Planning for summer camp comes with plenty of questions. Find answers to some of the most common questions about Camp Chawanakee below.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us at CampChawanakee@SequoiaCouncil.org or (559) 320-2100.
Reservations & Pricing
How do I reserve a week for my unit?
Choose your preferred week and submit the Camp Chawanakee Unit Reservation Form along with the required deposit. Units are encouraged to reserve early for the best selection of weeks and campsites.
How much does Camp Chawanakee cost?
Camp fees vary depending on whether your unit is registered with Sequoia Council or another council and when your reservation is made. Early reservations receive the best available rate.
What deposit is required to reserve our week?
A $20 per-person deposit is required for each youth and adult included with your initial reservation.
Your attendance numbers do not have to be final when you reserve.
When are camp payments due?
After the initial deposit, installment payments are due January 31, February 28, and March 31, with the remaining balance due April 30, 2027.
Can I add Scouts or adults after making our reservation?
Yes. Additional Scouts and adults may be added as your unit’s plans develop, subject to available camp capacity.
Campsites & Accommodations
Can our unit request a specific campsite?
Yes. Units may request a preferred campsite when making their reservation. We will make every effort to accommodate requests, but specific campsites cannot be guaranteed.
When will we receive our campsite assignment?
Campsite assignments are based on unit size, campsite capacity, availability, and accommodation needs. Your campsite will be confirmed as part of the camp reservation and planning process.
Are tents and cots provided? Can we bring our own tents?
Yes to both.
Camp Chawanakee provides canvas tents, with two cots and mattresses in each tent.
Units are also welcome to bring personal tents. Each campsite has some additional space available, but the amount varies by campsite. If your unit plans to bring more than 2–3 personal tents, please contact us ahead of time so we can confirm that your assigned campsite has enough room.
What accommodations are available for Scouts or adults with disabilities?
Camp Chawanakee will work with units to address reasonable accommodation needs whenever possible.
Please contact us well before your arrival so we can discuss your specific needs and available options.
(559) 320-2100
CampChawanakee@SequoiaCouncil.org
Before Camp
What forms are required before arriving at camp?
Scouting America forms and records, including health forms, shooting sports forms, unit rosters, and other required unit or activity documentation.
Use our Forms & Documents page for the current requirements and downloads.
Does everyone need an Annual Health & Medical Record, including Part C?
Yes. Every youth and adult attending resident summer camp must have a current Annual Health & Medical Record (AHMR), Parts A, B1, B2, and C.
Part C requires an examination completed by an appropriate licensed healthcare provider.
What training and registration requirements apply to adult leaders?
Adults must meet current Scouting America registration and youth protection requirements applicable to their role and participation at camp.
Registered adults must have current Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT). California residents must also meet applicable AB 506 requirements.
Unit leaders should verify these requirements well before camp.
What should Scouts bring to Camp Chawanakee?
Scouts should bring appropriate clothing, sleeping gear, personal hygiene items, uniforms, a reusable water bottle, program-specific equipment, and other personal camping gear.
For the complete recommended packing list:
When should our unit arrive on Sunday?
Units arrive on Sunday, with check-in times beginning at 1:00 PM.
Units must schedule an arrival/check-in time in advance by calling the Fresno Scout Office at (559) 320-2100. We will contact unit leaders when check-in scheduling opens.
Saturday early arrival is available for an additional $10 per person. Camp staffing and services are limited on Saturday, and units should plan to be self-sufficient. The first meal provided by camp is Sunday dinner, so units arriving Saturday must provide all meals through Sunday lunch.
Please arrive at your assigned time to help keep check-in running smoothly and minimize delays.
Programs & Merit Badges
What programs and merit badges are offered?
Camp Chawanakee offers more than 50 merit badge opportunities along with aquatics, climbing, COPE, Range & Target Activities, Scoutcraft, nature, handicraft, First-Year Camper, open programs, campwide activities, and more.
As Camp Chawanakee celebrates its 80th Anniversary, we’re looking to make the 2027 season something special. We’re exploring new program opportunities, including expanding our offerings with performing arts merit badges and other new experiences. Final program offerings will be announced as plans are confirmed.
