Best of the Best Washington Camp Patches and Histories

Focusing on Camp Memorabilia from the Teens through the 1940s

Camp 22: 1920-1921. Credit to Mike Heavener. Camp 22 located at Lake 22 just southeast of Verlot was owned by the YMCA. This camp was used by the Scouts of Snohomish County after Camp Tyree. Sleeping in big tents on Army cots, Scouts spent two weeks hiking the trails of the area and putting their Scouting skills to use. Formal Scouting use of Camp 22 ended with the formation of a new camp on leased Forest Service property at Lake Kelcema. 

Camp Abee near Anacortes was listed in the 1929 PSCB. This would have been part of the Skagit Valley Council which existed from 1923 to 1929 and Mount Baker Council. No memorabilia is known to exist.

 Camp Akela of the former Tumwater Area Council was the Cub Scouting side of the Cleland Scout Reservation near Olympia.

Mount Baker Council also has a Camp Akela program.

American Lake Camp or Camp Dover. The first record of a Tacoma Camp was in the first edition of the Tacoma Scout Weekly (December 20, 1920). There they spoke about "Camp Dover" on American Lake, which is in South Pierce County. This camp was named after Elmer Dover, the 1st President of the Tacoma Area Scout Council (Joe Leister 2/2007).

Camp Arrowhead North Central Washington Council

Camp B later renamed to T-H Ranch. Camp B was named after T. Byron Hunt, former executive of the Seattle Area Council. Near Monroe on the present day Cascade Scout Reservation.

Camp Baldrey was listed in the 1926 PSCB. This would have been part of the Bellingham Council which existed from 1918 to 1926.

Camp Baldy of the former Twin Harbors Area Council was located on the North side of Lake Quinault; currently it is Camp Kiwanis.

"I was inducted into the OA in 1957 at Camp Baldy, Lake Quinault, Washington which is in Grays Harbor County. I would like to find out more information on our old Lodge. I believe it was called Kcum Kum. I think that it is now part of the Nisqually Lodge. The Lodge flap that we use to have is called the Square Whale. It was a Pacific Northwest Indian design for a Killer Whale. I lost my original patch when our House burned down. I would love to find another one. Thanks for any help or leads." (Credit to Abram R. (Dann) Sears).

"Since April 6, 1926 - and until its closure last year when the new YMCA of Grays Harbor opened - swim lessons for three generations of Aberdeen school children took place at the George B. Miller Natatorium - Gymnasium." "No story about the Nat would be complete without mention of the late John "Bus" Fairbairn. Aberdeen won state boys' swimming championships under Fairbairn's coaching in 1948 and 1949. He was also the Natatorium's caretaker and produced water shows there for many years. (Credit to Dee Anne Shaw & Rick Anderson of the "Daily World").

Dann Sears, curator at the Aberdeen Museum of History, remembers taking canoe and lifesaving lessons from Fairbairn. "If you grew up in Aberdeen, you can't think of the Nat when you don't think of Bus Fairbairn," he said. Among the items on display at the open house will be several of the museum's old canoes that Fairbairn used to teach Red Cross canoeing and lifesaving up at Camp Baldy on Lake Quinault. Sears also is helping to set up a display of the old scoreboards that used to line the hallway at the Nat. "We've got all the Aberdeen football scores from waaaay back, I think to the 1920s," he said. Fairbairn, who died in 1986, once referred to the Nat as the best teaching pool and the worst competitive pool in the state."

Beehive Mountain Scout Camp: Beehive Reservoir Snowmobile Terrain. Access: South of Wenatchee, take Squilchuck Road (county road No. 711) to its junction with Forest Service Road No. 9712. Depending on snow conditions and plowing, parking is available near that junction. Please park in a responsible manner. Fees: None. Length: Many miles of ungroomed snowmobile terrain in the vicinity of Beehive Reservoir are available, including segments of snow-closed Forest Service Roads No. 9712 and No. 7100. Use allowed: Snowmobiles (except on portions of road still open to wheeled vehicle traffic) and pedestrian winter pursuits. Use not allowed: Wheeled vehicles. Elevation gain: Beehive Reservoir is at about 4,150 feet. Further elevation gain via snowmobile will vary with the snowmobiler's choice of direction. What you will see: Beehive Mountain lies to the northeast of the reservoir and Mission Ridge Ski Area to the southwest. Recommendation: Before heading into local forested areas for recreational pursuits, contact the nearest ranger station for current road and snow conditions. Be sure to tell someone reliable where you are going and when you will be back. Information: Leavenworth Ranger District, 600 Sherbourne, Leavenworth, 548-6977.

Black Lake Scout Site: Although this site was never used by Tumwater Area Council for Boy Scout Camp, it was going to be. You see, in June 1941, this site was chosen to be the Boy Scout Camp for the 1941 camping season. Flyers and/or memorabilia may have been issued. In July 1941, there was a change from the Black Lake Site to a private boys camp named Olympus located on Summit Lake West of Olympia. Camp Olympus was rented from Otto C. Mauthe & purchased in 1945 from him for $5000.

