Summer Camp

Summer camp is without a doubt the Troop’s single most important event each year as it is our only long term camping activity in which every Scout can participate. Summer camp gives each Scout an opportunity to fully experience everything that Scouting’s outdoor program has to offer and provides the Troop an excellent opportunity to bond into a cohesive unit. For many Scouts, a large portion of their skill development and rank advancement during the year is accomplished at summer camp.

New Scouts and Summer Camp

It is especially critical that 1st year Scouts attend summer camp. Studies have shown (and experience has borne out) that if a new Scout does not attend Summer Camp they are ten times more likely to drop out of Scouting within their first year of joining than those that do attend camp. A major reason is that by attending camp they complete a large portion of their requirements for the Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class rank advancements. Those that don’t attend fall behind their peers, and feel left out.

While at Camp

Every Scout registers for activities so that the entire time available to her is fully booked. While the specific activities available at summer camp will vary from year-to-year and camp-to-camp, in general everyone participates in a combination of merit badge classes and a variety of other activities offered just for fun. Some of these fun activities can include swimming, archery, rifle and shotgun shooting, rock climbing, mountain biking, and so on. Swimming is a major activity at every summer camp. There are a variety of swimming programs available ranging from lessons for non-swimmers to BSA Lifeguard and the Mile Swim. Everyone (except the non-swimmers) participates in a “swim check” the first day of camp. Non-swimmers are enrolled in a special class to develop their swimming skills.

Costs

Summer camp registration fees range from around $500 to $750 per week, depending on the camp, plus bus transportation fees, bringing the usual cost of camp to ~$900. Payment is due well in advance. For those Scouts under financial hardship who have difficulty affording the registration fees, Campership awards are available. Contact the Troop Committee Chairp for details. Please note that some of the merit badge courses and other activities do require additional costs ranging from a few dollars to $30 or more. Otherwise, experience has shown that $25 in spending money amply covers a Scout’s needs for the week.

Troop 5749 has attended Camp Parsons, Easton, Piggot, and Fire Mountain, with more to come in the future.

SUMMER CAMP FAQ

My Scout wants to attend camp, however we are worried we cannot afford it. What are our options?

If you have financial hardship and have not had the opportunity to participate in fundraising or earn Scout Shares, there are scout scholarships available. Download the Financial Aid Application and follow the instructions for consideration.

I think my scout has some Scout Shares. How do I use them to help pay for Summer Camp?

We prefer that Scout Shares are used over other payments, if that is an option for your scout. Please contact our Treasurer at derektiplin@gmail.com to inquire about your scout’s current Scout Shares balance.

When using Scout Shares to pay for Summer Camp, please know the exact amount of shares that you have/will be using when making your payment. After selecting the “Summer Camp – Scouts” store item in the Troop Shop, please select the “Camp Fee – Scout Shares” drop-down option before adding the item to your cart. Please enter the balance owed (if any) after subtracting your Scout Shares balance from the camp fee. Once at Check Out, please make a note of how many Scout Shares were used in the “Additional Info” section. Then you can proceed with paying the balance (if needed) using your preferred form of payment.

I would like to pay for camp with a personal check. How do I pay this way?

Troop 571 manages payment for camp for Troop 5749. Please write checks to BSA Troop 571. Please write a note in the memo line to include name(s) of Scout(s) and what the payment was for. 

Please mail checks to:
Troop 571 Treasurer
1955 213th Ct SE 
Sammamish, WA 98075

Important: If you check out with Personal Check as your payment method on the Troop Shop you must mail in your check within a few days after checkout to ensure you keep your spot. We will not hold spots for unpaid Scouts.

If we sign up and then need to cancel, can we get a refund?

After March 1st, refunds can only be given if the spot can be filled by another scout.

What is the total cost of summer camp this year?

Summer Camp 2024 will cost $938 per scout. This fee includes bus transportation to and from camp leaving from Sammamish, the Camp fee, and lunch on the way home.

My Scout is currently 10 years old, can we sign them up for camp?

10-year-olds can sign up, as long as the scout is (or planning to be) a registered member of Troop 5749 and has completed fifth grade prior to camp.