2024 Summer Camp Info – Owasippe

Troop 86, here’s info regarding our upcoming 2024 Summer Camp trip to Owasippe Scout Reservation!

This page intends to provide camp attendees with a one-stop location for all key information needed while preparing for camp. This information is a highlight/summary of the information provided via webinars and the camp website. Numerous links are provided below. Everyone is encouraged to review them as well, as they provide much more information.

Table of Contents

General Info

Camp Address

Owasippe Scout Reservation
9900 Russell Road
Twin Lake, MI 49457

Campsite: Wolverine – Site 5

Key Dates

  • Event Dates: June 15-22
    • Leave Collinsville on June 15 – Travel day
    • Camp overnight at an “alternative location” (still planning)
    • Arrive at camp on June 16
    • Head home on June 22
  • Class Registration: Opens April 13 at 9 AM
  • Early-Bird Discount End Date: May 15

Camp Info

From the Owasippe Leader Guide…

Wolverine offers 21 sites from which to choose, whether it be a site on Lake Wolverine’s attractive shoreline or on the surrounding hills. Most campsites are set apart from one another, creating a more private experience and allowing room to stretch. The dining experience is the cornerstone of Wolverine. Troops have the flexibility of eating hot packed meals delivered to their campsite, or communally in the dining tent. Wolverine offers a pool for aquatics merit badges and beautiful Lake Wolverine for boating activities.

Owasippe Leader Guide

This is one of the BSA’s oldest Scout Camps! This camp was highly recommended by adult leaders from several Scouts BSA Units in our area.

Owasippe consists of several “camp operations” all operating under one Scout Reservation:

  • Camp Blackhawk
  • Camp Wolverine
  • Reneker Family Camp
  • High Adventure

Camp Wolverine

Those who recommended this camp to us also recommended that we stay at Camp Wolverine, so that is the one we chose. As noted above, we are at “Site 5”. This site is right on Lake Wolverine and near several other key locations in the camp.

Camps Blackhawk and Wolverine are operated very differently from one another. Here are some key/unique aspects of Camp Wolverine:

  • Meals are prepared and brought to the camp. Units can decide to have meals at their campsite or with other troops in a large outdoor tent.
  • Showers and flush toilets are available.
  • There is no power at this camp – Don’t plan to be able to charge your phone

Camp Reneker (Family Camp)

Owasippe includes a family camp called Camp Reneker. This is a completely separate camp with its own program and activities. It is family-oriented… Families can stay at the camp, including siblings who are not Scouts, and everyone can participate in the various activities available. The camp includes cabins with kitchens. (No need to sleep in a tent!) While this camp has its own activities, there may be some overlap with the activities at the other camps.

This is an option that families sometimes utilize while the Scouts are at camp.

Policies, Procedures, and Other Random Camp Notes

The following information applies to both Camp Wolverine and Owasippe in general…

Phones: As with most camps, cellphone service quality falls somewhere between limited and non-existent. There is no camp Wi-Fi for the Scouts to use. Given this, and the inability to charge your phone, do not plan on being able to use your phone.

Bathrooms: We don’t have our own private shower/bathroom, but there are hot showers and flush toilets at various locations in the camp. As with most Summer Camps, the Scouts will need to assist with the cleaning of these facilities.

Vehicles: The only vehicle allowed at the campsite is the trailer tow vehicle. While it can stay with the trailer, the recommendation is to drop the trailer and then park the tow vehicle in the parking lot (which is what we’ll likely do). The roads are narrow and are heavily used for foot traffic, so they do not want any vehicle traffic on the camp roads during camp. That said, there is a spot for our trailer at our campsite, so all of our equipment will be easily accessible.

State-Required Paperwork: The state of Michigan has various requirements for adult leaders, which are outlined further down on this page. All of these need to be completed BEFORE arriving at camp. Some of the paperwork can take a while to be processed, so please complete these ASAP.