Black Mountain Scout Camp / Black Mountain Scout Reservation is located on Silver Lake, near Maple Falls and Sumas WA. One of two camps owned by the present day Mt. Baker Council, this camp has was opened in 1919.

"Camp Black Mountain, located on the beautiful shores of Silver Lake an hour drive east of Bellingham, is the oldest existing camp in Washington State. Interviews with Hugh Eldridge Carr and General Floyd Hansen, Bellingham Eagle Scouts from the early 1920's, indicate the camp was active prior to 1919. The land was used by permission of owner H. P. Jukes (the council treasurer) prior to transferring ownership to the BSA in 1929. It was originally used by the Bellingham Council as Camp H. P. Jukes and has been in continuous use since that time with the exception of two seasons during WWII (1943 and 1944). Upon first use the camp was used for troop and district events, but became a fully organized resort in 1925. During the 1920's, the camp was supported by the Order of the Blue Knot, an honor camper's society that later became Quilshan Lodge, Order of the Arrow. Programs from the 1925 and 1926 seasons provide insight into early camp activities and vintage photographs of this cherished property." (Credit to: Wikipedia 9/2009)

The first mention of Silver Lake as a camping site was mentioned in the minutes of the Whatcom County Council in 1927, where it was reported that a "camp trip to Silver Lake was a success."

Camp Bonaparte has been the North Central Washington gateway to adventure since 1965. Bonaparte is located on pristine Bonaparte Lake in Okanogan County (Okanogan National Forest), just east of Tonasket, Washington. Bonaparte features an outstanding aquatics program.

Camp Brinkley is part of the Cascade Scout Reservation owned by the present day Chief Seattle Council. The last Summer of Boy Scout Camp was 1992. This Camp is now used for Cub Scouting. Click here for more history.

Camp C: Later renamed to Camp Omache. Since 1955, the Cascade Scout Reservation has been home to Camp B, Camp C, Reservation X, Camp Omache, Rocking T-H Ranch, Camp Brinkley, and Camp Pigott.

Cascade Scout Reservation (see Camp Brinkley). Since 1955, this property has been home to Camp B, Camp C, Reservation X, Camp Omache, Rocking T-H Ranch, Camp Brinkley, and Camp Pigott.

Central WA Council Summer Camp: See Camp Fife. Patches exist from 1947-1950.

Chinook Camp of the former Inland Empire Council. Property on Diamond Lake, part of Cowles Scout Reservation. Always "Camp Chinook" -- the single word "Chinook" appears on District patches from Columbia Pacific Council.

>I believe the "CL" patch was for Camp Chinook, but have not identified yet what the "L" stands for.

The patches pictured above, left, and below, left, all came in the same lot. The large H may be for H. Cowles.

Camp Cleland located on Lower Lena Lake in the Olympic Mountain's was the original camp of the Tumwater Area Council. It operated from 1927 through the mid 1940's. Click here for more history.

>courtesy of TSPA

Early felt patches (I own the 1936 and need the 1937, 1938 and any others that might exist)

Original camp signage

Program Books

Reunion Patches

Cleland Scout Reservation is located on Summit Lake, near Olympia. The reservation contains Camp Akela (Cub Scout Camp), Martin (Training Camp) and Thunderbird (Training Camp).

Camp Cleveland (sp?): Joe Leister said in November 2004 that the first Tacoma Area Council Camp was Camp Cleveland (sp) on American Lake. Camp was later moved to Lake Spanaway on Parks Land. They built a few buildings. These camps were closed by the time Camp Kilworth opened in Federal Way.

Camp Couch: "I live on an old Boy Scout Camp called Camp Couch, which is located on Camano Island, Washington. I was wondering if you had any information about this camp. What I know is that this camp was started by Jim Couch in 1961 and was open until 1971." (Credit to Marie Isey via e-mail to Kevin Rudesill).

Camp Cowles / Cowles Scout Reservation: Named for William H. Cowles, Sr., an early Spokane pioneer and supporter of Scouting, Cowles Scout Reservation began as Camp Cowles in the early 1920's with a purchase of 80 acres of prime waterfront on Diamond Lake. It has grown to four camps: Camp Cowles, Camp Chinook (renamed Camp Fosseen in the 1980's), Camp Ponderosa, Camp Sunrise and Camp Japeechen, covering over 900 acres and more than a mile of waterfront. "Cowles and Fosseen (Chinook) were used for troop summer camp programs. Both have established buildings and dining halls along with other smaller structures for program and staff housing. Ponderosa and Sunrise have no buildings. They exist as descriptions of locations within the Cowles Reservation. The camps serve as sites for district or council outdoor events or short-term troop camping." (Quote courtesy of Dana Bonstrom).

Camp Cowles was started in 1920 (It is the 2nd oldest Boy Scout Camp west of the Mississippi.) Spokane Council was registered in 1915. Finch Lodge was built in 1923. Click here for more information on Camp Cowles including information about the Camp's namesake, William H. Cowles.

