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Real Camp Pioneer StoriesThis page is designed to let people who have been to Camp Pioneer share their experiences and illustrate why Camp Pioneer is the absolute best camp in existence. Feel free to share about the entire Camp Pioneer experience, the program, facilities, staff, or anything else you would like to say. You may also include photos of your time at camp to be included with what you have to share. Be sure to to include your name, unit, the dates you were at camp, and why you think Camp Pioneer is tops! To add your story about Camp Pioneer type your story in the form at the bottom of the page and hit 'submit', or send e-mails with attachments to:
See what Staff members of Camp Pioneer have to say about working at camp. What other Scouts and Leaders have had to say about Camp Pioneer: I attended Camp Pioneer in 1984 as a fifteen year old scout with Troop 55 From De Queen, AR. It was possibly the best summer of my life... until I returned in 2010 as a leader. The circle made a round as I watched my two oldest sons and a nephew have what may have been the best summer of their lives. One week at Pioneer influenced the rest of my life then and now. The staff are great and the fun even greater. Very little has changed in thirty years and I hope it stays the same for as long as scouting exists. Like Flint Stone, I also had Curtis Cox for a leader. I learned a wealth of knowledge from him as well as from Flint's dad Paul and his grandfather, Paul who lived next door to me for most of my childhood. I hope to pass on not only that knowledge, but also the joy of life at Camp Pioneer. - Darren Higgins, Current Scoutmaster, Troop 54, De Queen, AR, Cossatot District of the Caddo Area Council
Well, I've only actually only camped at Camp Pioneer once. It was last summer, the summer of 2009, I was 13. It is currently January the 9th, 2010 and I just attended a Camp Pioneer job interview. I would be working as a CIT and I can't wait! Camp Pioneer was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had in my life. That week at Camp Pioneer was the most exciting week of my life! I loved the fellowship between the scouts and the staff and people there. The food, the facilities, the campfires, the O.A tap out fire. I love it and can't wait to go back. Really, if you have never been and you read this, PLEASE GO!!! It is the best camping/scouting experience you can have. - Michael Robertson, Troop 19 "Thunderbolt", Texarkana, Arkansas - Caddo Area Council
As a native of Texarkana, TX, and member of troop 102 from 1985-91, I had many summers of fun at Camp Pioneer, first as a camper, then as a staff worker for the last 3 summers of my Boy Scout tenure, ending in '91. Our troop always seemed to stay at the same campsite, Tiger Ridge. And we always seemed to attend during the last week of camp, mostly due to the OA "ordeal" that was usually scheduled at the end of the last week of camp. I fondly remember the flag ceremonies, stunt night, camp fires, swimming, canoeing, the Trading Post, and the fun of being away from home with my friends for more than a weekend. I remember the joy I felt in instructing kids in canoeing and row boating during my last year as a staffer. It was a great time of my life, each summer, through my developing years. Life moves on. I now live in Colorado, and I now I have a young son of my own, who is not quite old enough for Cub Scouts yet. But scouting provided so many fond memories from my childhood and into adolescence, as well as skills and values to live by, I understandably find myself wanting to provide that for my son as well by providing the opportunity to experience the things I did, in the places I did. Though it is a long drive from Colorado, I will likely return to Camp Pioneer in future years. Looking through the website, I got a little choked up over the fond memories, and camp experiences I had forgotten about over the years. All those memories came flooding back to me, as well as excitement over the many improvements and additions to the program that have occurred since I was there. Thanks for providing such a fun, memorable experience. And thanks for still being there, so that my son can experience the same. - John Carrigan, Troop 102 Texarkana, Texas, and Camp Pioneer Staff '89-'91
