Our History

Canyon Camp was first used as a Boy Scout Camp in 1932, and officially became a camp in 1936. Over the past 80+ years numerous scouts have experienced the spirit of Canyon Camp and have memories that last a lifetime. From working on merit badges to creek stomping down the Apple River and from skits to singing in the dining hall- there are memories abounding. Canyon Camp is located 8 miles northwest of Stockton, IL nestled in the Apple River Valley.

Learn more about our founding, history documents, and connection with Wetassa and Wulapeju Lodges. We also have provided additional writings and poems. Enjoy!

Canyon Camp Legacy

1936 Original land deed for Canyon Camp

2014 Camp Staff Notes - Lyle Novinski

2011 Lyle Novinski testimonials from Canyon Camp

2010 Canyon Camp Conservation Easement

2010 Wiley Conservation Easement

1993 Friend's and Founder's by Eugene Vickery

2006 Lyke Novinski - Genius Loci

2022 Partnership Creates Opportunity for BAC through Canyon Camp

2023 The Spirit of Canyon Camp Sense of Place and Alumni Memory

2004 Jamboree Cabin by Lyle Novinski

2002 Dedication of CC Bell

1973 Don Barry's Canyon Camp talk

Articles on Indian Mounds in or near Canyon Camp

Report on the Mound Explorations of the Bureau of Ethnology 1894
Archaeological Explorations in Jo Daviess County, Illinois 1946
Indian Mounds of Wisconsin by Robert A. Birmingham and Leslie E. Eisenberg 2000

Camp Directors and Program Directors of Canyon Camp

"The Spirit Lives On!" 1986 Newsletter

2025 Landscape Recognition Statement for Canyon Camp

Wetassa and Wulapeju Lodge

Wulapeju and Wetassa Lodge Chiefs

History of Wetassa Lodge

Wetassa Lodge Constitution

1967 Winter Banquet

1962 Arrowman

1958 New Ordeal Members

1947-1967 Vigil Roster

1946-2006 Vigil Roster

1943 Dec What's with Wetassa

1943 Aug What's with Wetassa

1943 April What's with Wetassa

Writing and other musings...

1960 Canyon Camp Staff Manual

That Little Scout who Followed Me

2005 Father Schwartz on Character Building

Dr. Helds poem by Mike Beeth (1986)

Scoutmasters Bennediction

Story of Taps

Heim - Floristic Study of Apple River

Krape Park Totem Pole

Velma Dulls Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Millie Vickery Newspaper article

The North of Camp (80th Anniversary) by Ron Spielman

Mike Beeth and Matt Urban 1976

Obituaries and Tributes

Many kind and loving people have come through the gates of Canyon Camp. They shared their talents, their treasures, their time, and their smiles with us. Each person was instrumental in contributing to the Spirit of Canyon Camp that we all share today. We are eternally grateful to all who may be gone but never forgotten.