Embedded Files
A 7-day/6-night summer resident camping experience for both advancement and fun!
Owasippe Scout Reservation
Owasippe Scout Reservation, commonly referred to as “America’s Premier Scout Camp”, is owned and operated by the Pathway To Adventure Council, Scouting America. It began operations in 1911 and has operated continuously since that time. It sits on approximately 4800 acres, adjacent to The Manistee National Forest.
With over 110 years of experience, we have a long tradition of Scouting excellence at Owasippe that we would like to share with you. Our camps offer varied Scout programs that will enhance your Scout’s advancement. Whether you are new to Owasippe with younger Scouts, or have an established troop, we have an adventure that fits your Scout's needs.
Owasippe Scout Reservation has program opportunities available to Scouts of all ages and rank. Whether the Scout has been a member of your unit four weeks or four years, there is a fun and exciting adventure awaiting him or her at Owasippe. Prior planning is the key to taking advantage of all of the cool stuff there is to do.
While the programs at our two camps are similar, their style is decidedly different. For example, Camp Wolverine and Camp Blackhawk have a great Aquatics program but Camp Blackhawk swim and boating area is on Big Blue Lake, while Camp Wolverine does their swim program in a large swimming pool in the woods. Boating is done on Lake Wolverine. All of our aquatic programs are conducted under the watchful eyes of qualified lifeguards and instructors.
The camps offer traditional Handicraft, Scoutcraft, Shooting Sports, and Ecology-Conservation programs with some exciting twists. A wide selection of merit badges are offered that enhance Scouting skills, while building experiences that will stay with your Scouts for a lifetime.
Scouts are not confined to Blackhawk or Wolverine when looking for exciting program. Things are happening all over Owasippe Scout Reservation. Sailing, Wall Climbing, C.O.P.E., Horsemanship, Motor Boating, Mountain Biking, ATV program and many other experiences are to be had, across the Reservation.
Owasippe History
Owasippe Scout Reservation was created in 1911 as Camp White, with 40 acres of land on Crystal Lake in Whitehall, Michigan. It is the oldest continuous operating Scouting America Camp in the United States, having celebrated its’ 100th anniversary in 2011.
It all began in the summer of 1910, as a group of visionary businessmen from Chicago headed to Whitehall, Michigan to investigate the possibility of acquiring property for the purpose of building a Boy Scout Camp. The group, led by A. Stamford White, Chicago Council President, met with the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce who agreed to donate 40 acres of land on Crystal Lake, with the agreement that the Scout group would purchase an additional 80 acres.
In 1911, a group of Scouts and adult workers went to Crystal Lake, cleared campsites, dug a well and erected the first mess tent.
In 1912 the summer camp operation started in earnest with over 800 Scouts traveling by steam ship from Chicago, crossing Lake Michigan to Whitehall. They then hiked the last few miles to camp with their gear. Most of the Scouts who did attend, stayed for two weeks, enjoying the primitive facility. Over the years Scouts modes of transportation varied; coming by boat, train, bus and car, making Owasippe a favorite destination for Scout camping.
In 1915, the Camp was renamed Owasippe, possibly taken from a local Native American Indian Legend that surfaced about the same time. The legend has become ingrained in every Scout experience at Owasippe since that time.
The camp continued to expand over the years as districts in the council opened their own camp facilities. This expansion continued through the 1920s at Crystal Lake and then Big Blue Lake, several miles to the North and East. It was only natural that the land in between these two lakes would be acquired over time.
By the 1960s, the property had grown to over 11,000 acres, which included Lake Wolverine (also known as Cleveland Lake). The land acquisition had largely, connected the three lakes, creating a new Owasippe Scout Reservation. At that time, there were as many as 18,000 Boy Scouts attending each summer.
Today, Owasippe sits on almost 4800 acres, adjacent to the 540,000 acre Manistee National Forest. It still operates Camp on Big Blue Lake and Lake Wolverine. It has over 75 miles of wilderness hiking trails and many opportunities for your Scouts to create new experiences. Owasippe is now owned and operated by Pathway To Adventure Council, Scouting America
Come join us as we explore all that Owasippe has to offer and be ready to experience the adventure.
Location
Twin Lake, MI
250 miles (4-hour drive)
Save the Date
June 29 - July 05, 2025
Costs
Youth
$415 (before May 15)
$430 (after May 15)
Adults
$200
Campsite
Camp Blackhawk - Site 9
(camp map)
Google Sites
Report abuse