<Sunrise Camp, Chinook and H. Cowles>H. Cowles

Camp Curran: Joe Leister mentioned this camp to me November 2004. Camp Curran is a 2 acre at South Hill (near Spanaway/Parkland) used by Pacific Harbors Council.

Camp Dee-Light

Camp Delezene of the present day Pacific Harbors Council is located Southeast of Elma, Washington and was owned by Twin Harbors Council. The first camp opened on July 13, 1958. 40 acres owned, 33 leased. Today it is a primitive weekend camp with a Swimming Hole. I believe the Camp's name comes from Delezene Creek. There is also a Delezene Precinct of Grays Harbors County (circa 1920) which had several logging Camps where entire families lived. Click here for Directions to Camp and more history.

Tacoma Area Council District Camp. These are now verified. Thanks to Joe Leister I now have a picture of several Tacoma area scouts wearing both the Camp Kilworth and the D-C patches (2/2007).

Camp Dover on American Lake (South Pierce County, WA - near Tacoma). Joe Leister mentioned that a scout camp on American Lake in South Pierce County may have been the original camp of the Mt. Rainier Council. Camp mentioned in Tacoma Scout Weekly December 20, 1920. The first record of a Tacoma Camp was in the first edition of the Tacoma Scout Weekly (December 20, 1920). There they spoke about "Camp Dover" on American Lake. This camp was named after Elmer Dover, the 1st President of the Tacoma Area Scout Council (Joe Leister 2/2007).

Camp Elk was listed in the 1926 PSCB and was on Alta Lake. This would have been part of the North Central Washington Council which existed from 1924 to 1992. No memorabilia is known to exist.

Evergreen Area Council BSA Camps / E.A.C. Inc.

Everett Council Boy Scout Camps was listed in the 1926 PSCB and was near Silverton.

Camp Fife of the present day Grand Columbia Council has been providing a quality camping experience since 1923. It is located in the heart of the Cascades in Goose Prairie, Washington, just off of Chinook Pass. The area lends itself to day hikes and extended backpack trips. Today it features a heated swimming pool, a premiere horsemanship program, and one of the largest COPE courses in the Western Region. (Courtesy of the Grand Columbia Council website) Click here for more history.

Camp Fire Mountain / Fire Mountain Scout Reservation: "The area now known as Fire Mountain Scout Reservation was settled and farmed by William Gaches from La Connor in the early 1900's. He built the farmhouse and farmed 300 acres, planting the orchard as well as hay in the field which is now Lake Challenge. In the early 50's the land was sold to Lloyd Nelson who raised beef cattle on the property. In 1971, the 300 acres owned by the Nelson's, as well as an additional 140 acres of the neighboring Walking M Ranch, were acquired by the Evergreen Area Council. The 440 acres were named Fire Mountain Scout Reservation by Council Scouter Bob Overstreet who, as a young man, had fought one of several fires on Cultus Mountain. Hundreds of volunteers as well as the Army Reserve, Navy Seabees, and Marine Reserves worked frantically to turn the hay fields into the beautiful 37 acre Lake Challenge, build the Dining hall, Campfire Bowl and campsites so Fire Mountain would become a reality for hundreds of Snohomish County Scouts. Over the years generous donors have financed 3 additions to the Dining Hall, the building of Salishan Lodge, and many other projects. In 1988 the Council Executive Board made a commitment to undertake a capital campaign to make Fire Mountain into a premier camping and training facility. 1988 saw the completion of a new commissary and separate meeting room addition to the Dining Hall, construction of a new bunkhouse with a lounge for the summer camp staff, the completion of two new troop campsites and, finally, the acquisition of 225 additional acres, bringing the total reservation to 665 acres. From 1990 onwards the expansion has continued with new plumbing and toilet facilities in each campsite and the opening of Cub Adventure Land to host resident camping programs for Cubs and Webelos Scouts. It featured a teepee campsite, a complete BB gun/Archery range complex, aquatics area and, its focal point, the Wild West style Fort Boeing. Fire Mountain has continued to grow and has expanded its services and program support to thousands of Scouts and adult leaders each year. Such is the demand that the whole camp is used for Scout camp with the Cub and Webelos camping run in other weeks." (Credit to http://www.firemtn.org/history/)

Fort Lewis Youth Camp near Steilacoom.

Camp Fosseen of the former Inland Empire Council. Named after former Spokane Mayor, Neal Randolph Fosseen, the original Council camp was on the slopes of Mount Spokane. When sold, the Camp was relocated to the Cowles Scout Reservation. No memorabilia is known to exist. "One patch bearing the Fosseen name was for a 1960's high adventure backpacking trek that started from that camp. The trek followed trails around Mt. Spokane and the neighboring peaks." (Quote courtesy of Dana Bonstrom). Click here for more history.