When and how do Scouts register for merit badges?
Merit badge registration is completed before camp. Specific 2027 registration dates and instructions will be provided to unit leaders when available.
Review the Merit Badge & Program Schedule before registration so Scouts are prepared with preferred and alternate selections.
How many merit badges should a Scout take?
There isn’t one perfect number.
Scouts should balance advancement with open program time, camp activities, time with their troop and patrol, and opportunities to try something new.
Summer camp should be more than a race to collect merit badges.
Do any merit badges have prerequisites, age recommendations, or additional fees?
Yes. Some merit badges and programs may have prerequisites, experience recommendations, additional fees, special equipment requirements, or limited capacity.
COPE is the only Camp Chawanakee activity with a minimum age requirement. Participants must be at least 13 years old.
Review the current Merit Badge & Program Schedule before making selections.
What is the First-Year Camper Program?
The First-Year Camper Program is designed for newer Scouts and focuses on foundational Scouting skills and early rank requirements.
The program helps Scouts build confidence and become comfortable with summer camp while still providing opportunities to explore other Chawanakee programs.
Waterfront & Activities
Are swim checks required?
Yes. Scouts and adults participating in aquatics activities must complete the appropriate Scouting America swim classification test.
Units may complete their swim checks before arriving at Camp Chawanakee. The 2027 Leader Guidebook will include the required form and instructions for conducting and documenting your unit’s swim checks. Camp Chawanakee will accept properly completed pre-camp swim checks.
Anyone who has not completed a swim check before arrival will be able to complete one at camp during the arrival process.
What waterfront activities are available?
Camp Chawanakee’s location on Shaver Lake provides opportunities for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, aquatics merit badges, and other waterfront activities.
Specific offerings vary by the current program schedule.
What is the Polar Bear Plunge?
The Polar Bear Plunge is an early-morning Camp Chawanakee tradition for Scouts and leaders willing to brave the cool waters of Shaver Lake.
The plunge takes place at 6:00:32 AM.
Why exactly 32 seconds after 6:00? You’ll have to come to camp to find out!
Non-swimmers may participate. A Swimmer classification is not required for the Polar Bear Plunge.
Meals & Dietary Needs
Are meals included in the camp fee?
Yes. Meals during your regular summer camp session are included in the camp fee.
Camp provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Lunch may be served in the Dining Hall and/or through the Speed Line, depending on the daily schedule.
Throughout the day, additional food items such as hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, string cheese, fruit, and bread are available at no additional charge.
Additional snacks, drinks, and treats may be purchased at the Trading Post.
Can Camp Chawanakee accommodate food allergies?
Camp Chawanakee works with families and units to accommodate documented food allergies when reasonably possible.
Dietary information should be submitted before camp so our food service team has time to review and prepare for individual needs.
Can special diets or dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Many dietary needs can be accommodated, but available options depend on the specific requirement.
Contact Camp Chawanakee in advance if a Scout or adult has significant dietary restrictions or special food needs.
When and how should dietary needs be reported?
Dietary needs and food allergies should be reported when each individual is registered for camp through Black Pug. The registration includes a section to identify allergies and dietary needs.
Please provide complete and accurate information so our Food Service team can plan accordingly.
Do not wait until Sunday check-in to notify camp of a significant food allergy or dietary requirement.
Can units bring and store additional food at camp?
Yes. Units may bring additional food to camp, and limited food storage is available.
Because storage space is limited, please contact Camp Chawanakee before arriving to discuss your unit’s needs and confirm that space is available.
Health & Medications
Is medical staff available at camp?
Yes. Camp Chawanakee employs EMTs as part of our summer camp health and medical services.
For emergencies requiring a higher level of care, a paramedic-staffed ambulance is stationed in Shaver Lake.
Illnesses, injuries, and other health concerns should be reported promptly to camp health staff.
What should we do with medications that require refrigeration?
Notify camp health staff during the medical check-in process if medication requires refrigeration or other special storage.
