The presidential retreat Camp David.

Serving the commander-in-chief and world leaders is truly a unique experience only available to those who serve at Camp David and the White House. If you are interested in being a member of an All-Star Team please read on.

In 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt selected Camp Hi-Catoctin as the site for a presidential retreat. The original name given to the retreat was "Shangri-La." In the 1950s President Dwight Eisenhower changed it to "Camp David," naming it after his grandson David.

Over the past 60 years that the camp has been in operation, every sitting president has used it as their retreat and also as a place to bring world leaders to discuss world events. On September 25, 1959, President Eisenhower and Chairman Nikita Khrushchev of the Soviet Union, flew to Camp David by helicopter. From their meetings, the phrase "Spirit of Camp David" was coined to denote what has been thought to be a more amicable attitude toward world problems.

Since then, Camp David has been a favorite place for presidents and first families. Its recreational facilities and complete privacy from outside intrusion offers a place to work, relax and play, as well as a place to host formal and informal meetings. Camp David provides many outdoor recreational activities ranging from nature walks and running to golf and skeet shooting.

In July 1978, a personal invitation from President Jimmy Carter to Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin to meet at Camp David was delivered by Secretary of State Vance. Both men accepted and the Camp David Summit was scheduled for September. Lasting 14 consecutive days, the summit lead to September 17th joint signing of the Middle East Peace Negotiations that became known as the Camp David Accords.

President Ronald Reagan who holds the record for most visits by a president at 517 days said in reference to his days at Camp David, "Of all the things about the presidency, we will miss Camp David the most." The 41st President George Bush, before his farewell from Camp David on Jan. 18, 1993, stated: "We Bush's have never considered you troops. You are family ... friends."

The natural appearance of Camp David has changed little since 1942. The cabins are rustic board and batten construction. The native woods have been maintained wherever possible and every effort is made to maintain the natural beauty of the camp and retain the rustic flavor.