Camp Hahobas (1933-Present) of the former Mount Rainier Council and present day Pacific Harbors Council. Much of the camp property was donated by the widow of 1911 City of Tacoma Mayor W.W. (William Wolcott) Seymour. The Camp consists of 593 acres of Scouting paradise overlooking the beautiful Olympic Mountains and the Hood Canal. The camp boasts three fresh water lakes, a half-mile of saltwater beach, breathtaking views, and rustic serenity. Scouts bring and pitch their own tents in lush forested campsites and dine on the shore of Robbins Lake. Click here for more history.

Inland Empire Council Aquatic Camp / Inland Empire Council Camp (1952-1958): See Camp Cowles

Camp Jones 7.5 acres on Lake Quinault. Perhaps an earlier name for Camp Baldy or a section of the Baldy camp. This would have been in the former Twin Harbors A.C.

Camp Kelcema of the former Everett Area Council was located near Silverton on Lake Kelcema. Click here for more history.

Camp Kilworth located on Dash Point in Federal Way was an early camp of the Tacoma Area Council. The camp was opened in 1932 and was closed in 2005 by the present day Pacific Harbors Council. In 1932, Council and Rotary Eight Past-President William "Will" Kilworth and his wife August, donated 40 acres near Dash Point to the Scouts. The property was officially deeded to the Boy Scouts on February 28, 1934. Click here for more history.

Camp Kollonowski (Sp?): Joe Leister mentioned this camp to me November 2004. Camp Kollonowski was near “Home” (sp.) Washington on the Kitsap Penninsula and was owned by the former Mt. Rainier Council.

Lacey Scout Camp: Located on Hick's Lake this property was originally a Boy Scout and resort camp during the 1940's and 1950's. It was abandoned in the 1970's and had not been developed until the mid 2000's. Until recently, it still has the old cabins that were once standing, but now have fallen from abuse and abandonment. Click here for more history.

Camp Wm. Long. City of Seattle park used frequently by Scouts in early 1900's. Camporee was held here June 1944. Seattle Scout Melvin Marcus, 1939 Crescent Dr., Seattle, Wash. Troop 10 attended. His backpack was on auction November 2007.

Camp Lost Lake of the former Twin Harbors Area Council.

Camp Martin: Is the "Camp Akela" or cub-scouting side of the Cleland Scout Reservation. Camp Akela, Camp Martin and Camp Thunderbird make up the Cleland Scout Reservation.

Camp Mathews of the former Everett Area Council. In 1922, through the efforts of S.E. Bargreen, the Everett Area Council acquired a lease on 4 acres of Forest Service land on Lake Kelcema. Over the years a lodge, several Adirondacks were built and a swim beach developed. In 1941 longtime Scout Executive Capt. R.G. Mathews retired. In his honor the camp was renamed Camp Mathews. It was later changed back to Kelcema. Click here for more history.

Camp Mead of the Blue Mountain Council near Dayton. Courtesy of Paul Ash, March 3, 2008: "This is definitely in our area as it is in the Blue Mountains and close to Ski Bluewood. What’s more interesting is the website above points to the same vicinity as Camp Touchet, which was once owned by our Council. Same road, unfortunately the aerials aren’t great enough for me to see the improvements to confirm. My guess at this point is that Mead is an old name for the same camp. Also, the SE indicated that he has seen that same patch before, so I think it is safe to say that it was a camp used by our Council at some point. Will keep you posted on any more we turn up." http://www.brainygeography.com/features/WA.locale/campmead.html

Camp Meany was the Cub Scout Camp for the Seattle Area Council located on the same property as Camp Parsons. The camp was named for Edmond S. Meany (1862-1935), renown university professor, mountaineer, author and conservationist. Click here for more history.

In June 2003 on EBAY there was a sale of 100 photos from pre WW2 Cub Scout Camp Meany. Large lake with passenger boat "Carlisle 2", "Sko-ko-mish". Trail, tepees, totem poles, crafts, dozens of young cub scouts having fun.

Camp Merrill near Anacortes was listed in the 1929 PSCB. This would have been part of the Mount Saint Helens Council which existed from 1925 to 1932 near Cougar. No memorabilia is known to exist.

Camp Midas: A very early camp of the present day Inland Northwest Council (Spokane Area Council).   

North Central Washington Council Camps:

Camp Nuznupa near Milton. Was listed in the 1929 PSCB. This would have been part of the Blue Mountain Council which formed in 1923. No memorabilia is known to exist.

Camp Olympus: The Tumwater Area Council property on Summit Lake was originally named Camp Olympus after the Boys Camp that was originally located there. Later the camp was referred to as the Summit Lake Camp. The Summit Lake site was announced for the first time at the April 1941 Council Executive Board Meeting. In July 1941 the council rented the private boys camp Olympus at Summit Lake for Boy Scout summer camp. It was decided to purchase Camp Olympus from Otto C. Mauthe in October 1944. The Council paid $5000 to Mr. Mauthe in 1945 and acquired the camp. From 1942-August 1945  (World War II) the Summit Lake camp was used off and on as a base to train soldiers. At the July 17, 1949 Council Executive Board Meeting, a proposal to have a camp name contest was made. From 1950-1954 the camp was still being referred to as the "Summit Lake" site. (Most sincere "thanks" goes out to Frank Kern for trading me these patches for my collection).

