What to Bring & Mailing to Camp

The weather at Camp Chawanakee is typically warm and sunny during the day, but mornings and evenings can be quite cold. Please pack with changing conditions in mind and come prepared for both sun and rain.

Items marked with an asterisk (*) are commonly forgotten but can be purchased at the Camp Trading Post.

Scout/Adult Gear List

Clothing

  • Scout Field Uniform (Class A)
  • Activity T-Shirts * (Class B)
  • Sweater / Jacket
  • Hat*
  • Jeans/shorts
  • Swimsuit (modest & appropriate for camp activities)

Please note: A modest swimsuit is required for all aquatic activities and is not to be worn around camp. Camp Chawanakee is a family-friendly environment, and we ask that swimwear reflect Scouting values. Swim shirts are encouraged for sun protection.

  • Undergarments
  • Socks (bring extra pairs)
  • Hiking Shoes (closed-toe)
  • Tennis Shoes (closed-toe)
  • Water Shoes
  • Pajamas / Sleepwear
  • Long-Sleeve Shirt
    • (for sun protection or layering)

Sleeping & Camping Gear

  • Sleeping Bag & Pillow
  • Foam Pad or Air Mattress

Note: Camp provides participants with canvas tents, a bed, and mattress.

  • Flashlight *
  • Notebook, Paper, and Pens *
  • Scout Handbook

Personal Hygiene

  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste *
  • Soap & Shampoo
  • Deodorant *
  • Shaving Gear (if needed)
  • Comb or Brush
  • Bath Towels
  • Medications (clearly labeled and turned in if required)
  • Flip-Flops (for shower house and Waterfront use only)

Miscellaneous

  • Medical devices requiring electricity (such as CPAP machines) with a self contained power source. Electrical power is not available in campsites.
  • OA Sash (for Thursday’s Order of the Arrow Fellowship)
  • Camera
  • Knife (Scouting America approved)*
  • Water Bottle *
  • Daypack*
  • Watch
  • Fishing Pole and Tackle *
  • Spending Money ($75–$100)
    • Recommended for Trading Post items such as snacks, drinks, merit badge supplies, and camp souvenirs.

Troop Gear List

Each troop or patrol is responsible for setting up and maintaining their own campsite. To keep your unit organized, comfortable, and ready for a great week of Scouting, we suggest bringing along the following:

  • Unit flag, U.S. flag, and patrol flag – not all campsites have flagpoles.
  • Troop first aid kit – always good to have handy.
  • Large water jug – for easy access to drinking water (ice available behind the Dining Hall).
  • Pop-up canopy – shade makes all the difference over tables or gathering spots.
  • Staves and rope – perfect for pioneering projects and lashings (and part of the Thumbstick Award!).
  • Campsite decorations – show off Scout spirit, especially on theme days, and make the site feel like home.
  • Cooking gear – for any Troop-level activities you’d like to do together.

Want to hold a flag retirement ceremony but don’t have a flag to provide? Camp Chawanakee can supply an American flag upon request—just let us know at check-in or during your stay.

Sending Mail to Camp

Letters or postcards can take anywhere from two to five extra days to get to camp. Address your mail in the following manner (be sure to include unit number, session, and campsite also be sure parents are aware of this information so they can write their youth at camp. When mail is received at camp it is sorted into boxes for each campsite in the office. Is is up to the units to come by daily and check for mail in the afternoon. Any mail that isn’t picked up will be put in the unit’s check out packet at the end of the week. If mail comes after your stay at camp is over we will return it to the sender.  It is suggested that you print a copy of this page and distribute it to all parents prior to leaving for camp.

If using U.S. Post Office

(Name of Person)

Troop #, Week # and Campsite Name

C/O Camp Chawanakee

P.O. Box 713

Shaver Lake, CA 93664-0713

If using UPS or FED-EX

(Name of Person)

Troop #, Week # and Campsite Name

43485 Dinkey Creek Rd

Shaver Lake, CA 93664-9643