Camp Friend is open to all, year-round. Its website offers a history of the facility, directions, photo gallery, and online reservations for shelter houses, its parade grounds and both primitive and group camping areas situated close to restrooms.
On its 62 acres, Camp Friend includes a playground and basketball court. While the facility is not staffed, its mission is to serve all youth by offering an excellent outdoor experience from camping to youth programs, and it’s ideal for larger groups wanting an outdoor venue with lots of amenities of interest to active young people.
The Camp was founded in 1951, when 83-year-old John George Friend donated 51.5 acres of wooded land, which comprised the majority of his property, “for the benefit of the youth of Putnam County.” Subsequently Putnam Friend of Youth Foundation was established to manage what is now Camp Friend.
John and his son worked as gardeners for a number of Greencastle families, among them the Barnaby’s, who owned a lumber yard and sawmill and contributed generously to the community. John likely was encouraged to donate the wooded acreage because of his association with the Barnaby’s and because he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren in the woods. His gift allows all youth to appreciate the outdoors and have the opportunity to enjoy nature.