Most of the Camp Olympus patches show a large peak in the background with a small lake and tent. They are square white felt with a silk screened image. The 1942 Honor Camper is a smaller, rectangle shaped patch. There is also a smaller 1945 & 1946 patches.

Camp Omache: 1957-1977. Originally called Camp "C", Omache means Land of the Big Medicine.” Camp Omache was closed in the early 2000's to be converted into a new Boy Scout Camp. The new camp, Pigott, opened in June 2003. The Chief Seattle Council's Boy Scout Camp Brinkley (next to Omache) was also converted into a full-time Cub Scout camp.

Camp Owhi: Seven miles NE of Nespelem. Used by the North Central Washington Council.

Pacific Harbors Council Camps

Pacific Harbors Outpost

Pacific Harbors Summer Camp

PHC Camps

Camp Parsons of the Seattle Area Council and present day Chief Seattle Council opened in 1919.

Circa 1924

Camp Parsons is the oldest Boy Scout camp west of the Mississippi River.

Click here for more history.

Camp Pigott: The newest Boy Scout camp of the Chief Seattle Council, Camp Pigott opened in 2003 on land once occupied by Camp Omache.

Camp Ponderosa: Named for William H. Cowles, Sr., an early Spokane pioneer and supporter of Scouting, Cowles Scout Reservation began as Camp Cowles in the early 1920's with a purchase of 80 acres of prime waterfront on Diamond Lake. It has grown to four camps: Camp Cowles, Camp Fosseen, Camp Ponderosa and Camp Sunrise, covering over 900 acres and more than a mile of waterfront. "Ponderosa and Sunrise have no buildings. They exist as descriptions of locations within the Cowles Reservation. The camps serve as sites for district or council outdoor events or short-term troop camping." (Quote courtesy of Dana Bonstrom).

Camp Potlatch: A camping area near Maple Falls used by the Mount Baker Area Council circa 1974.

Prince Creek Scout Camp: Prince Creek was named after Henry Domke's pack horse which was killed after falling off the mountain above the creek in 1886. Stories abound regarding horses slipping on the rocky slopes of Lake Chelan, territory better suited to the mountain goat. Most of the cobbles and gravels you see here were deposited by the flood of 1948 which changed the course of the creek. A Forest Service guard station, barn and campground were obliterated and washed into the lake, as were all other Forest Service campgrounds on the lake except Graham Harbor. Sand and rocks buried the dock, and soon the stream was running over it and into the lake.

Reservation X: "By the early 1950's, the summer camp program at Camp Parsons was operating at capacity, and members of the Council Camping Committee felt that additional summer camp facilities would be needed as the Scouting program continued to grow. 

In 1955, a piece of property north of Monroe was purchased. That property, 165 acres surrounding Lake Hughes, became the Cascade Scout Reservation. The Scouts who arrived at the Reservation for summer camp in 1956 found a camp that was in the process of taking shape.  For the time being it was even without an official name, and was simply "Res X"."  (Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org).

Rocking T-H Ranch or just T-H Ranch was originally known as Camp B after T. Byron Hunt, former executive of the Seattle Area Council.

"More property to the north of Camp Omache was acquired, and In 1963 the Rocking T-H Ranch opened.  The Ranch offered programs for older Scouts and Explorers, including trail rides and horsemanship programs." (Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org).

Rotary was one of the earlier camps of the Blue Mountain Council. It was operating August 1935. A camp aid book from this year references "hike to Fort Douglas-Blue Mountain work."

Scout-a-Vista of the former North Central Washington Council and current Grand Columbia Council. "Scout-A-Vista is located in the Cascade Mountains near Mission Ridge Ski Resort, about a 15-minute drive from Wenatchee, Washington. The camp has a full service dining hall, a handicapped accessible shower house, maintained campsites and a fully stocked fishing hole." (Courtesy of Council website 1/2009). Internet searches show that this area had been referred to as Scout-A-Vista as far back as 1936. Anyone out there have any early history for this Camp?

Seattle Area Council District Camps

Blue Ox Camp

"This was one of several District Camps used by the Seattle Area Council in the early 1930's.  Blue Ox Camp was located on Mercer Island.  It was used by Scouts and Cubs from Seattle for summer and overnight camping." Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org

Camp Backus

"Camp Backus was acquired from Manson and Elsie Backus in 1925. The camp was located on almost 19 acres on the west side of Mercer Island.  The camp was used mostly for troop weekend and summer camping.  In 1967 the property was sold and the proceeds were used to buy the land that Camp Brinkley is located on." Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org

Camporee or other scouting event was held here February 1944. Seattle Scout Melvin Marcus, 1939 Crescent Dr., Seattle, Wash. Troop 10 attended. His backpack was on auction November 2007.