Thank you Tom Berry for encouraging Curtis Cox to be the Scoutmaster for Troop 55 in 1973. Curtis Cox gave his all in making sure every year at Camp Pioneer was a great one. We stayed at Tejas, White Oak, Whipporwill Hill, and Tall Pines. We took swimming class in the Mountain Fork at the dam. We cooked in the cooking yard beside Two Mile Creek. The first year Troop 55 went, all the classes we could take were skill awards. I was a scout at camp until 1977. In 1978 I became a member of the Pioneer staff until 1981. I would have to say that Camp Pioneer and the Boy Scout program of Caddo Area Council were the best things that happened to me in my formative years. To be apart of the evolution of Camp Pioneer was fantastic. To see the swimming pool built. The chow hall built. To return thirty years later with my son as a scout, and see Pioneer is still progressing was fantastic. - Flint Stone, Eagle Scout, Troop 55, DeQueen, Arkansas
Camp Pioneer is the best camp that my troop has been to. The camp offers great food and a great staff to help you with any questions you may have. - Senior Patrol Leader Zackery Jones OA Brotherhood member from Hughes Springs, Texas
Walter A. Balch, scoutmaster of Troop 61, Nashville, AR from 1943 until 1959 was my father and an excellent leader. He attended camp at Camp Pioneer many years and I was there from 1948 until 1951. My brother, Bob Balch also went to Camp Pioneer from 1946 until 1949. We both earned our Eagle Scout awards, earning many of the merit badges at Camp Pioneer. Our dad was inducted into the Order of the Arrow in about 1949 and went to the Jamboree at Valley Forge in 1950. He received the Silver Beaver award in 1956. For many years after retiring as scoutmaster dad continued to serve on the Caddo Area Council Board and made many trips to Camp Pioneer over the years. In 1992 an award was established in his honor to recognize outstanding scouting units and the first unit to receive it was a cub scout pack in Mena. The plaque hangs in the Catholic church parish hall in Mena, AR. Swimming, crafts, woodworking, hiking, singing, killing bugs eating at the big house, working with Pops and meeting some wonderful young men were the highlights of my time at Camp Pioneer. - Ralph E. Balch, Morrilton, AR; Troop 61 from 1946 to 1952, Nashville, Arkansas, Caddo Area Council.
Since I was first in my local troop, we have gone to Camp Pioneer. I have met many friends there and learned many things, even as a assistant scoutmaster I have enjoyed the camp and the surrounding areas. The rich Mountain hike I went on in 87 was great. As a leader in the troop the camp worked with me in allowing me to use my truck in camp since I have high blood pressure so I wouldn't have any health problems. I miss those days and some day when my work doesn't interfere I will take my family to Camp Pioneer to see where I spent my best summers at, except for the year I went to Canada. - Former Scoutmaster, Troop 50, Foreman, Arkansas.
Advice to Camp Directors who want to run a successful summer camp:
"I have attended several camps in my life time from church camps to Scout Camps to leadership camps and I have never before seen such dedication and enthusiasm from the folks at Camp Pioneer. In fact, the camp was so awesome I joined the staff and worked there for 4 years. IT was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I met most of my best friends there and I have remained involved since leaving the staff as much as possible. It is a camp that does not just teach about Scouting, but about life. The setting is perfect for retreat to reflect on ones life and the spirit that fills you while there will last you a life time. If you have the opportunity to attend, I recommend it and while you are there sit back and enjoy they way a Scouter's life is supposed to be." - David Huckabee, Eagle Scout, Committee Member Troop 3, Former Camp Pioneer Staff
"Four distinctive characteristics are why we continue to come back to Camp Pioneer. Those are: the high quality of the Camp Staff; the best camp food I have experienced; the remarkable Order of the Arrow Call-Out Ceremony was inspiring and one my Scouts won't soon forget; and the peaceful mountain setting with the tall pines, cool nights and mild days." - Jim Dunkin, ASM, Troop 707, Dallas, Texas - Circle 10 Council
"Being in a wheelchair, it is sometimes hard for me to get around. Camp Pioneer has always gone out of their way to make sure my needs are met, even if it is an inconvenience for them, but they would never say anything about that. They built portable ramps for my campsite to help me get into my tent. They provided and maintained a golf cart for me to get around the campgrounds. They allow me to go to the front of the line for meals. They adapted the classes to meet my needs. I have had to miss some classes due to rain and a staff member came to my campsite to give me the information I missed. The staff has always been very helpful and did what they said they would do. If the golf cart was out of commission they allowed me to be transported in a van, they even offered to do it themselves. Camp Pioneer is continually making improvements to make the great outdoors more handicapped friendly. I have attended Camp Pioneer for the past ten years, not just for the reasons listed above, but because it is a very beautiful place. The staff works very hard at keeping the camp clean." - Nathan Martin, Scout/ASM
