For specific inquiries related to programs and facilities in the area, New Yorkers typically refer to the Greenbelt Conservancy, whose headquarters are within High Rock Park.

For New Yorkers, especially those residing in the five boroughs, the legacy of High Rock Girl Scout Camp, preserved today as a key part of High Rock Park, is invaluable. It is a genuine, local sanctuary that eliminates the need for a costly and time-consuming trip upstate or out of state to find true wilderness. The park offers an immediate and profound connection to nature—a true “walk in the woods” feeling—just a few minutes from city life.

Local families and individuals can visit to access well-maintained hiking trails, engage in environmental education, and find a tranquil spot for reflection. Its history as a place that inspired generations of Girl Scouts highlights its suitability as a safe, enriching environment for youth development and outdoor learning. Whether it's to climb Mt. Moses for a breathtaking city view, observe wildlife in a wetland, or simply enjoy a quiet walk, this protected natural area reinforces the notion that world-class nature is available right here in New York City, making it a perfect, sustainable, and essential retreat for every local. The site’s preservation is a testament to the community’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality green space for its residents.

High Rock Girl Scout Camp

Staten Island, NY 10306, USA