Camp Ballinger

Listed in 1947 Seattle Area Council minutes as in constant use for week-end Troop Camps.

Camp Carver

"Camp Carver was located on the Olympic Peninsula and used primarily by the Chief Kitsap District in the 1970's. It was used until 1976, shortly after the Olympic Area Council merged with the Chief Seattle Council." Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org

Camp Frederick

"This was one of several District Camps used by the Seattle Area Council in the early 1930's. Camp Frederick was located on the Greenwater River near the Rainier National Park boundary. It was used by the Kent, Auburn, and Enumclaw Districts." Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org

Camp Freeman

"The property for Camp Freeman was donated to the Seattle Area Council in 1943 by Anna Freeman. The 57-acre camp was located on the Green River and was used primarily for training and weekend events. Only one patch is known to exist." Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org

A training area, not a Scout Camp, located near Renton.

Listed in 1947 Seattle Area Council minutes as in constant use for week-end Troop Camps.

<Images courtesy of Frank Kern

Camp Hopkins

"Located on Bainbridge Island, Camp Hopkins was dedicated on April 23, 1938. The property measured just 294' from east to west and 412' from north to south. It had one frame building used as a warehouse, and one log building on a concrete foundation that was used as a troop meeting place." Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org  Used in 1967.

Camp Kuppler

"Camp Kuppler was named after George A. Kuppler, a well-respected businessman in Port Angeles. The camp was located south of Port Angeles near Heart O' The Hills and the Olympic National Park. Land for the camp was acquired with the purchase of a 10 acre parcel from Marie Kearns, for $5 on July 17, 1939. The property was enlarged to the east on October 20, 1947, when 5 acres were bought from Claude J. Spencer and his wife Georgia Alice Spencer, for $10. Camp Kuppler was used mostly for troop camping, but the Mt. Olympus District held Klondike Derbys there, as well as a few camporees. Camp Kuppler was undeveloped; it had no parking lot, no established firepits, and no potable water.  However, some benches and one wooden latrine were built. Because of the camp's location and limited use, in 1995 the decision was made to sell the property." Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org   Camp Kuppler (not Cupler) in Clallam County is mentioned as a camping area for Scouts from the Olympic Area Council, circa 1976.

Camp Mackenzie

"This was one of several District Camps used by the Seattle Area Council in the early 1930's. Camp Mackenzie was located on Hood Canal near Holly.  It was used for summer and overnight camping." Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org

Camp Rotary

"Camp Rotary was located on Mercer Island and used by Scouts in the 1920's. It was just over 13 acres in size and was used mainly for weekend troop camping, although some districts held encampments there.  A number of lean-tos were built for shelter, and some trails branched out from the camp." Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org  Camp Rotary was sold in 1955 to help raise funds for the purchase of the Cascade Scout Reservation, home to camps Brinkley, Omache and Pigott.

Silver Peak Camp

"T.N. Haller owned a log cabin two miles southwest of Snoqualmie Pass that he let Scouts use from the 1920's through the 1940's. Troop reservations for Silver Peak Camp were made through the Seattle Area Council Headquarters, and the camp could be used on weekends at any time of the year, although it was especially popular during the winter. The cabin had bunks and mattresses for up to 30 people, a fully equipped kitchen, and a great stone fireplace." Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org

Camp Vinnedge

"This was one of several District Camps used by the Seattle Area Council in the early 1930's. Camp Vinnedge was located at Twin Cabins on the North Fork of the Snoqualmie River. It was used by the Renton, Issaquah, and Snoqualmie Valley Districts." Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org

Wildcat Lake Camp

"This was one of several District Camps used by the Seattle Area Council in the early 1930's. Wildcat Lake Camp was located on Wildcat Lake in Kitsap County. It was used by the Navy Yard District for summer and overnight camping." Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org

Camp Sekani of the former Inland Empire Council of Spokane is "located minutes from downtown Spokane near Up River Dam on teh Spokane River. During the 1920s and 1930s, Sekani was used for summer camp activities. It appears patches were issued every year from 1925 until it was closed. The last camping season is recorded on a rocker patch segment that reads "Sekani 45." For the 1964 Jamboree, and probably the 1957 and 1960 Jamborees as well, Sekani was the council's site for the jamboree shake-down camp. It is interesting to note that exists a 1941 orange felt Sekani rectangle similar to the pre-1045 Portland camp issues." (quote courtesy of Dana Bonstrom)

Click here for more history.

Camp Sevenich 193?-1971. Camp Sevenich was located at Lake Conner a few miles east of Lake Stevens, Washington. Originally designed as a lowland camp for younger Scouts, Camp Sevenich slowly became the main council camp as increased vandalism eventually closed Camp Mathews. Click here for more history.