Fortunately, the BSA’s existing policies already cover the state’s needs for the Scouts.

Medications: Extending from the item above, the state has several requirements regarding medications. All medications need to be in their original bottles. The usage of “pill organizers” is allowed, but the original bottles must be brought to camp as well. Each unit is required to keep a log of all medications taken during the week. This is turned into the camp at the time of departure. These requirements apply to all attendees (Scouts AND Adult Leaders).

Special Dietary Needs: The camp staff is happy to work with any dietary restrictions/needs camp attendees may have. There is a form that can be filled out to list specific needs. (Link provided above) To help them prepare for our arrival, they are asking that the dietary need forms be submitted ASAP.

Costs

All this fun comes at a price…

Camp Registration Fee

  • The camp registration fee is $385 if paid by May 15th.
  • After May 15th, the registration fee increases to $400.
  • Adult visitors are allowed for $30 per day.

Please note that the registration fee DOES NOT need to be completely paid before the merit badge class registration date. However, to avoid any potential issues, it is recommended (if possible) that you pay all fees before the class registration date. (This is not an Owasippe recommendation. It is based on our experiences at other camps.)

Additional Expenses

  • Meals while traveling
  • Trading post

Campership

The Pathway to Adventure Council has a campership program to help offset the costs associated with the camp registration. Their resources page includes a form (linked above) that you can fill out for fee assistance. You are encouraged to do this ASAP so that the forms can be reviewed as early as possible.

Our troop wants all of our Scouts to enjoy the Summer Camp experience. We don’t want Scouts to miss out on this opportunity for financial reasons. As a result, due to the generosity of others, we have a limited amount of funds allocated to help individuals with the camp fees. If any Scouts in our troop are not attending camp due to financial reasons, please speak with our treasurer to see if there is a way that we can help.

Camp Schedule / Classes / Activities

There are A LOT of things to do at this camp! One of the most difficult aspects of Owasippe is trying to get a handle on everything that is available. Fortunately, a bunch of info is provided. Be sure to check out the resources page which is linked above.

Schedule Planning

The Owasippe staff provides various schedule-related resources to help Scouts plan an epic Summer Camp experience. Be sure to utilize these resources!

While there are a lot of offerings, there are also a lot of Scouts who attend this camp. As a result, some classes and activities fill up quickly. Typically (at least for other camps), this is especially true for high-adventure activities and Eagle-required merit badge classes. When planning their schedules before the class registration date, Scouts are encouraged to have 2nd and 3rd options available, just in case their 1st option fills up before they get in.

Daily Schedule

Owasippe does NOT use the “block scheduling” approach. Unless otherwise specified, when a Scout signs up for a class or activity, they will attend that event at the same time Monday through Friday.

In addition to the merit badge classes, there are numerous other activities the Scouts can sign up for. Additionally, there are a lot of walk-up opportunities that do not require prior registration. There are also unique activities planned for each day.

While this sounds overwhelming, this is not unique to Owasippe. Most Scouts quickly figure out how to manage their schedule, and by day #2, they have it all figured out.

That said… It is very important for the Scouts to properly manage their time. The best way to do this is to prepare. Before arriving at camp, each Scout should review the various schedules and create a list of activities they would like to do each day, in addition to their fixed class schedule. That way, once they are at camp, they will already know what they want to do. This is also very helpful in situations when schedules are adjusted during the week (which happens at EVERY Summer Camp).

Keep in mind that the Scouts do not have to fill EVERY MINUTE of every day. They are encouraged to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible, but it’s OK to leave a little time for unexpected activities or a little R&R.

In-Camp Travel

As mentioned above, each camp (Blackhawk/Wolverine) operates independently. Nearly all of the classes offered are available at each camp. In most cases, Scouts will have ample time to get from one class to the next.

THAT SAID…

Scouts are encouraged to use the provided maps to calculate the travel throughout the day. While most schedules should be feasible, some may require the Scouts to move more “quickly” from one class to the next. Knowing this ahead of time can help to avoid a sense of feeling rushed.

