Camp Patch Classification
Central New Jersey Council
Patch Manufacturing History
The earliest know scout camps were opened during the 1920s. Minor research has found that a majority of scout camps utilized the same basic materials for their camp patches and later during the years the same common designs. Below are examples of camp patches from the earliest to present day. It "was not common" for councils to issue a patch with a calendar year on it until the late 1970s.
The Early Years
The first examples of camp patches were no more than Felt letters or combinations of a design with letters. The following examples are from Camp Delmont and Camp Sakawawin. Most of these designs were used from the 1920s to the mid 1930s.
1930s
During the 1930s we see the use of camp names on patches replacing letters and they are still made of Felt. A majority of camp patches were produced on felt and we see some of our 1st 3 inch rounds. Also during this period was the process of embrodery on cloth:
1940s
During the 1940s it seems most camp patches were on felt again. It is not known why but it could be assumed it was because of World War 2 and available supplies for making patches. There did not seem to be a "common" shape for camp patches during this time as there are many examples of different ones for collectors to see. Near the end of the decade the use of Twill seemed to become popular and carry over to the 1950s, although you will still find Felt patches still be utilized in the 1950s.
