The camp was established in 1968 as an informal agreement between the Greater Washington Board of Trade and the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG). The camp activities give youth the opportunity to practice leadership, learn self-discipline and gain self-development through sports, recreation and academics.

Founders
Two of the camp's prominent original founders were Major General Charles L. Southward, Commander of the District of Columbia National Guard, 1967-1974, and Mr. William Calomiris, former president of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. Maj. Gen. Southward and Mr. Calomiris reasoned that youngsters could sharpen their potential leadership skills away from the city.

Enrollment
Students, ages 12 - 15, from the greater metropolitan Washington, DC area are nominated by their schools based on academic excellence, good moral character and leadership potential

Initially for young men only, the program began accepting young women in 1977. Camp enrollment has grown from 68 boys to more than 120 campers annually. Each year the camp strives to have a fifty/fifty male to female ratio.

Financial Support
The estimated cost for one student to attend the 14-day residential camp is $400, and with the exception of a $25 registration fee the camp is free. Initially financial support of the camp was primarily provided by members of the Greater Washington Area Board of Trade. Today, this co-educational camp relies solely on contributions received from local area businesses, citizens of the community, and our participation in the Combined Federal Campaign National Capital Area (CFCNCA). The District of Columbia National Guard provides the planning, administration, logistics support and camp staff.