NEW for 2027: SCUBA BSA Award
Discover a new kind of adventure at Camp Chawanakee! Our introductory scuba experience gives participants the opportunity to learn basic scuba skills and try breathing underwater under the close supervision of a dive professional while earning the SCUBA BSA Award.
As one of only a handful of California Scout summer camps offering a scuba experience, Chawanakee is adding something special to our 80 Years of Adventure celebration.
Additional fee: $50 per participant
Age requirement: 15 and up, with first priority given to youth
This program is an introduction to scuba and offers the SCUBA BSA Award only. It does not provide scuba diving certification or the Scuba Diving merit badge.
NEW for 2027: Performing Arts
NEW for summer 2027: Camp Chawanakee is introducing Performing Arts, featuring Music, Theater, and Public Speaking merit badges!
Located within our Handicraft area, this new section gives Scouts more ways to find their voice, build confidence, and let their creativity shine.
Whether your Scout loves performing or wants to try something outside their comfort zone, there’s something to explore:
• Music: Bring music to camp through songs that connect Scouts around the campfire.
• Theater: Bring stories to life through campfire skits, creative characters, and teamwork on and off the stage.
• Public Speaking: Find your voice when leading your patrol, introducing a campfire act, or sharing a story with fellow Scouts.
These skills reach beyond camp. Creativity, communication, and confidence help Scouts lead their patrols, contribute in the classroom, and take on new challenges.
Why Troops Love Camp Chawanakee
“It has something for everyone. Food! Location, location, location.”
Unit Leader, Greater Yosemite Council
“One of the most beautiful camp settings I’ve been to, and the food was the absolute best camp offering and quality I’ve ever experienced.”
Unit Leader, San Diego Imperial Council
“Camp Chawanakee has brought our troop closer together. Excellent staff and culture.”
Unit Leader, Las Vegas Area Council
“We love this place. The food, classes, campsite, staff, location. All of it!”
Unit Leader, Orange County Council
“Well organized, with a good selection of merit badges, enthusiastic and fun camp staff, and a beautiful setting.”
Unit Leader, Sequoia Council
“It is a well-run camp with good activities, and our Scouts and leaders always feel welcome here.”
Unit Leader, Silicon Valley Monterey Bay Council
Start Planning Your Adventure
Celebrating 80 Years of Adventure
1947–2027
Camp Chawanakee welcomed its first Scouts in the summer of 1947.
What began with approximately 100 Scouts has grown into generations of young people spending their summers exploring the Sierra Nevada, learning new skills, developing leadership, making lifelong friendships, and discovering what they are capable of accomplishing.
The camp has changed over eight decades, but the heart of Chawanakee remains the same.
For 80 years, these shared experiences have been at the heart of Camp Chawanakee.
DISCOVER OUR HISTORY
Your Summer. Your Adventure.
There’s no single way to experience Camp Chawanakee. Scouts can build a week around advancement, outdoor adventure, new challenges, or a little bit of everything.
Waterfront
Take advantage of Shaver Lake with swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and other aquatics programs.
Climbing & COPE
Challenge yourself on Camp Chawanakee’s 52-foot climbing tower and develop teamwork, communication, and leadership through COPE.
Range & Target Activities
Build skills and confidence through rifle, shotgun, and archery programs led by trained staff.
Merit Badges
Choose from more than 50 merit badge opportunities covering outdoor skills, aquatics, nature, crafts, range activities, and more.
First-Year Camper
New Scouts can build confidence, practice essential Scouting skills, work toward rank requirements, and get comfortable with the summer camp experience.
Camp Life
Some of the best Chawanakee memories happen outside the scheduled program. Campfires, games, special events, troop activities, traditions, and time with friends make every week different.
Seven Weeks of Adventure at Camp Chawanakee
Join us for our 80th anniversary summer from June 13 through July 31, 2027.
Week 1 – June 13–19
Week 2 – June 20–26
Week 3 – June 27–July 3
Week 4 – July 4–10
Week 5 – July 11–17
Week 6 – July 18–24
Week 7 – July 25–31
Space is available by week and campsite. Units are encouraged to reserve early for the best selection.
Already Registered for Camp?
Your reservation is only the beginning. We’ve put everything leaders and families need to prepare for Chawanakee in one place.
2027 Camp Flyer
Help your Scouts and families start planning for summer camp.
Download and share the Camp Chawanakee 2027 flyer featuring our 80th anniversary summer, session dates, pricing, and reservation information.
Work at Camp Chawanakee
Want to spend your summer helping create an unforgettable experience for hundreds of Scouts?
Camp Chawanakee staff members develop leadership skills, make lifelong friendships, gain valuable work experience, and become part of an 80-year camp tradition.
JOIN THE CAMP STAFF
Make Chawanakee Part of Your Scouting Story
80 Years of Adventure. One Unforgettable Summer.
Generations of Scouts have called Camp Chawanakee their summer home.
In 2027, we’re celebrating 80 years of adventure—and we’re just getting started.
Bring your unit to the shores of Shaver Lake and become part of the next chapter of the Chawanakee story.
Questions about Camp Chawanakee?
CampChawanakee@sequoiacouncil.org
Sequoia Council Service Center
(559) 320-2100
