The site is rich in history dating back to 1811 with the start of an ore forge. Around 1900 the site was used as a Boy Scout and YMCA camping area. In 1934 the current facilities were under construction with the CCC Boys and FDR's New Deal plan to get the country back on its feet. After W.W. II, the United Brethren Church started a summer camping program which continues today under the auspices of the United Methodist Church.



Camp Penn provides weekly summer camps for ages 6 through 18 in a Christian environment with a variety of events such as Elementary, Junior/Senior High, Music, and Computer camps. Daily activities include family groups with Bible study, swimming, hiking, sports and crafts.



Retreat day use and weekends are available in late April, May, September and October for youth groups, family and adult groups.  This is a place where lives are changed through God's Word and friendships are formed that can last a lifetime.



In 1933, the country was deep in the woes of the "Great Depression." President Franklin D. Roosevelt devised the "New Deal," which was a plan aimed at the economic slump of the nation. Within the plan was the "Civilian Conservation Corps." This program gave young men of that time a sense of worth, needed financial support, and a military lifestyle that would prove beneficial for those who would later serve in World War II.





Camp Penn was then called S-70-Pa. and construction of the permanent camp began immediately. The barracks were completed on November 18, 1933. Work at the camp consisted of trail blazing, road building, timber improvement, surveying, auditing the state forest, and construction of a fire tower. For their labor the men received $30.00 per month ($5.00 for pocket money and $25.00 was sent home to their families).



In 1942, as W.W. II escalated, the CCC camps ended. The forestry department used the site through the war years.



The United Brethren Church rented the site in 1946. The Chapel was built and completed by the start of that summer's camping season. The building was funded in part with a sizable contribution made by Mr. W. Oscar Knaub in memory of his daughter, Hilda.



On November 16, 1946 the United Brethren Church merged with the Evangelical church to form the Evangelical United Brethren Church (E.U.B.). Summer camping was held for as many as 300 campers with staff.



Throughout the next twenty years the site saw little change. In 1966, an in ground swimming pool was completed, a sewage treatment plant was installed and the kitchen was remodeled. On April 23, 1968, The Methodist Church merged with the E.U.B. Church to form the United Methodist Church.



Although the site has not varied much from its original physical design, Camp Penn has remained current and on course in its goal to be a cornerstone in the foundation of the faith for the youth of the Central PA Conference



Camp Penn is located in the southern part of Pennsylvania near Waynesboro.Across from Old Forge State Park, it is on the southern edge of Michaux State

Forest. The four large lodges hold a total of 44 campers in each lodge. This is dormitory style housing with single beds and adjoining bathroom facilities. The 40' by 75' pool is a sure way to cool off on a hot summer day, or campers can play basketball, sand volleyball, or four square. The Craft House and Canteen are popular features of Camp Penn.