Some classes require extended travel. This includes most high-adventure activities, and merit badge classes that are only offered at Blackhawk. These classes are marked on the schedule with a small “bus” icon. Owasippe has shuttle buses that travel to various locations, and they do what they can to help the Scouts get to their locations on time. However, there are limitations. Scouts are encouraged to review their schedules to anticipate travel needs.

In situations where shuttles are needed, the adult leaders will be available to provide transportation if the camp shuttle schedules do not coincide with the Scout’s needs. That said, the adult leaders will not be aware of every Scout’s needs. Therefore, it is important for the Scouts to understand their travel needs, and to help make the adult leaders aware of those needs ahead of time.

Swim Tests

Owasippe provides an opportunity to complete the swim test on the day of arrival. Unlike most of the other camps we’ve attended which encourage attendees to complete their swim test before arriving, Owasippe encourages everyone to do it at camp when they arrive. Additionally, first-year campers to Owasippe are required to take the swim test at camp.

So… No need to worry about the swim test before we leave!

Everyone should ensure that their swim clothes are easily accessible, as we will likely need to complete our swim test before we’ve set up camp.

Special Merit Badge / Activity Requirements

Several of the merit badge classes have listed prerequisites. Scouts are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to complete these BEFORE arriving at camp. These items will NOT be covered at camp, however, the merit badge counselor will review what the Scouts did before arriving at camp and mark those items as complete, as long as they were completed. Scouts should bring notes or other items that help to show that they have completed those requirements.

Some merit badges and high-adventure classes require extra fees, waivers, age limitations, and swimming requirements. (Shooting sports, ATV, horse riding, water sports, etc.) Please be sure to read through the information to ensure that all requirements have been met and completed before arriving at camp.

Pathfinder Program

Owasippe has a “first-year” program called “Pathfinder’. This class runs from 9-11 AM each day and focuses on the outdoor-related requirements of the first 4 ranks. This is a great way for newer Scouts to get a jump-start on their rank requirements. It also helps introduce them to the Summer Camp experience. This is not required for new Scouts. It’s your choice.

Please note that the Pathfinder Program includes a 5-mile hike, so be sure to bring appropriate hiking gear. (Hiking boots, long pants, etc.)

Since this is only a morning program, Scouts are free to sign up for other merit badge classes during the rest of the day. Since this ends at 11 AM, Scouts can sign up for a class that starts at 11 AM. They may, however, want to choose one that is located in the Pathfinder area, in order to limit the time required to get to that class.

The Swimming Merit Badge is available as part of the Pathfinder program. This can count as one of your Eagle-required merit badges, so Scouts are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity if you can.

On one of the days at camp, Scouts in the Pathfinder Program will prepare their breakfast in the Pathfinder area.

Scouts in this program will also earn their Totin’ Chip and Firem’n Chit.

High-Adventure Activities

One of the reasons we chose this camp was due to its wide variety of offerings. Not only does it offer a program for new and middle-aged Scouts, but it also has opportunities for Scouts who already have most of their merit badges and are looking for “something more”.

Scouts wishing to sign up for high-adventure activities should pay special attention to the fees, age requirements, waiver requirements, etc. One special case is the ATV classes, some of which require an online class that must be completed BEFORE arriving at camp. DO YOUR RESEARCH!

Owasippe also offers a high-adventure program called the “Ultimate Owasippe Adventure”. This includes a sampling of most of the high-adventure programs offered at camp. Please note that this is an afternoon-only class, so Scouts will want to also choose other activities.

“Electronic” Blue Cards

A “Blue Card” is simply the BSA’s method of tracking merit badge completions. The BSA is slowly migrating from physical Blue Cards to electronic versions. The approach used varies by camp/event.

