Camp Merz, Chautauqua Lake, 90th Anniversary B-Roll July 15, 2023

WNY SCOUT CAMP CELEBRATES 90 YEARS - Community Attends Open House at Camp Merz on Chautauqua Lake

MAYVILLE, NY – The Allegheny Highlands BSA Council celebrated the 90th anniversary of Camp Merz, located on Chautauqua Lake, with a gathering of scouting alumni, volunteers and camp staff. Over 200 scouters from across Western New York toured the camp, shared scouting memories, learned about the Camp’s history through photographs & memorabilia and received a preview of Camp’s upcoming 2023 summer season. The event took place on Saturday, July 15th, a day prior to the official start of camp. On Sunday, July 16th more than 500 BSA scouts are expected to move in for three weeks of skills development, leadership activities, fellowship and fun.

Camp Merz is Western New York State’s premier scout camp experience, located south of Mayville, New York on Chautauqua Lake. The property features 350 acres of hardwood forest, evergreen trees and open meadows. It is known throughout the Northeast for its waterfront activities that take place on 100-feet of private Chautauqua Lake shoreline. This location provides opportunities for swimming, rowing, canoeing, motor boating, sailing, and water skiing.

The property was purchased in 1933 through a donation by Banker Frank Merz (1857-1939) and named in his honor. Merz was born in Clarence and was one of the foremost banker of his era in Jamestown, New York. He founded and held the position of President of the Union Trust Company and later sold his personal stock holdings to George Rand of Marine Midland Bank. It was through his leadership and vision that funds were obtained to purchase the original parcel of camp that fronts Chautauqua Lake. With the goal of aspiring to do for others what was not done for him during his youth, Merz made the property suitable for camping by constructing a well for drinking water, building a dining hall and adding an administration building. For more information visit https://www.campmerz.org