Camp fry

For many Pennsylvanians, the term "campground" evokes images of public parks, family vacations, and open-to-all recreational spaces. However, it's important to clarify that "Camp Fry," located in Upper Frankford Township, PA, primarily serves a more specific purpose. Based on available public information, Camp Fry appears to be a facility operated by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), designed for the use of registered Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers, and qualified prospective members. This distinction is crucial for local users in Pennsylvania, as it means Camp Fry is not a public campground open to general reservations by individuals or families outside of the scouting organization.

Instead, Camp Fry functions as a dedicated outdoor program center where scouting units can engage in various activities, undergo training, and experience the camaraderie of a structured camping environment. It provides a unique setting for youth development, fostering skills, leadership, and a love for the outdoors within the framework of the BSA's principles. While its focus is on scouting, understanding its offerings can still be valuable for Pennsylvanians involved in or considering joining scouting, or for those simply curious about the types of outdoor facilities available in the region. It's a place where youth can develop lifelong skills and create lasting memories under guided supervision.

Camp Fry is situated in Upper Frankford Township, PA 17241, USA. Upper Frankford Township is a rural area located in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, characterized by its picturesque landscapes, agricultural lands, and a quiet, community-oriented atmosphere. This region is part of the broader Cumberland Valley, known for its rich history and natural beauty, nestled between the Appalachian Mountains.

For residents across Pennsylvania, accessing Upper Frankford Township is relatively straightforward. It is typically reached via major state routes and local roads. From the state capital of Harrisburg, it's a manageable drive, often involving Route 11 or other local highways that lead into Cumberland County. For those coming from other major population centers like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, the journey would involve taking the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) or other interstate highways (like I-81 or I-78), then transitioning to regional routes. The rural nature of Upper Frankford Township means that while the exact address may not be directly on a major thoroughfare, the final approach will be on well-maintained local roads.

Within the camp itself, vehicles are generally allowed to the campsite for loading and unloading purposes (weather permitting) but must then be returned to the designated parking lot. Only vehicles with state-issued handicap tags are typically allowed sustained campsite access beyond loading and unloading. This policy helps maintain the camp's natural environment and ensures safety for all participants. The secluded yet accessible location in the heart of Pennsylvania's scenic countryside makes Camp Fry an ideal setting for scouting activities, offering a sense of remoteness while remaining within reach for local units across the state.

Camp Fry, as a dedicated Boy Scouts of America facility, offers a range of services tailored specifically to support scouting activities and programs, rather than typical public campground amenities. These services are designed to facilitate a structured and educational outdoor experience for youth members and their leaders.

• Designated Campsites: The facility provides specific camping areas for Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews. These sites are equipped for group camping, fostering unit cohesion and outdoor living skills.

• Basic Restroom Facilities: The Fry Pavilion, serving as a welcome area, includes male and female restrooms. While likely not full bathhouses with showers, these provide essential facilities for hygiene.

• Program Facilities (Reservation Required): Camp Fry offers various program-specific facilities that require advance reservation and often a fee:

  • Rifle Range: Requires an NRA Certified Instructor and Range Safety Officer. Ammunition must be purchased prior to arrival.

  • Shotgun Range: Similar to the rifle range, requiring certified instructors and pre-purchased ammunition/clay targets.

  • Archery Range: Requires a qualified adult Range Officer.

  • Swimming Pool: Can be reserved for unit use, requiring BSA Safe Swim Defense Protocol and Camp Ranger approval. There is a per-person fee for pool usage.

  • Canoes: Available for reservation online, requiring adherence to BSA Safety Afloat Plan and that all occupants are classified as swimmers and wear PFDs.

• Fry Pavilion: This covered area serves as a welcome point, offering picnic tables with seating for approximately 25 people and a vending drink machine. It can be reserved at no charge.

• Camping Activity Roster Management: Units are required to submit an updated Camping Activity Roster upon check-in, facilitating efficient management and safety oversight.

• Youth Protection Training (YPT) Compliance: The camp strictly enforces BSA's Youth Protection Training certification for all registered adult volunteers, ensuring a safe environment for youth.

• Two-Deep Leadership Requirement: All units must maintain two adult leaders in camp at all times, with specific age and gender requirements for female troops and co-ed crews.

• Water Transport: During winterization, units are expected to transport water from a central location using their own containers.

These services highlight Camp Fry's role as a specialized educational and recreational facility for scouting groups, distinct from a general public campground.

Camp Fry's unique features and highlights are tailored to provide a robust and enriching outdoor experience primarily for Boy Scouts of America participants in Pennsylvania. These elements contribute to the camp's effectiveness as a training ground for youth development and outdoor skills.

• Dedicated Scouting Environment: This is a key highlight. Camp Fry provides a controlled and supportive environment specifically designed for scouting programs, allowing units to focus on merit badge work, rank advancement, and leadership development without the distractions of a general public campground.

• Specialized Program Ranges: The availability of well-maintained rifle, shotgun, and archery ranges offers exceptional opportunities for scouts to learn and practice marksmanship and outdoor sports under certified supervision. These facilities are a significant draw for scouting units.

• Swimming Pool Access: The camp's swimming pool provides a valuable recreational and instructional feature, essential for earning swimming-related merit badges and for general aquatic enjoyment during warmer months.

• Canoeing Opportunities: Access to canoes allows for water safety instruction and recreational paddling, crucial for developing comfort and skills on the water, aligning with BSA's "Safety Afloat" guidelines.

• Human Foosball and Gaga Pits: These unique and engaging recreational areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis, providing fun and interactive games that promote teamwork and physical activity.

• Structured Safety Protocols: The emphasis on "Two-Deep Leadership," Youth Protection Training, and specific safety plans for activities (like Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat) are paramount features that ensure a secure environment for all participants.

