Camp Chawanakee
80 Years of Adventure
1947–2027
For eight decades, Scouts have traveled to the shores of Shaver Lake for adventure, friendship, leadership, and memories that last a lifetime.
Programs have changed. Buildings have changed. Generations have come and gone.
But for 80 years, Camp Chawanakee has remained a place where Scouts come to learn, grow, explore, and experience adventure.
The Chawanakee Story
Camp Chawanakee was established in 1946 when the Fresno Area Council acquired property on the shores of Shaver Lake in California’s Sierra Nevada.
The following summer, in 1947, Chawanakee welcomed its first campers—approximately 100 Scouts beginning a tradition that would continue for generations.
Over the decades, Chawanakee grew alongside Scouting. New facilities were built, program areas expanded, and generations of camp staff and volunteers helped shape the camp.
Scouts have learned to swim, paddled across Shaver Lake, climbed, hiked, practiced Scoutcraft, earned merit badges, developed leadership skills, and gathered around countless campfires.
The programs have evolved, but the purpose remains the same: give young people opportunities to challenge themselves, learn new skills, develop leadership, and discover what they are capable of accomplishing.
Generations of Chawanakee
Camp Chawanakee’s history isn’t only found in its buildings or program areas. It’s found in its people.
Thousands of Scouts, leaders, staff members, volunteers, and families have become part of the Chawanakee story.
Many first came as Scouts, returned as staff, and years later returned again with their own troops or children.
Buildings have changed. Equipment has changed. Even the swimsuits have definitely changed.
But Scouts still come to the same shores of Shaver Lake looking for adventure.
Celebrating 80 Years
1947–2027
In 2027, Camp Chawanakee celebrates 80 summers of Scouting adventure.
From approximately 100 Scouts in 1947 to the generations who have followed, Chawanakee has created countless stories, friendships, traditions, and memories.
For 80 years, these shared experiences have been at the heart of Camp Chawanakee.
And the story continues.
Share Your Chawanakee Story
Were you a Scout at Chawanakee? Did you serve on staff? Were you a leader, volunteer, or parent?
As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we’re collecting memories, photographs, stories, and pieces of Camp Chawanakee history from the people who helped make camp what it is today.
Share your favorite camp memory, a story from your time on staff, an old photograph, a Chawanakee tradition, or anything else that helps tell the story of 80 years at camp.
Have something to share?
Send your Chawanakee stories, memories, photos, and history to CampChawanakee@SequoiaCouncil.org.
Be Part of the Next Chapter
The Scouts arriving at Chawanakee in 2027 will create stories of their own and become part of an 80-year tradition on the shores of Shaver Lake.
Camp Chawanakee 2027
June 13 – July 31, 2027
80 Years of Adventure. One Unforgettable Summer.
