Camp Fife
Contact Information
Comments
Went+to+the+camp+last+year+%282001%29+Their+merit+badge+program+needs+improvement+and+their+management+was+poor%2e++Not+a+bad+camp+but+needs+some+work%2e%0d%0a
Fife+is+located+in+a+gorgeous+valley+in+the+Wenatchee+National+Forest%2e++It+offers+an+incredibly+diverse+program%2c+especially+for+a+camp+of+its+size%2c+including+horsemanship%2c+rifles%2c+a+fantastic+COPE+course%2c+and+the+standards+of+handicrafts%2c+nature%2c+archery%2c+and+scout%2dcraft%2e+The+staff+loves+what+it+does+and+most+Scouts+seem+to+love+their+time+there%2e+You+should+definitly+consider+Camp+Fife+for+your+troop%21+%0d%0a
My+son%27s+troop+attending+Fife+last+summer+and+the+camp+was+closed+early+due+to+an+unknown+viral+illness+that+might+have+been+food+poisoning%2e++While+I+realize+that+problems+like+this+do+occur%2c+we+have+yet+received+any+refunds+due+to+the+week+being+cut+short%2e%0d%0a
Camp+Fife+has+long+enjoyed+a+great+reputation+for+a+good+program%2c+good+facilities%2c+and+great+food%2e++However%2c+it+has+fallen+in+these+areas+the+last+couple+of+years%2e++Overall+management+has+been+unresponsive+to+leader+concerns%2e++The+advancement+program+has+been+very+poorly+run+and+staff+has+not+been+attentive+to+BSA+requirements%2e++The+camp+is+building+a+new+dining+facility+which+may+solve+some+of+the+poor+food+situation%2c+but+in+the+meantime%2c+the+food+service+has+been+poor+to+just+plain+bad%2e++The+camp+is+also+experiencing+some+water+problems+that+impact+camping%2e++Ask+questions+before+you+go%2e%0d%0a
This+was+an+outstanding+camp+for+2006%2e++A+new+dining+hall+with+a+retired+chef+as+the+cook%2c+so+the+meals+were+excellent%2e++The+heated+swimming+pool+was+a+benefit+as+the+new+shower+house+had+plenty+of+hot+water%2e+The+rifle+range+has+new+Anchluss+rifles+and+new+12+guages+for+the+skeet+shoting%2e++There+is+a+COPE+course+that+is+more+than+adequate%2e+Also+horseback+riding+at+a+reasonable+cost%2c+although+the+ride+is+quite+strenuous+with+a+lot+of+downfall+that+could+be+dangerous+if+you+fall+off+the+horse%2e+Our+wrangler+was+thrown+and+broke+his+collarbone+and+ribs+when+he+hit+a+log%2e+There+is+metal+working+that+you+will+not+find+at+other+camps+as+well+as+water+skiing+and+motor+boating%2e++The+staff+has+difinately+taken+previous+criticisms+to+heart+and+have+made+tremendous+improvements%2c+making+this+one+of+the+best+camps+I+have+ever+attended%2e%0d%0aYou+use+your+own+tents+%28which+I+prefer%29+so+you+can+keep+the+bugs+off+you+at+night+and+actually+sleep%2e+The+only+negative+is+that+due+to+its+proximity+to+Mount+Ranier%2c+there+are+frequent+thunderstorms+that+can+get+quite+exciting+and+cause+everyone+to+spend+some+time+waiting+them+out+in+the+dining+hall%2e+I+would+definately+put+this+on+a+list+of+camps+to+check+out%2e%0d%0a
Camp+Fife+has+made+some+improvements+after+suffering+a+fall%2doff+in+attendance+the+last+several+years%2e++Among+the+changes%3a+A+new+dining+hall+in+the+second+year+of+operation+%2d%2d+features+a+varied+menu+served+in+a+buffett+line+%2d%2d+no+shortages+except+for+kool+aid+drinks%3b+Improved+staffing%2c+though+short%2dhanded+this+year%2e++The+staff+is+offering+a+varied+program+to+catch+the+interests+of+all+ages+%28including+adults%29%3b+An+interesting+outpost+program%2c+including+the+usual+canoe+and+horse+outposts%2c+but+rock+climbing+and+%22gold%22+mining+too%2e++Merit+Badge+sign%2dup+was+a+mess+this+year%2c+but+should+be+improved+next+year%2e++The+camp+features+rifle+and+shotgun+programs%2c+COPE%2c+%22Firefox%22+metal%2dworking+area%2c+Horsemanship+and+the+other+usual+camp+programs+in+nature+and+handicrafts%2e++There+is+a+swimming+pool+in+camp%2e++Other+aquatics+occur+at+the+lake+three+miles+away%2c+but+the+camp+provides+transportation+to+the+lake%2e++Whitewater+was+offered+this+year%2c+but+is+not+suitable+at+this+camp+due+to+varying+water+conditions%2e++Communication+from+the+Council+Office+regarding+camp+issues+is+very+poor%2c+so+keep+track+of+your+records%2e++Overall%2c+much+better+than+2+to+4+years+ago%2e%0d%0a
