History - YMCA Camp Marston

(A special THANK YOU.  All of the historical information contained on these pages was researched by Marston alumnus Ed Greaves while a graduate student at SDSU. His work has proven to be incredbily valuable in capturing the key events of our past.)

The early years, 1920's to 1940's

Camp Marston recently celebrated 85 years (1921-2006) of service. Since its early years, Camp Marston has provided endless hours of fond memories to youth camps, outdoor school programs, father-son weekends and family camps.

It was the spring of 1921 when Ed Fletcher suggested a possible camp site for the "Boys' Work Program" in the Pine Hills District of Julian. After surveying the area near Pine Hills Lodge, the survey party came accorss an open spot with a beautiful meadow and tall pine trees.  That very spot is the location of today's central athletic fields.  They consulted with the land-owner for permission to camp on the 2-acre site on a rental basis of $1.00 per year.

George Marston, Roscoe Hazard, Ed Fletcher, Ted Smith and Judge L. A. Turrentine then met to discuss the use of the property, and thus was born the "Pine Hills Camp for Boys". Ted F. Smith became the first camp director, serving 1921 to 1927.

In 1928, the name was changed to honor one of San Diego's most prominent citizens, George Marston.  Mr. Marston founded the San Diego YMCA, and at the time had already given 36 years of service to the Y.

From the year 1923, the following charter was recorded: "The object and purpose of the Camp is to provide a place for boys to spend a vacation where they lead a healthy happy outdoor life, free from conventionalities but with a program and leadership that make for high ideals and development of Christian character". The camp fee in its first summer was $10.00 plus $1.50 for transportation.

Starting with 2 leased acres, the camp grew to 17 acres in 1929,then to 58 acrres in1944. Today, two camping centers; Marston and Raintree Ranch encompass 236 acres of pristine mountain land. Camp Marston is the oldest youth camp in San Diego County. Over 15,000 people each year come to the camps for that same "healthy happy outdoor life" that was called for in its original charter.

Check out this great letter, circa 1943, written from F.C. Wood, YMCA Secreatary, to Ed Wright, camp staff member.

Marston - 1950's                 Marston - 1960's

Marston - 1970's                 Marston - 1980's

Marston - 1990's                 Marston - 2000's

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