Camp Chawanakee

Founded on Shaver Lake in 1946 by a grant from the federal government, the Civilian Conservation Corps and Southern California Edison Power Company. The first year of operation was 1947. Camp Chawanakee has grown from a capacity of 100 Scouts and no facilities to today’s 4400 Scouts and Scouters with a complete group of permanent facilities.  The new Lyles Lodge Dining Hall opened in 2017 and plans are underway for a new training center and a first-aid facility.

The camp operates seven one-week long sessions for the summer season from June to August, accommodating 500+ Scouts and Adults in 23 campsites at a time, while simultaneously offering a family camping area nearby.

Camp Chawanakee offers opportunities for Scouts to develop their unit and personal programs in a concentrated week-long full-time scouting achievement environment. There is the Trail to First Class program for new and junior scouts as well as the opportunity for Scouts to earn their choice of over 40 merit badges. For the more accomplished Scouts, there are the Trails of Chawanakee, The 52′ climbing tower, rifle and shotgun shooting, sail boating, C.O.P.E. Course and overnight adventure outings.

Reservations can be made by visiting the Chawanakee section of this website or by calling the Fresno Service Center at (559) 320-2100.