Owasippe uses electronic Blue Cards for all merit badge classes. What this essentially means is the Scouts do not have to obtain their physical Blue Cards before camp. All requirements will be tracked electronically. Once camp is complete, the troop will be able to load those items into Scoutbook. This approach has been used for previous Summer Camp experiences, and (at least for us) it has worked well.

As with any situation, there’s always a chance that something will go wrong. At the end of camp, the Scouts and adult leaders will have an opportunity to review the merit badge completions to ensure that things look correct.

IMPORTANT: Scouts are encouraged to note their merit badge counselor’s NAME and CONTACT INFO for every merit badge class they attend. That way, if there are any questions or issues after we leave camp, we can easily get them resolved.

Fishing

There are a lot of fishing opportunities at camp. This is a great activity for Scouts that have some free time in their schedule.

The camp has fishing gear that the Scouts can use. However, you are also free to bring your own.

Daily Meetings

A MANDATORY adult leader is meeting for ALL ADULTS is on Sunday. The state requires all adult leaders to attend this meeting.

There will be daily adult leader and SPL meetings. These are especially important at Wolverine since we will not be meeting daily for a flag ceremony.

Additional Offerings and Opportunities

  • There is an option for the troop to do a service project while at camp.
  • The Scoutmaster Dutch Oven cookoff is on Monday.
  • OA event on Monday evening (OA members only)
  • Wednesday evening is the Owasippe County Fair.
  • OA Callout Wednesday evening.
  • Thursday’s dinner will be pre-cooked foil packs that we will heat up and eat at our site.
  • Pizza night is on Thursday or Friday. This is in addition to the evening meal.
  • A Camp Cup competition will run all week – One winner per camp.
  • Blood drive on Friday for those 16+
  • Adult leader classes.
  • Many others!

Equipment (Personal and Patrol)

Each site will have picnic tables, a bulletin board, access to water, and access to a “KYBO” (latrine).

Owasippe has an option for us to use their “historic” canvas tents. We will be using our tents.

Patrols are encouraged to create a patrol flag.

The standard list of recommended and prohibited items for this camp is the same as every other Summer Camp we’ve attended. Everyone should visit our events page for information and suggestions on what to pack. Here are some reminder items…

  • Be sure to bring long pants if you’ve signed up for COPE, Horse Range, ATV, or something similar.
  • Don’t forget spending cash for the trading post (They accept credit cards)
  • Bring your handbook
  • Bring your Class A (Wear it while traveling)

Preparations – What To Do Now?

Scouts

This is YOUR Summer Camp trip…not your parents! YOU need to prepare for this trip. Do not rely on your parents to take care of everything for you!

  • Review the links above!
  • Review the merit badge class and activity offerings
  • Create your desired schedule – Include 2nd and 3rd choice options in case activities fill up
  • Do your prerequisites!

Adult Leaders

  • Completed the IL DCFS Registry Clearance Check
    • Do this ASAP to ensure that the results are submitted to camp before we arrive
    • You may not receive notification that the results have been submitted
    • Notes indicate that you “must submit by email and type PTAC in the subject line”
  • Complete the Adult Rules and References Form
    • Note that you need THREE references to sign the form!
  • Ensure that your YPT will not expire before camp
  • Complete the dietary request form ASAP

Just For The Parents

  • Ensure the Scouts’ health forms are completed (A/B/C) – Requires doctor’s signature
  • Complete the dietary request form (if needed) ASAP
  • Create a note/doc summarizing any medications required for the Scouts
  • Encourage the Scouts to review all of the info on this page
  • Help your Scouts pack, but don’t do it for them!
  • Ensure you can access the Parent Portal before class registration opens
  • Let the Scouts enjoy camp – Daily check-ins are not required

You are welcome to send mail to your Scouts while they are at camp! You will need to account for the delivery delays. If you wish to send something, use the following information for the address:

<Scout Name>, 8086
Wolverine, 5
Owasippe Scout Reservation
9900 Russel Road
Twin Lake, MI 49457