Since the 1940s, Camp Susque has been on a mission to better serve kids - encouraging meaningful conversations and teaching outdoor skills. Located in the mountains of rural Pennsylvania, Camp Susque has become a meeting place for the community, offering a variety of environmental education programs, summer camps, and family camps. Today, the camp welcomes more than 20,000 people annually.
As the number of campers and property size have grown, so has Camp Susque’s operational needs. With programs running in all four seasons, there’s a constant demand to keep the grounds clean and well-manicured. From grass cutting to mulching and snow removal to hauling brush, camp director Peter Swift says that Camp Susque has relied on Kubota equipment for over 30 years.
Their fleet began with a sub-compact tractor and has expanded to include a sidekick, zero-turn, track loader, and various attachments. Whether it’s using the sidekick to transport campfire supplies to the mountainside chapel or employing the track loader for construction at the community pool, Swift says Kubota’s equipment is invaluable in saving time and energy. Even counselors who are first-time operators appreciate the ease of use - endearingly nicknaming the machines “Big Kubota” and “Little Kubota.”
Beyond the equipment’s functionality, Camp Susque’s partnership* with local Kubota dealer CH Waltz has helped foster a deeper sense of community in Pennsylvania. Swift praises the dealers’ commitment to customer service, knowledge, and reliability, saying that the relationship truly adds value to the Kubota name.
So what does a day in the life look like at Camp Susque? Each morning campers meet to raise the flag, gather for chapel, and head off to a skill based activity such as pottery, kayaking, or target sports. Meals are served family style to encourage friendship and connection. After lunch, campers enjoy free-time to swim in the pool or visit the ice cream store. The day winds down with cabin cleanup and an evening activity - often cooking dinner over a fire and sleeping out beneath the stars.
Camp Susque is a powerful example of what happens when tradition, community, and innovation come together. With generations of campers, a fleet of Kubota equipment, and a commitment to youth development, the camp thrives as a place where friendships are forged, skills are honed and memories are made.
*CH Waltz has generously contributed to Camp Susque’s mission through annual financial donations, most recently via the Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit program. CH Waltz has gifted equipment and sponsored community events including the Harvest Festival and Trail Run.
