History & Philosophy

The Continuing History of Camp St. Charles

From the recollections of Fr. Melvin Tracy, SDS
Edited by Fr. Glen Willis, SDS
With APPENDED stories by real, live former campers!!

Camp St. Charles, sponsored by the Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians), a Roman Catholic order, is a children's camp located in Southern Maryland which has as its goal to provide a religious and educational environment in a way of life that is truly Christian. This occurs through activities that promote respect for God's creation as well as respect for and affirmation of the individuals involved in the camp experience. In short, it is our aim to assist the campers in their struggle towards adulthood.

The camp is fully accredited under new American Camp Association (formerly American Camping Association) standards, is licensed and certified by the state of Maryland and fulfills all necessary health and safety requirements.

Attendance at Camp St. Charles and participation in activities is without regard to race, color, creed, or national origin. To assure adequate supervision and guidance we maintain a staff-camper ratio of one to five.

It is impossible to write a comprehensive history of Camp St. Charles, since the people who have lived, worked and played there really formed the camp. What follows is a brief series of highlights, which attempt to show some of the development of Camp St. Charles, as we know it now.

In 1950, a peninsula of land, located in Rock Point, Maryland, was donated to the Society of the Divine Savior, known as the Salvatorians. For the next few years, seminarians, brothers and priests from Divine Savior Seminary in Lanham, Maryland spent many days and weeks clearing the land of the dense undergrowth and groves of locust trees, which covered the area. These pioneer Salvatorians lived in rather primitive circumstances. The shower facilities were four strategically placed boards nailed to four trees. Water was stored in oil drums, heated by the sun, and let down through a spray nozzle. Two outhouses, Villa Nova and Villa Romana, treated the users to a scenic waterfront view. Sleeping was done in tents.

Villa Romana outhouse, circa 1951

Shower facilities, circa 1951

The Mess Hall was the first permanent building erected at Camp and was used for sleeping and eating. The Chapel soon followed. A contractor built both buildings although the timbers were cut from local gum and oak trees and trimmed at the local sawmill just up the road. Large, heavy-duty oak picnic type tables were built, again from local lumber, for use in the mess hall and are still in service today.

Cabin Three under construction, December 1951

In August and September of 1951 lumbering was done for the first dock. The structure was to be 50 feet long and three feet wide and hopefully dry at high tide. Cutting 2x8, 2x10 oak decking and driving 20# nails into the oak without them bending was quite a challenge. More than one hurried prayer was sent to heaven as a thumb got between the nail and the hammer. Mr. Burt Hayden of Cobb Island built six wooden rowboats for the camp. Not all was hard work though; in 1951 you could throw a net into Charleston creek and pull in two bushels of jellyfish and one of crabs. There was nothing like a bushel of crabs steamed on an open fire under the stars after a hard days work.

The Cabin One crew, summer 1953

Father Richard Birdsall with campers, 1954

The first actual camping season was held in 1952. There were about 60 boys living in tents that year. Cabins 1, 2, and 3 were soon built, using lumber from trees cut to clear the main field. Cabins 4 and 5 followed, and what is now cabin 6 across from the pool was built as a staff lounge called The Dew Drop Inn; A large supply of dented juice cans donated to the camp made up most of the liquid refreshment.

Canteen break on the mess hall steps

Father Melvin Tracy

Father Leon Ross with wooden friend

Father Linus Kelly on the dock, 1961

As the property was improved, an additional piece of land was acquired overlooking the Wicomico River and adjacent to the camp. Salvatorians who taught at Mackin High School built a cottage to be used as a getaway spot. When Salvatorians no longer taught at Mackin, the Mackin House became part of Camp St. Charles. In 1981 the original cottage burned to the ground. A new house was built and is today known simply as The Cottage.

The dock on an early spring day, circa 1966

Camp has come a long way from the activities of the first season: softball, swimming, and row boating. Canoes were acquired in 1960, and a rifle range was built for a shooting sports program. Also during the early 60's, The Herk arrived at camp. The Herk was a 26-foot navy ship-to-shore launch, powered by a GM 671 diesel engine also obtained from Navy surplus. Loaded up with a few teams of kids, the Herk would make late night sweeps armed with spotlights and crab nets. The produce of these nighttime expeditions provided the fare for many a crab feast. One of the best trips on the Herk was across the Potomac River to Westmoreland State Park for swimming and a cookout. After an hour on the water, the Herk was nudged gently up on the beach and a marine landing took place. The park personnel were glad to see campers and staff pull away in the late afternoon.

In July of 1964 the swimming pool was completed. Fr. Leonard Gerke, SDS, blessed the pool and every person in camp was baptized by plunging in. Before the pool, swimming lessons were given in two places: off the dock in the Charleston Creek for the better swimmers and off the beach in the shallow water of the Wicomico River for beginners. Because the waters around camp are tidal, jellyfish would often prove a problem. Poles were driven into the silt and nets were hung each June to keep the jellyfish out. Unfortunately, it only took one extra high tide and then the nets kept them in. This problem earned the swim instructors the nickname The Jellyfish Crew. After twelve years of treating jellyfish stings, the pool was a welcome addition.

