As 2023 begins, we reflect on Princeton-Blairstown Center’s history of service and commitment to social justice with pride. This year marks the Center’s 115th anniversary and will bring many new developments for the organization including the establishment of “Venture Out,” an environmental education program designed to provide middle school students from Trenton Public Schools with free environmental education programming and a transformative outdoor experience; a new strategic plan for 2024-2026 facilitated by Advisory Council Member, Pam Simpkins; and plenty of opportunities to celebrate our 115th anniversary and legacy of serving young people.

Over the past 115 years, the Princeton-Blairstown Center has seen countless improvements and accomplishments. Here are some highlights in the Center’s history.

1908 - In 1908, a group of Princeton University undergraduates and alumni founded the Princeton Summer Camp. They were determined to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged inner-city children by offering healthy and character-building camping experiences.

1930 - In 1930, the Blairstown Campus, which eventually grew to 268 acres, was purchased and managed by Princeton undergraduates. The Blairstown Campus is one of the most unique and defining features of the Princeton-Blairstown Center. Today it is a place full of natural wonder, inspiration, and respite for students and their families and teachers to establish strong relationships, build new skills, and grow into leaders.

1943 - The Princeton Summer Camp became one of the first camps in the United States to integrate and welcomed its first black campers. Dr. Robert Rivers was among the first black campers to attend the Princeton Summer Camp and reminisces that receiving the “Best Camper” Award in 1946 was one of the defining moments of his life.

1973 - The site was winterized and professional staff began providing experiential education to urban youth. Princeton undergraduates continued to help staff the Center during the summer months. Preparing the Campus for winter has become an annual tradition called “Woodcutter’s Day” where volunteers complete tasks such as splitting logs, raking leaves, and clearing pathways.

1979 -Former Student Camp Director, Ev Pinneo returns to PBC to serve as Executive Director from 1979-1989 and then as Director of Development from 1990-1992. Ev’s decades long affiliation and loyalty to PBC has greatly influenced the organization’s trajectory and growth.

1989 – PBC hires its first non-Princetonian and female executive director, Jennie Curtis.

2015 - The Princeton-Blairstown Center developed and implemented Summer Bridge : a one-week leadership and academic enrichment program designed to serve approximately 550 young people from historically marginalized communities, free of charge. This program provides access and equity to outdoor summer programming for youth from historically marginalized communities.

2018 - The Center's successful Summer Bridge Program was recognized by the National Summer Learning Association and awarded the New York Life Foundation Founder’s Award.

2018 - The Ev Pinneo Award was established as part of the 110th Anniversary of the Princeton-Blairstown Center to honor and recognize Ev’s commitment to PBC. The Ev Pinneo Award is given to a volunteer or staff member who has gone above and beyond in their dedication and commitment to the mission of the Princeton-Blairstown Center, in much the same way that Ev has throughout his seven-decade association with PBC. Christina Bailey, PBC’s most recent recipient of the Ev Pinneo Award, was honored at the 2022 Links to Youth Golf Outing for her dedication to PBC’s mission and active and engaged participation within the organization.

To our community, friends, and supporters, we hope that you will join us in celebrating our 115th anniversary as we recognize the Center and how you have helped us achieve success. Because of your loyal support and belief in our mission, we have been able to create a remarkable legacy of lives changed for the better and we will continue to advance our mission in our 115th year and for years to come.

Stay tuned on social media and our website for ways to celebrate our 115th anniversary with us!