Schumer Makes Direct Appeal to Boy Scouts of America Not to Sell Pouch Camp, The Only Site of its Kind in NYC that Serves as Campground and Parkland for Staten Island

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged the Boy Scouts of America to come up with a solution that would prevent the sale of Pouch Camp to a private developer. This area of the Staten Island Greenbelt Conservancy serves as a stronghold for the community, and the land is used by the YMCA, veterans groups, and Staten Island residents in addition to the Boy Scouts. The Boy Scouts report that although they have cut their budget by one-third in the past year and a half, they still lack $5 million in donations and are being forced to sell the camp as a result. Pouch Camp is New York City's only Scout Camp.

"Closing Pouch Camp would not only hurt the Boy Scouts, it would hurt all of Staten Island," Schumer said. "When I heard that this treasure on Staten Island was in danger of being sold to a private developer, I knew it was time to act. Pouch Camp serves the people of Staten Island and acts as a nature sanctuary to thousands and we must do everything in our power to ensure this camp remains open."

"Right now we are considering any options to keep the wonderful natural space that is Pouch Camp from fading into a thing of the past," said Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D, Staten Island). "As the "Borough of Parks' we have a responsibility to future generations to save this land for our children and our children's children. I applaud Senator Schumer for joining our fight to find a solution which keeps this space green."

William H. Pouch Scout Camp, located in Staten Island, is New York City's only Scout Camp. Pouch Camp is open year round for Scouting activities. The camp is approximately 143 acres, including several cabins with capacity to hold 14 to 22 Scouts and Scouters. The Camp also includes 55 leantos, 20 tent sites, and a low-impact Camp-O-Ree field with an adjacent amphitheater. There are numerous Picnic Groves as well as a Chapel for our visitors to utilize. Pouch Camp is an ideal location for day trips and activities, weekend camping, and small conferences.

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