<Scans courtesy of the Frank Kern collection

Camp Sheppard of the Chief Seattle Council is located near the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park off SR 410 Camp. Camp Sheppard is named for Harry James Sheppard. The son of an Irish immigrant, Mr. Sheppard devoted much of his life to the BSA. Mr. Sheppard rented this property for the Boy Scouts, and he, his family, and other volunteers built many of its original buildings.  Ultimately Mr. Sheppard was instrumental in getting this property donated to the Boy Scouts. The Scouts have used this property from about 1947 on. It was originally called Camp Snoquera. In 1952 the lease was transferred to the Seattle Area Council, and in 1954 it was renamed in honor of Mr. Sheppard. Finally in 1956, the original “Camp Sheppard,” sign was erected in Mr. Sheppard's honor. (Credit to Kathy Dough, Great Granddaughter of Harry James Sheppard). Click here for more history.

Camp Snoqualmie was a tract of land 3 miles East of North Bend used by various non profit groups from King County. Formerly the North Bend C.C.C. camp (note from Kevin: built 1934, ran 1935-1941, transferred to Associated Boy's Club in 1945). Camp Snoqualmie is now known as Camp Waskowitz, a 372-acre camp that was purchased in 1957 by the Highline School District (Highline has been holding nature classes there since 1946). The name is that if Fritz Waskowitz, a former member of the University of Washington football team, who lost is life as a pilot in World War II. Waskowitz is one of two remaining intact Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps in the nation. Formerly known as Camp North Bend, the buildings are of simple utilitarian wood-frame construction.

Seattle Area Council had a Snoqualmie District in 1947 according to Council Minutes. This could be that District's Camp.

 leather

Snoquera:1946-1953. In pre-Scout days, the property Camp Sheppard is located on was known as Camp Snoquera. Work camps occupied the site and in the 1890s a trail led from one of the old camps to the Starbo Mine on Mount Rainier. Camp Sheppard is situated off state Route 410 in the Mather Memorial Strip. The scenic 53-mile strip is named for Stephen Mather, the first director of the National Park Service. Name change to Camp Sheppard in 1954. (Credit to Seattle PI 5/2001).

Spanaway Lake Camp: Originally used by Scouts of the Pierce County Council which existed from 1924-1927 and then merged into the Tacoma Council in 1927, this Camp was used from 1923 to 1932.

In 1923, Rotary Eight assisted in constructing the Scout Camp at Spanaway Lake. When the Scouts were forced to move in 1932, Council and Rotary Eight Past-President Will Kilworth donated 40 acres near Dash Point to the Scouts. This became Camp Kilworth.

Spirit Lake Camp of the St. Helens Council out of Vancouver started in the teens. Later used for 25 years by the Portland Area Council/Columbia Pacific Council until it was destroyed in the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens. Click here for more history and some great color images.

On "Cloth Talk" July 2006 Todd Hatfield talks about Camp Spirit Lake which was surrounded by lush green forest at the base of Mount Saint Helens. And in doing research he found out that Camp Spirit Lake was a YMCA camp used by the Boy Scouts in 1939. Pictured below is the oldest known patch from Spirit Lake and is a jewel in Todd's personal collection. The camp was officially purchased by the Portland Area Council and opened for Boy Scout use in 1955." It was a lovely camp on the lake and in the old growth forests. This camp was only used 25 years until Mt. St. Helens eruption destroyed the camp in 1980.

<Courtesy of the Todd Hatfield collection

The Longview YMCA Camp was called "Meehan", and later, "Loowit"

The Tumwater Area Council property on Summit Lake was originally named Camp Olympus after the Boys Camp that was originally located there. Later the camp was referred to as the Summit Lake Camp. The Summit Lake site was announced for the first time at the April 1941 Council Executive Board Meeting. In July 1941 the council rented the private boys camp Olympus at Summit Lake for Boy Scout summer camp. It was decided to purchase Camp Olympus from Otto C. Mauthe in October 1944. The Council paid $5000 to Mr. Mauthe in 1945 and acquired the camp. In 1943 the Weyerhaeuser Company offered Tumwater Area Council all of Summit Lake up to the peak/crests of the hills for $5000. From 1942-August 1945  (World War II) the Summit Lake camp was used off and on as a base to train soldiers, including those for the Normandy Invasion. At the July 17, 1949 Council Executive Board Meeting, a proposal to have a camp name contest was made. From 1950-1954 the camp was still being referred to as the "Summit Lake" site.

There is also a dark green c/e variety of the patch above.

Camp Summit Lake of the Grand Columbia Council. "Summit Lake is one of the best kept secrets in the Grand Columbia Council. It is located on the Colville Indian Reservation at the summit of Disautel pass on Hyw 155 between Omak and Nespelem. The Okanogan Valley District holds its Polar Bear Camporee there the last weekend of January each year. It is not a staffed camp but may be reserved and used by Scout Troops, Posts and Crews." (Courtesy of Council website 1/2009).

Camp Sunrise: Named for William H. Cowles, Sr., an early Spokane pioneer and supporter of Scouting, Cowles Scout Reservation began as Camp Cowles in the early 1920's with a purchase of 80 acres of prime waterfront on Diamond Lake. It has grown to four camps: Camp Cowles, Camp Fosseen, Camp Ponderosa and Camp Sunrise, covering over 900 acres and more than a mile of waterfront.
 