If special arrangements are needed, contact Camp Chawanakee before arriving.
What are some common reasons participants visit the Health Lodge?
Our Health Lodge is available throughout the week for Scouts and adults who need medical attention. Most visits involve minor issues that are easily treated at camp.
Dehydration is the most common reason participants visit the Health Lodge, so everyone is encouraged to carry a water bottle and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Other common visits include splinters, scrapes, minor cuts, headaches, upset stomachs, and homesickness.
For illnesses or injuries requiring additional care, camp health staff will work with unit leadership and, when appropriate, parents or guardians to coordinate the next steps.
How can I prevent dehydration at camp?
Dehydration is the most common reason participants visit the Health Lodge, and in most cases it can be prevented.
Bring a refillable water bottle and carry it with you throughout the day. Drink water regularly—don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Water is available throughout camp for refilling bottles.
Even on cooler days, drinking plenty of water is essential. Camp Chawanakee sits at an elevation of more than a mile above sea level, and dehydration can catch up with you quickly. Eating regular meals, taking breaks when needed, and staying consistently hydrated will help you have a much better week at camp.
Adult Leaders
How many adult leaders does our unit need?
Each unit attending Camp Chawanakee must have a minimum of two registered adult leaders in camp throughout its stay.
All adult leadership must meet current Scouting America registration, Youth Protection, and supervision requirements.
Do California adult leaders need to complete AB 506 requirements before camp?
Yes. California adult leaders attending Camp Chawanakee must meet applicable California AB 506 requirements before arriving at camp.
The required AB 506 verification form must be completed and signed by your local council before arriving at Camp Chawanakee. Bring the completed form with you to camp.
Are programs, activities, and training available for adult leaders?
Absolutely. Camp Chawanakee offers a variety of training and program opportunities for adult leaders throughout the week.
Opportunities may include First Aid/CPR training, Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS), and other scheduled or drop-in training sessions. Leaders can also participate in hands-on activities throughout the week—Dutch oven cooking is always a popular choice.
And for leaders looking for a challenge of their own, take on the Scoutmaster Merit Badge, a weeklong opportunity to participate in camp, complete activities, and experience a little of what your Scouts are doing.
Whether you’re looking to complete training, learn a new skill, or simply have some fun, adult leaders are encouraged to get involved and enjoy Chawanakee too.
Communication & Visitors
Is cell phone service or Wi-Fi available at camp?
Yes. Cell phone service is generally good at Camp Chawanakee. AT&T typically has the strongest coverage, followed by Verizon. Other carriers also have service, although coverage can vary depending on where you are in camp.
Wi-Fi is available, but it is not campwide. Wi-Fi access is available around the Camp Office, Training Center, and Dining Hall.
The connection is generally strong enough for Zoom calls, work meetings, email, and other business needs. However, because of our mountain location, we cannot guarantee uninterrupted service or connectivity.
How can parents contact their Scout while at camp?
Parents and guardians should contact their unit leadership directly if they need to reach their Scout while at camp. Please make arrangements before camp so families have the appropriate contact information for their unit’s adult leaders.
Whenever possible, communication with Scouts should go through their unit leadership, as this is usually the quickest and easiest way to reach them. Camp staff are available to assist with communication in the event of an emergency.
Can parents send letters or packages to Scouts?
Yes. Families may send letters and appropriate packages to Scouts during their week at camp.
Because delivery to a mountain camp can take additional time, mail should be sent early enough to arrive while the Scout is still at camp.
Are visitors allowed during the week?
Yes. Visitors are welcome at Camp Chawanakee during the week, and Aloha Friday is an especially great day to visit – wear your Hawaiian shirt!
All visitors should check in at the Camp Office upon arrival. If you plan to join us for a meal, meal tickets may be purchased at the Trading Post.
Are pets allowed at Camp Chawanakee?
No. Pets are not permitted at Camp Chawanakee.
Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are permitted. Please contact Camp Chawanakee before arrival if you will be bringing a service animal so we can help address any camp-specific arrangements.
