 Griswold Scout Reservation History
From 1961 to 1970, Hidden Valley served as a Scout Camp for the Norumbega Council (centered in Waban, Massachusetts, now a part of Knox Trail Council). In the fall of 1970, the camp was sold to the Daniel Webster Council and an additional 1000 acres were soon purchased and added to the reservation. The purchase was made possible through the generosity of Earle A. Griswold, one of New Hampshire’s most distinguished citizens and a long time supporter of the Daniel Webster Council. Hidden Valley opened for its first season in 1971 and has been providing quality Scouting for over 35 years.
In 1925, the Manchester Council, Boy Scouts of America purchased 38 acres on the shores of Guinea Pond and opened Camp Manning, hosting 144 campers its first season. When this council was replaced by Daniel Webster Council in 1929, it was decided to continue to use Camp Manning as the Council’s Scout camp.
By the 1932 season, the camp had expanded to 100 acres and 305 campers. Scouting in New Hampshire continued to grow and in 1945 it was decided to expand facilities and programs at Camp Carpenter in Manchester and to sell Camp Manning, which was not readily expandable.
In 1949, the property became Camp Leo, which flourished as a church camp in the 1950s and 60s. In 1988 Camp Leo closed and Daniel Webster Council purchased the property again in 1990. Renamed Camp Bell, the property became a part of Griswold Scout Reservation, adjacent to Hidden Valley Scout Camp. Camp Bell opened for its first season in 2000.
Summer Camp Programs
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