• Flexible Camping Options: While specialized, the camp offers overnight camping for registered youth and qualified prospective members, with specific provisions for Cub Scouts (daytime use, except for Family Camping) and older scouting groups.

• Rural Pennsylvania Setting: Located in Upper Frankford Township, the camp benefits from the serene and natural beauty of the Cumberland Valley, providing an authentic outdoor backdrop for wilderness skills and nature appreciation.

• Fry Pavilion as a Central Hub: The covered pavilion serves as a convenient gathering spot for meetings, meals, or shelter, enhancing the overall functionality of the camp.

These features underscore Camp Fry's role as a vital resource for the BSA in Pennsylvania, supporting its mission through specialized facilities and a commitment to safety and youth development.

As a facility primarily serving the Boy Scouts of America, Camp Fry does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense that a public campground or resort would. Its financial model is based on program fees and reservations for scouting units, rather than attracting individual consumers with discounts.

However, the "value" or "special offers" inherent in Camp Fry's operation for Pennsylvania's scouting community include:

• Specialized Program Access: The existence of dedicated ranges for rifle, shotgun, and archery, along with a swimming pool and canoes, represents a unique offering. Many public campgrounds do not provide such specialized, supervised facilities, making this access a significant value for scouting units seeking to fulfill specific merit badge requirements or engage in these activities safely.

• Structured Environment for Youth Development: The camp itself is a "special offer" in that it provides a safe, controlled, and program-rich environment specifically designed for youth. This structured setting supports the BSA's objectives of character building, leadership training, and outdoor skill development.

• Affordable Group Rates: While specific pricing for units is not publicly advertised, facilities like Camp Fry typically offer cost-effective rates for large group bookings compared to individual recreational rentals. This allows scouting organizations to provide accessible outdoor experiences to a wide range of youth. For example, the rifle range ammunition might be $13.50 per pound, and pool usage $5.00 per person, representing clear, pre-published costs for activities.

• Free Pavilion Reservation: The Fry Pavilion, a covered area with seating and restrooms, is available for reservation at no charge. This is a practical "offer" for units needing a central gathering point or shelter.

• Seasonal Accessibility: The camp's operations and facilities are available during specific seasons, providing consistent access for year-round planning of scouting activities, from warmer weather aquatic programs to cooler weather camping.

Scouting leaders and units interested in utilizing Camp Fry should consult their specific BSA council's website or contact the camp directly for detailed information on reservation procedures, current fees, and any available program bundles that might offer comprehensive value for their planned activities. These details are typically provided directly to registered scouting groups rather than as broad public promotions.

As a facility primarily for the Boy Scouts of America, specific public contact details for Camp Fry might be managed through its overseeing BSA council rather than as a stand-alone public business with general inquiries. However, based on the provided information and common practices for such facilities:

• Address: Upper Frankford Township, PA 17241, USA. (Note: Specific physical location within the township would be provided upon reservation or inquiry to scouting leaders).

Direct phone numbers or a general public email for Camp Fry are not readily available through common public searches, as access and reservations are typically handled through the relevant local Boy Scouts of America council. For Pennsylvania residents involved in scouting or leaders looking to book the facility, the recommended approach to obtain contact information and make reservations would be to:

• Contact the Local BSA Council: The most reliable way to get information and make reservations for Camp Fry is to contact the local Boy Scouts of America council that operates or oversees the camp. This would typically be the New Birth of Liberty Council, which serves the central Pennsylvania region, including Cumberland County. Their website would provide contact numbers for camping and program reservations.

• Council Website: Visit the official website of the New Birth of Liberty Council, BSA (or the relevant council if outside their direct service area but looking to use the facility). Look for sections on "Camping," "Properties," or "Reservation" for Camp Fry.

Scouting leaders are usually provided with detailed reservation portals and contact numbers for camp rangers or reservation managers once they are part of the system. For general inquiries about BSA programs or how to get involved to access such facilities, contacting the local council is the appropriate first step.

For Pennsylvania locals, particularly those involved with or considering joining the Boy Scouts of America, Camp Fry in Upper Frankford Township is an exceptionally suitable and valuable resource. While not a public campground for general family vacations, its dedicated focus on youth development and outdoor education within the scouting framework makes it a prime destination for a specific and important segment of the local population.

Firstly, its strategic location in rural Cumberland County offers a relatively accessible yet wonderfully natural setting. This means that scouting units from across Pennsylvania can reach the camp without excessive travel, allowing more time to be spent on program activities rather than on the road. The peaceful environment of Upper Frankford Township provides an ideal backdrop for teaching wilderness skills, fostering appreciation for nature, and building camaraderie away from urban distractions.

Secondly, the specialized facilities at Camp Fry, including rifle, shotgun, and archery ranges, a swimming pool, and canoeing opportunities, offer unique advantages for scouting programs. These are not common amenities at every outdoor facility, providing invaluable hands-on learning experiences that contribute to merit badge achievement and personal growth. The strict adherence to BSA safety protocols, like Youth Protection Training and Two-Deep Leadership, provides peace of mind for parents and leaders, ensuring a secure and responsible environment for youth.

Finally, Camp Fry serves as a vital component of the broader scouting mission in Pennsylvania. It's a place where young people can develop critical life skills, leadership qualities, and a strong sense of community. For Pennsylvanians who believe in the values of scouting, Camp Fry is not just a location; it's an institution that supports the positive development of the state's youth. It provides a structured, safe, and engaging outdoor experience that nurtures responsible citizens and future leaders, making it an indispensable resource for local scouting families and organizations.

Camp fry

Upper Frankford Township, PA 17241, USA