Weather & Camp Conditions
What weather should we prepare for at Camp Chawanakee?
Camp Chawanakee is located in the Sierra Nevada at Shaver Lake, where summer days can be warm but mornings and evenings can be considerably cooler. Mountain weather can also change quickly, so come prepared for a variety of conditions.
Bring layers for cool mornings and evenings, rain protection, sturdy footwear, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle. Appropriate sleeping gear for cooler mountain nights is also recommended.
What happens during thunderstorms or severe weather?
Camp Chawanakee monitors weather conditions and follows established safety and emergency procedures when thunderstorms or severe weather threaten camp.
Camp has large emergency bells that will be rung when necessary to alert everyone in camp. Scouts and leaders should listen for the bells and follow the appropriate procedures and staff instructions.
Scoutmasters and Senior Patrol Leaders will learn what the different emergency signals mean and what actions to take during the Sunday evening meeting.
What happens if wildfire or smoke affects camp operations?
Camp Chawanakee takes wildfire and smoke safety very seriously. We continuously monitor conditions that could affect camp and have established emergency procedures in place.
While we hope never to face a significant wildfire situation, the safety of our Scouts, leaders, and staff comes first. If wildfire, smoke, or air quality conditions require changes to camp operations, units will be notified and appropriate safety procedures will be followed.
General Camp Questions
Where is Camp Chawanakee and how do we get there?
Camp Chawanakee is located on the shores of Shaver Lake in California’s Sierra Nevada, northeast of Fresno.
Camp Chawanakee
43485 Dinkey Creek Road
Shaver Lake, CA 93664
Google Maps and Apple Maps provide reliable directions to camp. You can also use the directions below to help plan your trip.
Each unit is responsible for arranging transportation for its Scouts and leaders to and from camp. Due to limited parking, carpooling is highly recommended.
When traveling from Madera, Highway 145 is a good route to camp. When traveling from Fresno, consider taking Auberry Road rather than Highway 168, especially if anyone in your vehicle is prone to carsickness. Auberry Road provides a smoother drive with fewer sharp curves.
All vehicles must be parked in the camp parking lot and backed into their parking spaces.
Units arriving by bus should have their driver turn right at the top of the parking lot and proceed to the front of the warehouse for unloading.
Where do buses, trailers, and vehicles park at camp?
Buses should unload in front of the warehouse upon arrival.
Unit trailers may be kept near the front of the unit’s campsite during the week.
When unloading gear at your campsite, only one vehicle per unit is permitted at the campsite at a time. Once unloaded, the vehicle must be moved to the designated parking area before another vehicle is brought in.
All other vehicles must remain out of the campsite and be parked in the designated camp parking area. Vehicles must be backed into their parking spaces so they are positioned for departure in the event an evacuation becomes necessary.
Camp staff will provide additional directions during check-in as needed.
Is there a Trading Post, and how much spending money should Scouts bring?
Yes. Camp Chawanakee has a Trading Post where Scouts and leaders can purchase snacks, drinks, ice cream, Camp Chawanakee merchandise, souvenirs, and other items throughout the week.
How much spending money to bring is up to each family. As a general guideline, Scouts who plan to purchase snacks, ice cream, and souvenirs throughout the week may spend $100–$200, depending on their spending habits and what they choose to purchase.
What is the uniform expectation at camp?
Uniform expectations are up to each unit. Typically, the Scout uniform is worn for flags and Vespers, but each unit may determine what works best for its Scouts and leaders.
Camp Chawanakee also has theme days throughout the week, and dressing for the day’s theme at flags is absolutely welcome. On Aloha Friday, for example, you’ll see a wave of Hawaiian shirts throughout camp.
During the rest of the day, Scouts and leaders generally wear comfortable, activity-appropriate clothing. Whatever you choose to wear, please make sure your clothing is appropriate and respectful for a Scouting environment.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
We’re happy to help.
For questions about Camp Chawanakee, reservations, programs, accommodations, or preparing for your week, contact:
CampChawanakee@SequoiaCouncil.org
(559) 320-2100
