Welcome to Camp Chawanakee
Located on the shores of Shaver Lake in California’s Sierra Nevada, Camp Chawanakee has been a summer home for Scouts since 1947.
From first-year campers discovering Scouting skills to experienced Scouts taking on new challenges, Chawanakee offers a traditional resident camp experience built around adventure, advancement, leadership, and the outdoors.
With more than 50 merit badge opportunities, waterfront activities, climbing, COPE, range and target activities, Scoutcraft, nature, handicraft, and camp-wide traditions, every Scout can build a week that’s their own.
Start Planning Your Adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about camp? Find answers about arrival, campsites, meals, programs, facilities, transportation, and more.
[ CAMP FAQ ]
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.
Forms & Documents
Quick access to required forms, health information, guides, schedules, and other camp documents.
Camp FAQ
Find answers to common questions before you arrive.
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
