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SUMMER PROGRAM

Scouts BSA Summer Camp

With over 55 merit badges, 3 specialty programs, and numerous additional scouting activities and certifications at Canyon Camp, you have the ability to tailor your week at camp.  Canyon Camp has terrific food in a full-service dining hall, canvas tents on platforms with bunks and mattresses, and offers memories that will last a lifetime!  Whether it's rank advancement, merit badge completion, all out fun, or something in between, you can expect to find it here!  For more detailed information head over to the  RESOURCES pages or scroll down to read more about our program areas and merit badges offered.

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Webelos/AOL Cub Scout Weekend

 This program includes two nights of camping and three days of awesome programs designed for older Cub Scouts as they prepare for the transition to Scouts BSA.  Learn more about on our Webelos Weekend page.

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Summer Participant Testimonies

Scout:

“I liked the songs that staff sing, I liked the food, the great jokes, and how they made the scouts laugh.”

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“This is truly the best camp. Especially coming from over 8 hours away to come, it is just truly amazing. I love the family-like atmosphere. When I first came in 2019, and to still be coming all the way from Kansas should truly tell you all how amazing it is here.”

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“They were always very enthusiastic and committed to being part of staff. They made everyone feel welcome and comfortable.”

Unit Leader:

“The staff has historically went above and beyond to help scouts and leaders, and it flowed through this year. All felt welcomed and helped, thank you!”

 

“Staff have done an outstanding job! They were attentive and professional. They went out of their way to help us accommodate our scout with mobility needs so that they always felt included." 

 

“The camp staff are a very spirited group of young men and women who care a great deal about teaching the values, ethics, and skills of Scouting. They are easy to talk to and willing to help you.”

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PROGRAM AREAS

 

There's a lot to do at camp, and at Canyon we want to make sure you can make the most of your time. Below you'll find brief descriptions of our program areas and the merit badges and activities each area offers.​

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CANYON RANGER

 

For first year campers, the Canyon Ranger Program covers most First Class requirements, while also building a knowledge of general Scout skills and Canyon Camp areas. Participants in this program have the opportunity to fulfill First Class Requirements, work on skills in areas of camp, earn up to two merit badges, and attend Pioneer Potpourri activities (See Below).

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Over SIXTY Requirements leading to the rank of First Class are completed through the Canyon Ranger program. Two merit badges can be earned during two hour slots of free time integrated into this cohort program!

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Ropes Course
OPERATION O.W.L.

 

Older Scouts and leaders have the opportunity to take the challenge and join the Outdoor Wilderness League (O.W.L. for short) during your week at Canyon Camp. This program offers high adventure-esque activities via an "a la carte" or "complete a sheet" model that offers the utmost flexibility for your Scout's schedules. Activities vary from year to year but always aim to challenge you physically and mentally.

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Activities offered include: black powder rifles, milk crate climbing, tomahawk throwing, iron branding, zip line, high ropes course, rappelling, mile swim, five mile hike, and much more!   

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Sample O.W.L. Program Sheet (Activities update and change each year!)

(LINK)

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EAGLE'S NEST

 

Between two areas of camp, we offer the opportunity to take Eagle Required merit badges during your week at Canyon Camp; some of which counselors may be difficult to find in your area.

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Merit Badges Offered:

  • Communications

  • Citizenship in the Nation

  • Citizenship in the World

  • Citizenship in the Society

  • Personal Management

  • Personal Fitness

  • Scouting Heritage

  • Emergency Preparedness (at Health Lodge)

  • First Aid (at Health Lodge)

 

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AQUATICS

Our Aquatics area is split into two locations: our lakefront and our pool. The Coon Lake lakefront is where you can take out one of our many watercraft. Expect to cool off or go snorkeling at our 3-foot to 10-foot-deep swimming pool.

 

Merit Badges Offered:

  • Swimming

  • Lifesaveing

  • Canoeing

  • Rowing

  • Kayaking

 

 

 

Activity Patches/Certifications Offered:

  • Snorkeling

  • Stand-up Paddleboarding

  • Mile Swim

  • Safe Swim Defense

  • Safety Afloat

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COPE

 

Due to Canyon Camp's distinct location, our COPE program and new COPE adventure facility is unlike any other. Take a try at our multi-difficulty climbing wall, gain some horizontal climbing practice on our twelve-sided continuous bouldering wall, or for a true test, rappelling down the COPE tower!

 

Activities Offered:

  • Climbing Merit Badge

  • COPE Activity Patch

  • Zip Line

  • Climbing Wall

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BONUS: The COPE Activity Patch is a week-long activity designed to allow participants to come out of their comfort zone, try out some of the things that COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) area has to offer, play some initiative games, and have fun while doing it! 

  • High Ropes Course

  • Low Ropes Course

  • ​Bouldering Wall

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NATURE

 

With over 200 acres of naturally-wooded forest and a creek running right through camp, the opportunity to experience nature has never been more real. Our Nature Lodge is located right above the creek with windows on all sides allowing for complete forest immersion.

 

Merit Badges Offered

  • Environmental Science

  • Mammal Study

  • Forestry

  • Pulp and Paper

  • Bird Study

  • Weather

  • Insect Study

  • Astronomy

  • Fish and Wildlife Management

  • Reptile and Amphibian Study

  • Soil and Water Conservation

  • Geology

  • Nature

  • Space Exploration

SCOUTCRAFT

 

Learning how to be resourceful is a trait of any Scout, and our Scoutcraft area is the best place to work on such skills. Head down to learn outdoor skills and how to work with common tools available to scouts during outings.

 

Merit Badges Offered​​

  • Camping

  • Pioneering

  • Wilderness Survival

  • Orienteering

  • Geocaching

  • Exploration

 

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FIELD SPORTS (Range and Target Activities) 

 

With our two full-time ranges, learning how to shoot archery or safely operate a firearm has never been easier! On top of dedicated merit badge time, we also offer open times for Scouts and Scouters to practice.

 

Merit Badges Offered

  • Shotgun Shooting

  • Rifle Shooting

  • Archery

  • Golf (Disc Golf)

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HANDICRAFT

 

Build up your creative skills in our Handicraft Lodge. With merit badges that challenge you mentally and push you to build creations of your own, the opportunity to mentally grow is right at your finger tips!

 

Merit Badges Offered

  • Chess

  • Basketry

  • Woodcarving

  • Leatherworking

  • Art

  • Textiles

  • Theater

  • Photography

  • Indian Lore

PIONEER POTPOURRI

 

Learn some of the skills that the pioneers used! Open to all scouts and leaders, the Pioneer Potpourri program aims to teach everyone what pioneers would have lived like and what skills a modern day pioneer might also have. Activities are designed to take no more than a 30 minutes, so you can pop into an activity whenever you have a break in your day!

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Sample Pioneer Potpourri Program (Activities update and change each year!)

(DOCX)

Trading Post
TRADING POST

 

Not only a great location for slushies, quick snacks, and swanky camp gear, the Trading Post is home to Salesmanship merit badge this summer!

Be sure to come prepared for these fun merit badges and buy some ice cream or candy while you're here!

Register for summer camp
Map of Camp
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