Celebrating Legacy and Leadership at Woodruff Scout Camp
Earlier this month several leaders, donors and camp staff members gathered for a moment that had been years in the making - the ribbon-cutting of the Sharp Welcome Center at Woodruff Scout Camp.
The stunning new facility will now be the first thing every Scout sees when they arrive at Woodruff Scout Camp. The Sharp Center is not just a place built of stone and timber, but of vision, generosity, and purpose.
A Gift That Transforms Generations
As part of the dedication ceremony, Eagle Scout Paul Robertson spoke movingly about his friend Frank Sharp, the man whose extraordinary generosity made the new Welcome Center possible.
“He didn’t want accolades,” Paul shared. “What he wanted was to see young people transform their lives.”
Frank Sharp grew up in rural Florida, the son of an agricultural family. Though he loved the outdoors, he was never able to regularly participate in Scouting. But the few times he did left a lifelong impression. Years later, after selling part of his family’s land - property that would eventually become part of Walt Disney World - Frank felt it was time to give back.
“I think it’s time to do something that matters,” he told Paul.
Paul connected Frank with the Atlanta Area Council, and soon after, Frank made the decision to fund the construction of a new Welcome Center - one that would greet thousands of Scouts for decades to come. The building is named in honor of both Frank and his father, also Frank Sharp, creating a legacy that spans generations.
“One day,” Paul said, “Frank will be watching from heaven, and he’ll see all the activity here and say, ‘It worked. And I’m mighty proud that I did it.’”
Recognizing a Lifetime of Leadership
In addition to Frank Sharp’s generosity, the dedication also offered a special moment to recognize another Atlanta Scouting legend: Ted Vinson.
Ted began his Scouting journey as a Cub Scout in Pack 305 and went on to earn his Eagle Scout rank in 1964 - before serving in Vietnam and dedicating the next five decades to mentoring youth through Scouting. As Summer Camp Director at Woodruff, his leadership shaped the lives of thousands of Scouts, including future leaders like John Bridges, now a Chick-fil-A executive and former Council President.
In honor of his incredible legacy, the Council also dedicated the Vinson Leaders Lounge, a thoughtfully designed space for camp staff and adult leaders to recharge, reflect, and prepare for another day of service.
Legacy Built in Wood and Stone
The Sharp Welcome Center and the Vinson Leaders Lounge are more than just new facilities – they are testaments to the belief that young people, given the opportunity, will rise to meet the challenges of tomorrow. These spaces will serve as places of welcome, reflection, and renewal for Scouts, leaders, and staff for generations to come.
See the full Sharp Welcome Center Dedication