The History of the Old Guard of Camp Glen Gray – Robert A. Brenneck, OG-’67 Printed 2012

The Old Guard of Camp Glen Gray is perhaps one of the oldest organizations in the Country that stands for the preservation of tradition and the rendering of services to an outdoor camp setting. Our roots lie back in the early 1900’s when in 1910 a band of eager, resourceful and visionary men scouted out the wilderness areas of Norther New Jersey eventually finding the encampments in the heart of the Ramapo Mountains, a forested chain of the Catskills. Ramapo takes on the meaning “sweet water” and “round lake” in the Lenni Lenape language. It should not come as a surprise that the first encampments in what was to become Camp Glen Gray were beside the “sweet waters” of a stream known as Panther Brook. Upstream, the future damming of the North Brook where it meets with the South Brook would form the beautiful seven acre Lake Vreeland. Arthur Miller, Walter Kidde and Frank Vreeland were all early explores and contributors to the building of the Kidde-Miller Dam and creation of Lake Vreeland. All personally chosen, and friends, of Frank Fellows gray and among the first to camp in the area now known as the “Glen”.

As months and years passed, the pristine mountains and sweet waters ebbed and flowed with the changing seasons the lake would fill and the stocked fish would breed. The scouts would share the Glen with local wildlife and leave the urban life of Montclair and other West Essex communities behind them.

During the early years of Camp Glen Gray, the Glen would connect with two World Wars. Back then, Camp was run in a semi-military fashion with a design towards preparing a boy for the rigors of becoming a soldier. The boys were taught the outdoor skills of tracking, stalking, signaling and of course the elements of cooking. The older boys were expected to be leaders sharing and teaching the younger lads the ways of the woods…always emphasizing self-confidence and outdoor proficiency. It was the concept and protocol that inspired the first of the nightly “Fire Watches”. The fire watch was posted by pairs  of Scouts, each taking a 2 hour watch. The remaining Scouts could sleep comfortably; knowing that those would handle any sort of accident or occurrence during the night assigned the shift. At the end of each 2-hour watch a ships bell would ring and the watch would change. During the 2 hour watch a tour of the camp would be made at the beginning, middle and end of the watch. During the course of the Watch, the boys would spend the time warming themselves by the fire and telling stories of adventure in low quite voices.  The solemnity and seriousness of the Watch was always maintained. At the conclusion of the camp season, an impressive ceremony known as the “Old Guard Calling would take place. New members called “Guardsmen” would be recognized at a fully attended camp council ring fire where their names would echo in the Wind from the surrounding mountains of the Glen. Each man called would receive and neckerchief referred to as a “Shaggy Dog” to be worn as recognition of the highest and most coveted honor in Camp.  This was the seal that committed each of them to the continuation of service and tradition at Camp Glen Gray. These callings continue today and have been taking place since those very first days of camping in the Glen.

The Old Guard Today

When we speak of service in Camp, we are referring to the thousands upon thousands of volunteer man-hours that have been cheerfully been carried out. It is in our tradition of unselfish service that we perform which renders the product of camping that Camp Glen Gray offers. Today the Camp is visited and used by men, women, boys and girls from all walks of life. An assortment of organized groups that make regular use of Camp Glen Gray and all are welcomed from the general public. Guardsmen today, both men and women, young and old continue to provide the volunteer service that enables the Camp to operate. Annual fund raising helps finance many operating expenses, but it is still the blood sweat and tears of the volunteers that keep the machine going. Towards the end of every year, usually in November, the “Winds” echo the names of new honored members to the Old Guard. The ceremonial “calling” is open and anyone may attend. It is an event that once witnessed will inspire and endear you in finding the “Spirit of the Glen” for yourself. Honored members are chosen from the ever-expanding ranks of the Old Guard’s General Membership; young and not so young adults who wish to help preserve the tradition of camping in the Glen. General members of the Guard volunteer work alongside the veteran campers and deliver the program and services that continue to keep the dreams of our predecessors alive.

Please see the Join Us page on this website for more information on how to become a member of the Old Guard.  We hope the history inspires you to take the next step to start or rejoin the efforts that make this great place special.