"My troop attends Camp Pioneer every other year. Several of my fellow Scouts and I liked it so much we come back every year to work on the Camp Staff." - Paul Rettig, Scout, Troop 203, Bossier City, LA - Norwela Area Council
"Our week of summer camp in July 2003 was fantastic. The scouts who attended are still excited about their experience. Hope the 'Muffin Man' is still dancing at Pioneer for years to come." - Dave Matthewson, Scout Master, Troop 83, Rockwall, Texas - Circle 10 Council
"Camp Pioneer was the best camp I've ever been to. Over the years I have been to a lot of camps. At pioneer the staff was great, the food wasn't great but it's summer camp what do you expect? Our Troop has gone to Pioneer three out of the past four years, and were going back this year. The merit badges are great they have a lot of choices. So come to Camp Pioneer you'll have a blast." - Brandon, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop 33, Benton, Arkansas - Ouachita Area Council.
"I spent a week this past summer at Camp Pioneer. I can honestly say that out of all the camps I have been to, this has been the best. My summer camp experience includes, 2 years at El Rancho Cima, 1 Year at Camp Pirtle, 1 year at Buffalo Trails and then 1 year at Pioneer. Not only did I stay for that week, I chose to stay on for 2 more as staff. This was easily the most rewarding experience of my life. I loved it, as a camper the staff was wonderful, they knew what they were teaching and it was the best staff I have ever had. I am hoping to come back this year as staff and I don’t think I could ever go to another camp." - Matthew Sawyer, Life Scout and OA Brotherhood Member, Troop 740-Houston, Texas - Sam Houston Area Council.
"Hello, Pioneer has been good to me the past three years I have gone. The staff really seem to know what they are doing, and what they teach to the kids. They have helped me earn many awards in the days I have been. The pool staff is really nice in that they put up with me for a whole week teaching me the B.S.A. Lifeguard. The woods are so clean you could eat off it. There is not a piece of litter in sight any where you go. I would like it to stay like that because of all the small hikes my friends and I go on. Speaking of hikes, the blue trail is my favorite hike because it takes you up to slate rock and arrowhead point where you can find arrowheads by the river, and if you have a group to take a hike down there and your scoutmaster is with you, be my guest and take a dip into the river. So as you can see, Camp Pioneer is the camp I make sure I went to if I hadn't already gone. Plus, there is no age limit to go, so don't be afraid, all you old guys to come out here and show some of us younger kids how to shoot a bow, rifle, or shotgun." - Life Scout Trey Mackey, Senior Patrol Leader, Troop 11-Texarkana, Arkansas - Caddo Area Council
"I enjoy going to Camp Pioneer every year I have been going for almost 7 years now I enjoy the outdoor woods, the staff, and all the friends I make every time I go." - Kevin Ramsey, Eagle Scout, Troop 140-Lancaster, Texas - Circle 10 Council.
"It was the best camp I have ever been to. Every time I went in the dining hall I would hear the staff singing. The trading post was awesome!" - Cameron Godsey, Troop122-Rogers Arkansas, Razorback District
"The staff at Pioneer are second to none. Especially the tower staff, they know exactly what they are doing and are professionals in their work. The food as is the staff is second to none. The kitchen is clean and orderly. The Rich Mountain Hike offers an awesome view of the area and the people who operate the hike know exactly what they are doing and they know the trail and the surrounding area very well. My troop loved the camp and I hope that yours does too." - Michael Ryan, Troop 1730-Houston, Texas - Sam Houston Area Council
"Greetings. My name is Ted Kamel, and I was Scoutmaster for a great Troop
out of Tyler, Texas for two year's worth of summer camping at Camp Pioneer. Camp Pioneer was
by far the best camping experience we have had to date. Troop 333 reaped great benefits from
Camp Pioneer. First, I was able to convince my older scouts to attend "just another year of
summer camp" because of the unique programs offered at Camp Pioneer for older scouts. We took
over 50 scouts both years. Camp Pioneer helped set the tone for our Troop's other
programming which helped me recruit and retain scouts. During this time frame, we grew from
35 scouts to 79 scouts! A strong, fun summer camp program is critical to building a strong Troop.
