This property was purchased about 1921/22 for use as the first summer camp established by the Girl Scout Council of Rochester. The camp was known as “Scout Acres,” then “Camp Castell,” the name longest associated with this property. The name “Castell” was in honor of the three women on the Council’s Camp Committee who established this summer camp: Miss Fanny Case (CA), Mrs. Simon Steefel (ST), and Miss Helen Ellwanger (ELL). There are many newspaper articles and photographs of Camp Castell, its buildings, activities, and  campers (these articles can be accessed via the “Democrat & Chronicle Archives” web site).

Camp Castell was located on both sides of Lake Rd., which posed certain safety issues, as the campers had to cross that busy road to access the swimming & boating area, on the lakeshore, to the north. This resulted in the subsequent acquisition of the 200+ acres on Lake Rd. in the town of Sodus, that became “Camp Beechwood” in 1928. That property was located entirely on the north side of the road & posed no safety issues for the campers.  When the Girl Scouts moved their summer camp to Camp Beechwood, their former “Camp Castell” property was acquired by the Masonic Lodges of Rochester, NY, who opened their summer youth camp  known as “Camp DeMolay” on the former girl scout property. Camp DeMolay continued in operation until the early 21st century, when, it, too, was closed and offered “for sale.” Current status of this property is not known.