The Scout

Campers took nature hikes through the woods looking for turtles and rabbits and deer as well as lions and tigers and bears. A hike was not a success unless there was a stop by Spearman Lancaster's house to hear a story about the Voodoo Lady's house, an old abandoned house nearby or a story about the famous milk snake that would milk the cows when no one was looking. Finally, hikes were extremely popular because they always ended up at Hill's General Store at the end of the camp road. Earl and Viola Hill ran the little general store and were always happy to see the kids who loaded up on candy while the tired counselor got a free bottle of cold soda.

In 1969, the old school bus, which used to carry seminarians back and forth to the Catholic University, became the Nature Wagon. A few mice, turtles, snakes and birds inhabited it. Today, the tiny menagerie, under the guidance of Brother Roger Nelson, has evolved into one of the most popular activities at Camp. Birds, snakes, lizards, goats, rabbits, puppies, ferrets and gerbils make their home in the nature area. Cages and pens now hold a vast collection of critters. Horses became part of the camp family in 1974 and today the whole area is called The Corral and Petting Zoo.

Indians have played an important part in the development of Southern Maryland and the final campfires have always placed an emphasis on Indians. The treatment of Native American culture at Camp St. Charles has evolved from portraying savages to an honest attempt to demonstrate the richness of that culture. For many years, Fr. Richard Maloney made all of the costumes in his free time during the year and taught the campers Indian culture and dances during the summer sessions. In recent years the emphasis has been on arranging for visits by local tribes to educate the campers to this unique American culture. Many a closing campfire ended with a visit from the chief arriving by canoe from the Wicomico, surrounded by torches and fellow braves. At the end of the ceremonial dances an award was presented. Down through the years this award evolved from Best camper to JFK Camper Award to the current Seahawk Award. These awards were presented to the campers who showed themselves most willing to enter into the spirit of camp and assist the other campers.

Fr. Glen Willis holds the record for the longest tenure as Director. Beginning in 1979 he stayed at the helm for almost 15 years until 1993. During this time, the Endowment Fund for needy families began with a seed grant of $10,000. Today the fund has over $200,000.00. Improvements to the camp buildings were also made. The entire dock was replaced; a new staff lounge was built and the Chapel was carpeted and renovated. The largest project of this era was the construction of the sea wall on the river side of camp. This revetment prevents erosion and the loss of the Cottage and the surrounding shoreline. In 1993, Mr. Stephen Blaine, a former counselor, became the first lay Salvatorian to direct the Camp. Under his able leadership many improvements were also made, including new boats; a new infirmary; and a major renovation of the kitchen and mess hall and the addition of female campers!

The year 2002 was ground breaking in another way. In that year, Laura Hall became the first woman director. Laura is a seasoned camp counselor and administrator, was a teacher in Charles County and an enthusiastic environmentalist. Laura met her husband, John, while they were both counselors and even had their wedding at camp. John and Laura have been blessed with two children, Melanie is three and Owen is one. In 2006, Laura oversaw the replacement of the last platform tent with the new cabin 7. This was accomplished thanks to countless hours donated by the Ivan family. All campers are now housed in cabins. In 2007, the both camper bath houses were renovated, online registration for camp was launched to better meet the needs of modern families and a new reventment will be constructed to stop the shore erosion in front of the arts and crafts building.

Originally, only Salvatorian brothers, seminarians and priests worked at Camp St. Charles. However, for most of the Camp's history, young men from the Washington, DC area have also been hired. Most of these young men have been campers themselves. In 1974, the first three women were hired as counselors. Today, almost half of the staff are women. They have filled all of the positions at camp ranging from Director to instructors in swimming, boating, archery and riflery as well as arts and crafts. In 2001, Camp St. Charles welcomed the new century with our first session for girls. We accepted 38 girls in Session One. This session was such a success that in 2002 we opened all sessions to girls. Each year, the girls' attendance has grown. We currently have an even split of boys and girls each session.

Since those early beginnings in 1952, thousands of children have passed through our camp gate. In the words of one camper, now an architect on the West Coast, "It's great to hear that camp is still going strong. I hope you are doing well, also!!! I had such great times at Camp St. Charles. I still think of those times often. I will remember them for the rest of my life. Sometimes it feels like camp never really existed, that it was just some dreamland. Maybe that sounds odd. However, that's how fondly I think back on those times."

On mantles all over the country are reminders of those two weeks at camp: ceramic cups, birds, witches and skulls all made by the campers. Over the years, in the Arts and Crafts shop, under the watchful eye of Brother Marvin, campers have poured and painted tens of thousands of ceramics and tied millions of pieces of gimp. Likewise, in hidden cigar boxes full of memories, there are camp mementos like first place track and field ribbons or Red Cross swim cards, Pro Marksman patches and maybe even an oyster shell or two. Perhaps there are even a few I learned to swim at Camp St. Charles towels out there somewhere.

