The Mid-State Sunday School Training Camp was founded in 1923 on the property now known as Camp Kanesatake.  It was used by the Pennsylvania State Sunday School Association as a training ground for Sunday School teachers from across the state.  In the years leading up to its sale to Central Pennsylvania Christian Institute in 1989, Camp Kanesatake was used mainly as a rental property where outside churches and groups facilitated their own programming.

1923: The First Summer

The campers of that initial year were housed in tents acquired as Army surplus, and situated down on the creek bottom where the swimming pool now is.  Solid wooden platforms were erected as protection against ground dampness.  Permanent buildings furnished for use were three – a mess-hall, and two cabins on the hilltop for use by Rev. Bonsall and Dr. Fischer.  The summer was attended by heavy rainfall, unusual for the vicinity; hence the camp street was literally a sea of mud, except for a few short periods of time.  Swimming was enjoyed by damming up the creek that flowed by the camp, “Warriors Run,” into what was called the “Daum,” which served until the cement pool was built in 1927. 

That first season there were a total of 394 campers, coming from at least forty-seven counties, and representing at least ten denominations.

The program of the camp the first year was based on the “Four-fold Life” – Religious, Social, Mental, and Physical.  According to the first advertising pamphlet issued by the camp committee – “the camp periods are real school of instruction along physical, mental, social and spiritual lines.  The highest testimonial to the value of this training is the wonderful development of the boys and girls who have been touched by the inspiring influences of a similar camp life.” 

1923 Camp directors were

• Miss Nutting, Girls’ camp director
• Rev. E. H. “Bonnie” Bonsall, Jr., Boys’ camp director
• Dr. M. Hadwin Fischer, Adult training camp director

July 23, 1923:  The camp site was dedicated to the service of youth everywhere, and Professor O. R. Myers, chairman of the board of directors, presided over the ceremonies.  More than a thousand persons were present, from every part of the state.

October 12, 1923:  The Pennsylvania State Sunday School Association officially named the camp “Kanesatake,” an Iroquois Indian name.  The name was suggested by Professor Speck of the University of Pennsylvania. 

Summer camps of all types and for many purposes have long been a part of the American way of life.  The reason for this development can be seen without much difficulty.  There is an ever increasing demand for various means of “escapes” from the rigors of our complicated civilization.  While enjoying the relaxation offered by such means, the average individual seeks those higher enjoyments and inspirations which are constantly being sacrificed on the altar of the never-ending effort toward earning a living in everyday life.  Religious and spiritual regeneration, becoming acquainted and mixing on a common basis with one’s fellow man, finding time for meditation, thinking, reading, plus physical rejuvenation – these are the aims of people who seek a well-rounded camping experience and are considered as a necessary criteria for continuation of a happy and normal life.

Should one visit the site today, he would find Kanesatake resting comfortably beneath the protecting bulk of Tussey Mountain, its green wood cabins sprawling over the “Hill,” shadowed by many stately pines and spruces – an ideal spot for thought and meditation if you wish.  Below, on the one side of the “Hill” is a recreation field, where stood, about a century ago, an old mill close by the creek which bounds the field.  In this mill was held a Sunday School, a noble forerunner of the institution which was to occupy the area a hundred years later.  Thus, history and heritage are all on the same bit of ground. 

Ralph D. Harrity
Alumni Camper, 5 years
May 1, 1947