In an effort to make constructive, worthwhile contributions to the life of the District of Columbia community, the camp was established in 1968 as an informal agreement between the Greater Washington Area Board of Trade and the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG). Two of the camp's prominent original founders were Major General Charles L. Southward, Commander of the DC National Guard from 1967 - 1974, and Mr. William Calomiris, former president of the Greater Washington Area Board of Trade. Major General Southward and Mr. Calomiris reasoned that youngsters could sharpen their potential leadership skills away from the city.  Since the first camp in the summer of 1968, enrollment has grown form 68 campers to more then 100 campers annually.  Initially for young men only, the program began accepting young women in 1975.

This co-ed camp is free to qualified and selected participants.  Initially financial support of the camp was primarily provided by members of the Greater Washington Area Board of Trade.  Today the camp relies solely on contributions from local area businesses, private donors, and its participation in the Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area.  The DCNG provides the planning, administration, logistics support, and camp staff.  The camp is not a recruiting effort.  The camp is one of the many community support programs which affords the DCNG an opportunity to use its capabilities to assist in the development of our youth as responsible future leaders.