ASD
Forbes campsite is named in honor of S. Dexter Forbes (April 28, 1891 – February 2, 1966), who was Council President when Camp Shenandoah was relocated from its original site at Island Ford to its current location southwest of Staunton near Swoope. The new camp officially opened for the summer season of 1950, thanks in large part to Forbes, who headed the fundraising drive for the purchase of the new camp.
Forbes was a Charlottesville businessman who served one term on the City Council (1952-1956). Born in Purcellville, Virginia, Forbes earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from George Washington University and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps during World War I. He moved to Charlottesville in the mid-1920s, initially working as a pulpwood contractor before establishing and operating Forbes Garden Supply.
Deeply committed to civic and community life, Forbes was an active member of First Methodist Church in Charlottesville, where he served on the board and held leadership roles in several local organizations, including the Community Chest and Albemarle Tuberculosis Association. He was president of the Kiwanis Club in 1942, a past president of the Piedmont Shrine Club, and a dedicated Mason. In 1959, after 44 years of service, he achieved the highest honor in Virginia Masonry when he was installed as Most Worshipful Grand Master of Virginia Masons during the 181st Annual Communication at the Masonic Temple in Richmond. Forbes was recognized with the Silver Beaver Award for his distinguished service to youth through Scouting in 1950. He passed away in Charlottesville at the age of 74.