Fifty years is a long time and produces many, many memories. For all those who worked or attended camp there are special memories that are unique to each of them. To name a few: the great bed time stories in Cabin Three with Brother Kenan; the trips to the Black Lagoon for a mud battle with Fr. Scott; the famous 4th of July fireworks display set off by Bobby Klem and Fr. Gil when one of the sparklers fell into the row boat with all the fireworks, with Bob and Gil diving overboard while all the kids on the dock yelled, "Do it again." Sitting after dinner with Brother Gilbert and Fr. Glen under the Listening Tree, sharing stories and songs.; trying to take a goat for a walk; helping Brother Roger catch his monkey; learning the triple round from Brother Marvin, Singing "Fried Ham, fried ham, cheese and bologna" with Donna Sauer at campfire, being presented the Seahawk Award by Steve Blaine, Bayliner trips with Hannah Lord, watching the freak show starring Billy Madert on Carnival Day and many other very special memories.

Camp St. Charles has a long history and many things have changed over the years. We are proud that we are still fulfilling our two basic goals after all of these years; helping children to learn respect and care for God's greatest gift of creation and learning how to respect and care for one another. That is why Camp St. Charles was founded and why it still exists today.

As long as the crabs swim in the Bay; as long as Osprey return each spring to build nests; as long as children long for a fun place to learn and grow, Camp St. Charles will be there. You can be sure that at each and every Visiting Sunday Mass, just before the blessing of the animals, all of those who have been a part of this ongoing story, are remembered and blessed.

Brother Gilbert Beresford

The most important thing that we can be proud of is that we are still fulfilling our two basic goals after all these years: helping children to learn respect and care for God's great gift of creation; and secondly, learning how to respect and care for one another. That is why Camp St. Charles was founded and why it still exists today.

Wooden rowboat, 1953

Comments By Tom Klem, a camper in the very first year, 1952:

"I remember that transportation to the camp that first year was by school bus from St. Mary's Church in Landover Hills, MD. The trip took over two hours and the anxious first campers sat quietly (mostly) with Father Richard Birdsall, SDS in control of the drive. We knew, or at least thought, we were near Camp St Charles when we finally turned on to that dirt road leading to the camp. The excitement built as the site came into view: the mess hall, and the three cabins. Eventually we would learn of the latrine and use the porcelain bowls to brush our teeth and wash our hands… I remember the wash area was definitely outside."

My son as well as the sons of the early campers, who attended Camp St. Charles, has had to endure "When I was a camper here, we used to …………."

Tom Klem attended the very first year. In the following years his brothers, Bobby, Paul, Mike all would attend - a Klem dynasty.

Comments of Jim Bury, a camper in the early 1960s

This is the history that should be printed. I have told Fr Glen this story before I wish to share it with you.

I joined the Navy after high school and flew for 25+ years on and off of ships. From 1972 to 1997, I had my share of conflicts and wars. There were many lonely nights at sea with only the wind in my face and Jesus in my heart. It was very lonely at sea even though the ship held 5500 people. I would think of Camp St. Charles. It always brought a smile to my face. I traveled to camp, I walked the grounds a thousand times.... in my mind. The counselors' job was to build memories, and they did.

We became part of the staff's family also. I remember Fr.'s Glen and Scott ordination (others also) and first Mass. There was an event at the seminary during the winter for the campers. That only got us more excited for camp! We could even see the HERK on BLOCKS! ( the Herk was a 26' ship to shore Navy launch)

I remember the opening night of the Gulf War. I was tired and on the way back to the ship, scared and tired. I retreated for a few moments in my mind, to camp and a time when I was safe and happy. Where I was taught respect for people and God's creation, and learned who my God was!

I felt so strong about camp, that I had the privilege to help work on a committee to build a new Catholic Summer Camp in Oklahoma, for 250 campers. It was a labor of love for over 2 1/2 years. I was the driving force many times to keep it going. I never took no for an answer, and I only had one thing in mind. Building memories for children. To have them, and their children come to camp so that they might experience God and His creation, also fellowship with others.

Camp St. Charles is not a place, it is a state of mind we carry with us. Every child should learn of a place that resides in their hearts, where they are safe and free to be children. Camp St. Charles is that place.

Blessings on the Next 50 Years! -- JIM BURY

PS How about placing a time capsule for the next reunion in 2052?

Chief Petty Officer, Special Warfare Systems Operator, Jim Bury on a secret inspection mission in Cabin One.

Our 50th Anniversary celebration

On Saturday, June 22, 2002, Camp St. Charles celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The Anniversary Mass began at noon and was followed by an afternoon of food, friends, music and fun.

The anniversary Mass was celebrated on the steps of the Mess Hall.

(Left to right): Deacon Paul Blaine, Father Eliot Nitz, Father Glen Willis, Father Peter Schuessler.

One of the high points of the ceremony was the commissioning of the 2002 camp staff.

Music under the trees.

Time to chow down.

Everyone wants a picture painted on their arm ... or face.

The dock was popular all afternoon...

... as was the pool.

And some of us just sat around in the shade and shared our memories of camp.