Preserve the property
Buildings, waterfront, trails and program areas — we fund the work and swing the hammers.
J. Edward Mack Scout Reservation · Newmanstown, PA
Preserving the place
that shaped us.
We're volunteers, former staff and families who refuse to let Camp Mack fall quiet. We fund the projects, and then we show up and build them.
6+
Years of the Friends
22
Projects on the books
69
Volunteers recorded
1,300+
Hours given
Why we exist
A camp is only as strong as the people who look after it.
For over five decades the J. Edward Mack Scout Reservation has been where Scouts learn to build a fire, swim a lake and lead a patrol. Friends of Camp Mack was formed in 2020 to make sure it stays that way.
Promote the programs
A camp nobody knows about is a camp nobody uses. We tell people what happens here.
Build the network
Current and former staff, campers, families and neighbors — anyone who cares about this place.
Friends of Camp Mack, Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The reservation itself is owned and operated by the Pennsylvania Dutch Council; we exist to support it.
Recent work
What your support built
Every project is documented — what it cost, who showed up, and how it turned out.
2026In progress
Chippewa Campsite Refurbishment
The first of five campsites rebuilt from bare ground — all new tent platforms, stone work, and a 20-by-28-foot pavilion, finished in time for summer camp.
- campsites
- five-year plan
- buildings
See the project
2025Completed
FOCM Fridays — 1,300 Hours
A service day on the first Friday of every month, all year. Attendance ranged from two people to twenty-five, and together they logged over 1,300 hours.
- service day
- FOCM Fridays
See the project
2025Completed
Running the 30th Bowhunters Festival
Friends of Camp Mack took the lead as support organization for the PA Spring 3D Bowhunters Festival — event prep, a full weekend of food service, and camping operations.
- events
- fundraiser
- Archers for Scouts
See the project
FOCM Fridays
Selected Fridays, 8 AM to 3 PM, all year round.
Volunteers meet at camp on selected Fridays each month to work through the list — trail repairs, painting, brush clearing, whatever the ranger needs most that week.
No experience needed and no minimum commitment. Come for one Friday or come for all of them. Lunch is usually involved.
Mark your calendar
Coming up at camp
Service days, fundraisers and the events that keep this place running.
October 11, 2026
Motorcycle Ride for Camps
The annual ride benefiting Camp Mack and Camp Bashore. Help is needed spreading the word to local clubs and riders, and rounding up raffle baskets and door prizes.
November 7, 2026
Fall Service Day
Demolition work to prepare the next campsite for refurbishment in 2027, plus smaller projects around camp. Lunch provided.
Camp Mack gave you something. Give a little of it back.
Become a member, sign up for a work day, or make a gift toward the next project. All three help, and none of them take long.