2021 Canyon Camp End of Summer Report
Canyon Camp experienced an unprecedented, but extremely successful, summer with over 1,050 Scouts and Leaders coming through our front gate over five weeks of Scouts BSA resident camp and one Webelos Weekend. Scouts enjoyed the newly-built permanent climbing wall and completed rifle range, as well as the new merit badges added into our program rotation of Metalwork, Graphic Arts, Insect Study and Textiles.
Additionally, Freeport High School brought in their incoming freshmen cohort to enjoy team building and outdoor adventure with our Staff for a day event. The crowning event of the summer was our 85th Alumni and Friends Reunion, where 150 Staff Alumni came together to share stories, enjoy camaraderie, and reflect on what the Spirit of Canyon Camp means to them. Also, the end of summer Staff Dinner had 10 Staff members receive Spirit of Canyon Camp scholarships to go towards higher education costs for going above and beyond in their work this summer.
Many important projects such as the new concrete pad behind the Dining Hall, new roofing on the Office, and new power generators were installed at Canyon Camp thanks to the generosity of the donors from the Stewards of Canyon Camp program, which raised nearly $40,000 in its inaugural year to help with providing funds for camp maintenance every year. We look forward to the construction of an additional Staff cabin and the new maintenance building in the back of camp this Fall thanks to our kind donors and loyal volunteers who make all of this possible.
Between the ever changing COVID-19 guidelines and the initial settlement contribution decision, the Camp staff showed true resiliency and built upon the Spirit of Canyon Camp. With the implementation of COVID-19 procedures such as mask-wearing and social distancing were successful, as Canyon Camp experienced ZERO known COVID-19 cases this summer. We are very thankful for our Scouts, Leaders, and Staff for assisting us in accomplishing this goal.
Although the summer of 2021 provided many obstacles, we ultimately had a great summer, courtesy of all of our Canyon Camp community. We are very much looking forward to “Trying Something New in 2022!” and all the fun coming next summer with new program offerings and more.
Yours in Scouting,
The Canyon Camp Leadership Team