"Four distinctive characteristics are why we continue to come back to Camp Pioneer. Those are: the high quality of the Camp Staff: the best camp food I have experienced; the remarkable Order of the Arrow Call-Out Ceremony was inspiring and one of my Scouts won’t soon forget: and the peaceful mountain setting with the tall pines, cool nights and mild days." - Jim Dunkin, Assistant Scout Master, Troop 636-Dallas, Texas – Circle Ten Council
“What makes Camp Pioneer great is not only the big things that occur during the week, but it’s the little things like the slight chill in the air in the mornings or the bell for lunch or helping a younger Scout find out what it really means to be “First Class”. Camp Pioneer will always remain in my heart as one of the greatest experiences I have ever had through Scouts.” - Soren Hall, Senior Patrol Leader
“The Mountain Biking was a lot of fun and challenging. The class instructors are knowledgeable about the subject they are teaching.” - Ben Whiley, Scout, Troop 160-Broken Arrow, Oklahoma - Indian Nations Council
“Our troop has to travel a great distance to get to Camp Pioneer. The program and everything we have heard led us to make the trip. We were not disappointed. Our Scouts actually voted to return two years straight which is very unusual for us.” - Charles McLaren, Scout Master, Troop 1282-Missouri City, Texas - Sam Houston Area Council
“The leaders of our troop encourage the Scouts to study their experience each summer and choose the Scout Camp that they want to attend each year. Our Scouts just voted to return to Camp Pioneer for the third straight year. Troop 1 has never gone to the same summer camp more than one year at a time. I think that says a lot about the quality of the Program at Camp Pioneer.” - Jim Scott, Scout Master, Troop 1-Duncanville, Texas - Circle Ten Council
“Camp Pioneer is a fun camp for the boys. The get to experience camping at its best in the woods of Arkansas. They have a variety of merit badges to choose from. The camp updates some things ever year and just keeps getting better.” - Marion Emerson, Scout Master, Troop 54-DeQueen, Arkansas - Caddo Area Council
“I have two Scouts in wheelchairs that attend camp every year. The staff goes out of their way to make sure that these boys are well taken care of. It was the assistance and courtesy of the staff towards one of these boys ten years ago that has helped keep us and made it possible for him to come back every year. All of my Scouts look forward to returning to Camp Pioneer each summer.” - Allen Martin, Scout Master
”I attended the camp back in 1984 with our troop. I mostly remember the many activities and the ability to participate in these activities. Even though I spent many of my days at the Rifle Range, I did get to go swimming and work on other merit badges. Seems the camp is doing really well, keep up the good work.” - Chip McEwin, Eagle Scout - Netseo Trails Council
"I attended Camp Pioneer two years ago. It was wonderful. Since then, I have been to two other summer camps and needless to say, I was disappointed. I thought all summer camps were like Pioneer, but I found none were as good. That's why I'm coming back this year!" - Jeffrey Mills, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Troop 162, Lewisville, Texas - Tonkawa Council
"Camp Pioneer may very well be the best summer camp I've ever stayed at in all my years of Scouting and OA. The staff was the friendliest staff I ever met. And the OA ceremony was the best ceremony I'd ever seen. It was definitely a unique ceremony compared to other lodges. The Rich Mountain Hike program was my favorite of all because the hike was definite self-challenge, but definitely worth it!" - Joe Faler, Troop 928, Houston, Texas - Sam Houston Area Council
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