Opening Campfire: Start your week off right on Sunday night when our staff puts on the opening campfire at Eagle Point Campfire Bowl for your entertainment and enjoyment.

Unit Campfires: Your unit can have a campfire in your campsite during the week. You can use only downed wood that you find at camp. Do not damage, trim, or cut standing trees. If a tree appears hazardous, inform a staff member right away.

Tribe of Chawanakee Campfire: On Thursday night the spirit of the Native Americans who inhabited this land when Camp Chawanakee was just a dream, will come out to induct new members into the tribe and to advance in rank those who have returned. The highlight of this campfire is the reading of the legend followed by an induction ceremony for the Tribe Honor to which you are advancing. The evening ends with all the Tribe members listening to the sage advice of the mighty Sachem. Members must either have completed their service hours prior to this campfire or promise on their honor they will have them done before leaving camp. Adults are encouraged to participate too!

Closing Campfire: Friday evening at the Eagle Point Campfire Bowl there will be a variety show to remember and our troops provide the songs and skits. That’s right, units and youth are the main attraction here, so plan to participate.

Nature Trail: This self-guided tour takes you through the beautiful meadows of Camp Chawanakee. Along the trail you will find signs that will explain the flora and fauna that can be seen throughout camp. If you have any questions, ask the staff at the Nature Lodge.

Fishing Derby: Measure your fish either caught or “catch and release.” The longest fish (or photo with ruler) each week will be recognized. This competition is a youth-only competition. Youth aged 16 and older require a valid California Fishing License. We do not sell licenses in camp.

Awards and Regocnition

Pioneer Hiker: This honor is bestowed upon a youth that has exemplified the Scout Oath and Law. The Pioneer hike takes place after Friday’s campfire. Pioneer hikers meet at the Camp Office after the Friday evening Campfire when further instructions will be given. Each unit can send one youth. Turn in the name to the Program Director at the 10:00 am Friday Leader’s meeting or anytime before 4:00 pm.

Honor Troop/Crew: An honor unit is one that adheres to the Scout Oath and Law in all their dealings. Honor units demonstrate superior Scout spirit, have consistently high inspection scores, use the patrol method, and participate in programs and meetings. All honor units will be recognized at the closing campfire. Turn in Honor Unit paperwork to the office anytime during the day on Friday. The requirements for the Honor Unit Program are at the end of this leader guide.

Spirited Arrow Award: The purpose of the Spirited Arrow award is to encourage Scout Spirit. The unit with the most enthusiasm, that is always doing their best, will be given this award. Judgment will be based on Patrols having flags, patrol yells, doing good turns and youth simply doing their best to take pride in Scouting, but most of all, HAVING FUN! The award will be given out at the closing campfire.

Thumb Sticks: Each evening, the Camp Commissioner will each give out a special award known as a Thumb Stick. Thumb Stick winners will keep and add to the Thumb Stick until the next evening’s flags, where it will be returned to the Commissioner. At the end of the week, one unit will take home the Thumb Stick. The additions to the Thumb Stick, your unit’s own personalization, should not make it larger than your smallest youth can carry.

Tribe of Chawanakee

The Tribe of Chawanakee is Camp Chawanakee’s honor service organization. This program is designed to recognize Scouts and Scouters who exemplify the Boy Scout and Chawanakee’s ideals of Scout helpfulness. All Scouts and Scouters who attend camp are eligible for membership.

On Thursday night, all of the hard work from the week will culminate in a ceremony and campfire that will strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and Scout Spirit.

The ranks and corresponding requirements are:

  • Hunter
    • One week at Camp
    • One Hour Service
  • Warrior
    • Earned Hunter
    • Two Summers at Camp
    • Two Hours Service
  • Chief
    • Earned Warrior
    • Two Summers at Camp
    • Three Hours Service
  • Medicine Man
    • Earned Chief
    • Two Summers at Camp
    • Four Hours Service
  • Sachem
    • Earned Medicine Man
    • Two Summers at Camp
    • Plan, organize, and complete an approved service project of at least 5 hours. Contact the camp commissioner for assistance.

General Program

Chawanakee Open: Two and a half! If you think all of the activities at camp are for the Scouts then you haven’t played in the Chawanakee Open. Tee off with the rest of the adult leaders on Thursday with your custom made club, we provide the ball (tennis ball.) Lauded by many leaders as the most fun they’ve had at camp we hope you join us for the annual Chawanakee Open held on Thursday.

Bocce Ball: Test your lawn bowling skills Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 pm at the volleyball courts.

Surf’s Up Friday: Make sure to bring plenty of items to decorate yourself and your campsite in wacky tourist duds. The tackier the better! The afternoon wraps up with our famous Barbecue.

Chawanalympics: This is our exciting, fast-paced, camp wide games! After our opening ceremonies at the Waterfront, units will break up into their patrols and compete in competitions that will test leadership, athleticism, and skills. Awards will be presented, on a Patrol basis, for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each event. Information about events will be given out Wednesday at the SPL meeting