The first boy scout troop in Herkimer County was founded in 1910. The first Scoutmaster of Troop 1 was Mr. Roger Burgess.

See:Camp Russell Staff Alumni Association

Camp Russell officially opened for its first season on July 1, 1918. The camp was made available to Boy Scouts from Ilion, Utica, and Rome, NY. Camp season ran through August 26.

Two hundred and fifty scouts took part in the first summer camp. Games included baseball, vollyball, and horseshoes.

Through 1927, Boy Scouts helped Samuel Russell plant white and red pine trees at the camp.

From the Woodgate Free Library a copy of the original brochure for Camp Russell.

“ with Dr. R. B. Redway as president, George Wallace of Herkimer as treasurer, and Robert York as executive.”^* Mr. and Mrs. Samuel T. Russell donated 15 acres on White Lake which would later be named Camp Russell.^*

Sources
* Herkimer County Historical Society;Herkimer County at 200;1992: p.98

First permanent Herkimer County council formed 1927

“on North Main Street in Herkimer, a legacy from Mae Harter... They also continued to expand Camp Russell at White Lake. ”^*

Sources
* Herkimer County Historical Society;Herkimer County at 200;1992: p.98

• Scouts participated in special building projects celebrating Herkimer County's role in the American Revolution.

• Commemorating the Battle of Oriskany,
  the General Council sponsored a postage stamp.

See:Camp Russell Staff Alumni Association's site.

Click here to see videos of Camp Russell's 75th anniversary.