CAMP READ ASSOCIATION
Gather 'round the (Virtual) Campfire:
Stories from Camp Read's Past
For generations, summer after summer, scouts have been making memories at Camp Read. In 2020, the pandemic may have forced regular activities to pause, but campers from years gone by are sharing their stories here in an effort to fill in the gap. Read on to get your fix of Camp Read hijinks until we can safely fill a parade ground once more!
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Camp Read Fishing Program: A Season of Growth and Success
October 6, 2025
In 2022, generous donors from the Camp Read Association (CRA) launched the fishing docks project. The project aspired to create a sustainable program that would allow Scouts to learn all aspects of fishing and earn Merit Badges. The new docks were in the water for the 2023 camp season. That first year served as a trial run and made clear that a strong fishing program would require dedicated resources and consistent staffing. The impact of CRA donors and volunteers was about to be felt at Camp Read.
By 2024, CRA with the continued generous support of donors, had added a small cabin at the Camp Waubeeka fishing dock and began staffing it with volunteers who offered on-site instruction. In 2025, the program reached full strength: the cabin was staffed all summer long, and a Reservation-wide fishing contest was introduced.
The results were immediate. An estimated 50 Scouts earned the Fishing Merit Badge during the 2025 season, with another 10 completing partials. Dozens more Scouts stopped by simply to fish, receive help, or join in the weekly Camp Read Reservation-wide fishing contest, which quickly became a highlight of camp life.
“The partnership between the Read Association and the Summer Camp Staff has been amazing. Fishing went from a very small, sometimes non-existent, program to a very popular and sought-after program. The Read Fishing Program is a great success and the Association and the Volunteers that run the program are to be applauded.”
– Rich Stockton, Council Scout Executive
The summer opened with a burst of energy. In the first week, 27 Scouts signed up for the Fishing Merit Badge, and the brand-new fishing contest inspired kids to fish not only during the day but in the evenings as well. Each week’s winner earned a framed certificate, and their name was added to a wooden plaque mounted on the cabin—instantly sparking excitement and tradition. Instructor Tom Liberati summed up the week with pride: “If I had to guess, I would say we have one of the better summer camp fishing programs in all of Scouting.”
First-time volunteer Reid Reynolds found himself equally impressed by the energy on the dock. Some Scouts were seasoned anglers, while others caught their very first bluegill on a worm dangled from the dock. “Fishing has been one of the ways I’ve enjoyed the outdoors since childhood,” he said, “and I expect some of these Scouts will go on to share my enjoyment of fishing in future chapters of their lives.” Most of his students earned the badge, and Reid recalled receiving “a few very personal thank-yous” that left him convinced the program was making an impact.
As the summer rolled on the fishing cabin had become one of the most popular spots at Camp Read. Seventeen Scouts enrolled in the Merit Badge class for week 4: ten completed, five earned partials, and two—having already finished last summer—returned simply for the joy of fishing. Instructor Bill Daley kept the dock humming, with adult leaders pitching in to help rig baits and untangle lines. The fishing contest award that week was claimed by Jace Rosa (New Rochelle 15) with a 17-inch largemouth bass, followed closely by other Scouts with a 16-inch bass and a 12-inch bullhead. Daley reflected on the enthusiasm: “We had a very busy week at the fishing dock when the Merit Badge classes weren’t in session. The contest and the new plaque really fired up the Scouts.” The week ended with a memorable “Fish-Fry Friday,” where Scouts practiced filleting and cooking fish—using locally purchased tilapia, since camp policy requires catch-and-release.
As the summer drew to a close, the program’s momentum only grew stronger. During the final week of the season Instructor Jonathan Hall guided five Scouts through the complete Merit Badge. The fishing contest produced the largest fish of the summer: a 19-inch largemouth bass landed by Arlo Guidry (Scotia 3062). The runner-up was close behind with an 18-inch bass. Thunderstorms briefly closed the dock during the week, but by Friday evening, just before the closing campfire, Scouts crowded the dock for one last chance to fish. “The area was well stocked with gear, and everything was stowed away neatly in the cabin at week’s end,” Jonathan noted, reflecting the professionalism the volunteers brought to the program.
In just a few short years, the CRA’s vision for a fishing program has transformed from a modest idea into one of Camp Read’s most popular activities. Thanks to the commitment of volunteers, structured instruction, and the excitement of the Read Reservation-wide fishing contest, fishing has become a defining part of the camp experience—one that will hopefully inspire Scouts to return to the water again and again.
The continued success of this program depends on volunteers. Each week’s energy and achievements were possible because alumni and friends stepped forward to mentor Scouts and share their love of fishing. As interest grows, CRA is seeking additional volunteers to ensure every Scout has the opportunity to learn, fish, and succeed. If you’ve ever thought about giving back to camp, there’s a place for you on the dock—whether teaching a knot, helping bait a hook, or cheering on Scouts at the contest. Join us, and we’ll find the right spot for you.
Based on the success to date of the fishing program CRA has identified the next phase: the rebuild of Porcupine Lodge. Just as the fishing cabin transformed Waubeeka’s dock into a hub of energy, rebuilding the historic Porcupine Lodge will open a new chapter for programming on the far side of Buckskin’s lake. Together, we can ensure that fishing remains a tradition that inspires Scouts for generations. To date we have raised almost 60% of the funds needed. If you would like to contribute to the rebuild of this historic site, please contact either Bill Daley, President (914-703-7028) or Mike McCabe, Treasurer (917-653-8775).