CCWA-Paradise Farm Camps History
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1875
The Origin
Eliza Sproat Turner and other women from the New Century Club and other Philadelphia civic‑leaders invited urban children to spend time in the country, laying the groundwork for the “country week” idea.
1875 -
Incorporation
Formal incorporation of CCWA as a nonprofit youth‑development organization.
1877 -
Expansion
By its 35th year, CCWA was sending approx. 3,000 children to some 25 farms for “country week” experiences during July/August.
c. 1910 -
Finding a Home
CCWA purchased the “Paradise Farm” property in East Bradford Township (Chester County) to establish a permanent camp site.
1912 -
A New Era
Formal opening of the camp at the new site: “Paradise Farm Camp” opened in the “healthful surroundings of the beautiful rolling country of East Bradford Hills”. 447 Children and 91 Mothers spent their summer at Paradise Farm.
June 28, 1913 -
Paradise Special
Hundreds of Boys boarded the “Paradise Special” train from Philadelphia each week throughout the summer to enjoy their time out in the country.
1914 -
Growth
Rohrman Property donated to CCWA and the Girl’s Camp opened at Rohrman the following year.
1924 -
Tradition Begins
Wawokeye “The One Who Helps” Award begins at Camp.
1936 -
New Direction
Arthur Colley, the longest tenured Camp Director in the organization’s history, begins his service.
1948 -
Accreditation
Paradise Farm Camps is accepted as a member of the American Camp Association.
1957 -
A Time for Building
Weitzel Dining Hall, Bechtold Recreation Center, and New Bellevue are built in servvice to the campers.
1960-1963 -
Integration
Paradise Farm Camps becomes fully integrated.
1964 -
New Challenges
PFC Pond is created for canoeing and fishing.
1969 -
A New Vision
East Bradford Elementary starts “Outdoor Experience.” The first Environmental Education Program at Paradise Farm Camps.
1974 -
The Perfect Addition
The pool is built and dedicated in honor of the many years of faithful service by Arthur & Charlotte Colley.
1982 -
A Legacy Continues
Arthur Colley finishes his last year as Camp Director, and his Son, Mike Colley, succeeds him.
1983 -
Modernization
The W. Marshall Schmidt Program Center is built and dedicated to one of the organization’s most prolific Board Leaders and Fundraisers.
1999 -
Preservation
CCWA places a conservation easement on the majority of its land, preserving it for future generations.
2004 -
Program Expansion
The organization commits to the development of local youth through The Day Camp at Paradise Farm Camps.
2004 -
Creating a New Community
TREK becomes the Day Camp philosophy encouraging all campers to use Teamwork, show Respect, have Enthusiasm, and treat each other with Kindness.
2005 -
A Milestone Celebrated
CCWA celebrates 100 years of continuous service at Paradise Farm Camps
2013 -
Perseverance
When the global pandemic brought much of the world—and even our summer camps—to a pause, Paradise Farm Camps found new and creative ways to stay connected with youth in our community.
2020-2021 -
A Bright Future Realized
After welcoming more than 6,000 young people through our Day Camp, Overnight Camp, and Outdoor School programs this year, Paradise Farm Camps proudly celebrated 150 years of inspiring growth and connection in the outdoors—and looks forward to continuing this work for generations to come.
2025