"Ponderosa and Sunrise have no buildings. They exist as descriptions of locations within the Cowles Reservation. The camps serve as sites for district or council outdoor events or short-term troop camping." (Quote courtesy of Dana Bonstrom).

Sunrise Camp

T-H Ranch or Rocking T-H Ranch was originally known as Camp B after T. Byron Hunt, former executive of the Seattle Area Council.

"More property to the north of Camp Omache was acquired, and In 1963 the Rocking T-H Ranch opened.  The Ranch offered programs for older Scouts and Explorers, including trail rides and horsemanship programs." Credit to: http://www.seattlescouting.org

A pin also exists.

Camp Thunderbird, located 16 miles west of Olympia on the western shore of Summit Lake, is one of two camps that make up the Cleland Scout Reservation. Together with Camp Martin, they occupy over 150 acres of dense picturesque forest surrounded by the scenic Black Hills. Click here for more history and images.

Camp Touchet of the Blue Mountain Council: 1920's. Listed in 1926 PSCB. Located near Dayton.

"I picked up a program for Camp Touchet of Blue Mountain Council. Buried inside the pages was a 15th anniversary of the BSA sticker, so I suspect the camp was used in the 1920's. Unfortunately, the program did not indicate the location of the camp." (Credit to Frank Kern, January 30, 2003).

<Image courtesy of Frank Kern

"This is definitely in our area as it is in the Blue Mountains and close to Ski Bluewood. What’s more interesting is the website above points to the same vicinity as Camp Touchet, which was once owned by our Council. Same road, unfortunately the aerials aren’t great enough for me to see the improvements to confirm. My guess at this point is that Mead is an old name for the same camp. Also, the SE indicated that he has seen that same patch before, so I think it is safe to say that it was a camp used by our Council at some point. Will keep you posted on any more we turn up." http://www.brainygeography.com/features/WA.locale/campmead.html (Courtesy of Paul Ash, March 3, 2008).

Today, Camp Touchet is a beautiful camping facility owned by the Columbia Basin Baptist Association called Touchet Valley Baptist Camp. It is located half way between Dayton and Ski Bluewood. It has a rustic atmosphere which offers, a play field, hiking and water play. The Touchet River winds it's way through the property.

Camp Tyree: One of the earliest camps used by Scouts in Snohomish County. 1916-1920.

"We went up to Tyree on the Monte Cristo Lone which was on the Buchanan Farm. We had a very nice camp there; good swimming, a nice cookhouse and a good sized tent. Mr. Kelly lined it up and put Mr. I.P. Hewett in charge. Mr. Kelly was there part of the time because he was our Executive. Later I.P. became out Executive. There was a big tent for medical and a tent for each patrol. We built our frames and bunks. It worked out real well. Every morning we'd have reveille, do a little exercise, have a talk and then have breakfast. We'd do whatever they had lined up for us, hiking or scouting skills but mainly swimming. Seems to me there were about 80 boys in camp. One of the highlights was the bus, which came every day on the railroad tracks bringing mail and supplies. Camp Tyree the fire camp, was used for three or four years." (Credit to Howard Bargreen, Troop 10)

"Later called Camp 22, used from 1920-1921. Camp 22 located at Lake 22 just southeast of Verlot was owned by the YMCA. This camp was used by the Scouts of Snohomish County after Camp Tyree. Sleeping in big tents on Army cots, Scouts spent two weeks hiking the trails of the area and putting their Scouting skills to use. Formal Scouting use of Camp 22 ended with the formation of a new camp on leased Forest Service property at Lake Kelcema." 

Cub Camp Vorehead Nahcotta, WA (near Ocean Park, WA). The camp has been donated to the Scouts through the courtesy of J.A. Vorehead of Nahcota, 1931. This would have been in the former Twin Harbors A.C.

Camp Welsh listed in 1942 Region XI Camp Directory eight miles from Anacortes mentioned as a camping area for Scouts from the Mount Baker Area Council, in the early 1940's.

Camp Werner of the Olympic Area Council was located on Lake Gibbs. It was a land parcel of 270 acres, which included 45 acre Lake Gibbs. Click here for more history.

Camp Wilderness of the Tumwater Area Council.

A Wilderness Camp 1945 patch also exists in Frank Kern's collection. Can't recall what image is on it.

Camp Wilderness of the Blue Mountain Council (same design as Camp Mead patch). "This is definitely in our area as it is in the Blue Mountains and close to Ski Bluewood. What’s more interesting is the website above points to the same vicinity as Camp Touchet, which was once owned by our Council. Same road, unfortunately the aerials aren’t great enough for me to see the improvements to confirm. My guess at this point is that Mead is an old name for the same camp. Also, the SE indicated that he has seen that same patch before, so I think it is safe to say that it was a camp used by our Council at some point. Will keep you posted on any more we turn up." http://www.brainygeography.com/features/WA.locale/campmead.html (Courtesy of Paul Ash, March 3, 2008).