History of Camp

By 1963, the main road into camp was completed and dedicated to Mr. Elmer Kirk for his Assistance in developing camp.  Later this road was named Camp Crossed Arrows Lane.  In conjunction with naming the main road into camp, a contest was held in 1964 for the Girl Scout troops of Crowley’s Ridge Council to submit a name for the camp.  Cadette Girl Scout Troop 197 from Pocahontas studied the history of the area and found that this was Indian Territory.  Troop 197 submitted the name “Crossed Arrows” meaning Friendship and a tepee with an open door meaning “Welcome”; and so the naming of our camp “Camp Crossed Arrows”.

In the summer of 1965, Camp Crossed Arrows opened it doors for the first summer camp.

After the summer of 1965, Camp Crossed Arrows had begun to add many additions and improvements.  The Dining Hall was constructed in 1965, and was christened in 1970 as “Dudleys TiPiSa” in honor of Mrs. Doty Dudley, an avid Camping Director from Paragould.

Our first camp “Caretaker”, Camp Ranger, was hired in 1965-1966.  During this year the infirmary was constructed and an area for swimming at Salado Creek was added.  Also, “Trouble”, the famous bell that rings campers up in the morning and summons them for meals was donated by a car dealer from Blytheville.  Trouble earned its name because the truck that carried the bell to camp broke down on its way to camp.

In 1968 the director’s cabin was built to house the library-office and trading post.  During this year the parking area was enlarged and eight canoes were first purchased after a dam was constructed on Salado Creek.

In honor of Mr. Gene Mack Massey, a memorial fund was established in 1969 and used to construct a memorial arch for the entrance to Camp Crossed Arrows.

By 1970 the camp added its big addition the swimming pool.  During this same year the Gene Mack Massey Memorial Gate and totem poles were dedicated.  The totem poles were carved by Jim Warren of Mountain View.  Years later these totem poles unfortunately fell to weather deterioration.  Also during this year, sleeping quarters referred to as Unit I and Unit II were named Osage Reservation and Cherokee Reservation, respectively.

Today, Camp Crossed Arrows is 400 acres of wooded, hilly terrain.  Camp Crossed Arrows offers to its campers/visitors the serenity that nature has to offer.  Campers/visitors can experience hikes to Thinking Ledge and enjoy the sounds of nature and the gentle flow of Salado Creek, explore the mysterious Indian Caves or experience a memorial campfire at Pow-wow Circle.  During council-sponsored events, campers/visitors can experience the sense of accomplishment in rock climbing and during summer camp campers will have the opportunity swim, horseback ride and much more.