The+2006+camping+season+was+a+marked+improvement+over+several+years+ago%2e++A+number+of+changes+have+occurred%2c+both+in+facilities+and+operations%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+new+dining+hall+is+open+and+the+food+is+very+good+and+plentiful%2e++Our+Scouts+were+never+hungry%2e++The+program+was+enthusiastic+and+there+did+not+seem+to+be+a+problem+with+%22give%2daway%22+merit+badges%2e++The+staff%2c+while+a+bit+short%2dhanded%2c+worked+very+hard+to+assist+boys+in+their+pursuit+of+merit+badges%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThere+were+a+few+communication+problems+and+some+minor+administrative+probelms%2e++Also%2c+an+attempt+to+pre%2dregister+for+merit+badges+fell+flat+on+its+face+resulting+in+much+confusion+at+check%2din+and+missed+opportunities+for+boys%2e++However%2c+the+camp+staff+did+make+efforts+to+get+boys+into+desired+merit+badges%2e++Some+offered+badges+cannot+be+adequately+done+at+Camp+Fife%2c+such+as+White+Water+%28due+to+varying+and+unsafe+river+flows%29%2e++Aquatics%2c+Horses%2c+Rifle+and+Shotgun%2c+COPE+and+Foxfire+%28metalworking%29+remain+popular+venues%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aYou+must+now+bring+your+own+tents%2c+something+I+do+not+care+for%2c+but+which+others+like%2e++It+seems+here+to+stay%2c+so+plan+accordingly%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aPrices+in+the+Trading+Post+are+a+bit+steep%2c+both+for+snacks+and+BSA+items+and+handicraft+kits+%2d%2d+it+is+clearly+a+profit+center%2c+so+watch+the+money+your+boys+spend%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOverall%2c+a+good+camp%2c+but+be+prepared+and+try+to+be+flexible%21%0d%0a
Overall+Grade%3a+B%2b%0d%0a%0d%0aFood%3a+A%2e++Excellent%2c+well%2dbalanced+meals+including+lasagna%2c+steak%2c+hoagies%2c+fresh+fruit+and%2for+vegetables+at+each+meal%2e++Served+cafeteria%2dstyle+in+large+dining+hall%2e++Second+portions+available%2c+and+no+one+needed+to+go+away+hungry%2e++Coffee+and+cocoa+in+the+a%2em%2e+for+adults%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aFacilities%3a+A%2e++Well%2dcared+for+camp%2e++Everything+is+compact+and+within+a+5+minute+walk+from+campsites%2e++Campsites+are+close+together%2e++Individual+stall+showers+with+plenty+of+hot+water%2e++Separate+adult+facilities%2e+Waterfront+is+3+miles+away%2c+but+there+is+a+bus%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aMedical%3a+A%2e++Slightly+short%2dstocked+for+supplies%2c+but+a+large%2c+generally+well%2dequipped+building+with+a+knowledgeable%2c+careful%2c+and+enthusiastic+medic%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aProgram+Areas%3a+Overall+grade+%3d+B%0d%0aStructured+rather+than+open+program+allowing+the+boys+to+learn+and+earn+several+badges+each%2e%0d%0a%2aFirefox+%28A%29%3a+Superb+metalworking+yard+with+professional%2dlevel+instructor%2e+%0d%0a%2aHorsemanship+%28A%29%3a+Horses+are+well+card+for+and+obviously+loved%2e++Instructor+is+a+professional%2e++Overnight+outpost+was+a+favorite+activity+for+many+Scouts%2e%0d%0a%2aRifle+and+Shotgun+%28A%29%3a+Excellently+run%2c+safety%2dfirst%2c+organized+program%2e++Scouts+got+a+lot+of+shooting+time%2e%0d%0a%2aAquatics+%28B%29%3a+Patient+and+intelligent+waterskiing+instructor%2e++All+instructors+showed+safety%2dfirst+emphasis%2e++Canoeing+and+Rowing+were+top%2dnotch%2e++Small%2dboat+sailing+was+a+little+on+the+%27easy%27+side%2e++Bring+your+wetsuit+if+you+have+it+%28Lake+temp+%7e65%29%2e++The+swimming+badge+was+marked+complete+even+for+Scouts+who+%22tried%22+rather+than+completed+the+program%2e%0d%0a%2aNature+%28B%29%3a+Program+quality+varied+widely+depending+upon+instructor%2e++Extremely+thorough%2c+well%2dtaught%2c+and+interesting+classes+taught+by+Greg+included+Bird+Study%2c+Astronomy%2c+Fish+%26+Wildlife%2c+Reptile+Study%2c+Mammal+Study+%5bA%2b+for+his+classes%5d%2e++A+lot+of+%22sit%22+time+with+other+instructors%2e%0d%0a%2aCrafts+%28B%29%3a+Art+is+usually+a+%27gimme%27+badge%2c+but+this+was+much+too+simple+to+be+of+value%2e++Basketry+had+very+good+instruction+as+did+Leatherworking%2e++Woodcarving+was+good%2c+but+also+%27easy%27%2e++Would+have+liked+for+Indian+Lore+to+be+more+intensive%2e%0d%0a%2aScoutcraft+%28C%29%3a+While+E%2dPrep+was+thorough+and+valuable%2c+Cooking+and+Pioneering+were+severely+lacking+in+quality%2e++Orienteering+was+decent%2e++Wilderness+Survival+was+okay%2c+although+Scouts+were+permitted+to+bring+sleeping+bags+on+their+overnighter+AND+sleep+with+other+Scouts%2e++First+Aid+was+glossed+over+and+a+bare+minimum+done+before+signing+the+blue+cards+as+complete%2e++Useless%2e%0d%0a%2aArchery+%28D%29%3a+Disappointing%2e++Scouts+didn%27t+even+get+to+shoot+until+the+3rd+day%2c+then+were+limited+to+4+or+5+arrows+before+moving+out%2e++Qualifying+scores+were+extrapolated+from+single+rounds+rather+than+actual+scores%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aCost%3a+Many+of+the+badges+have+extra+costs+associated+with+them%2e++This+is+a+good+thing+%2d+Scouts+who+are+doing+Nature+and+Scoutcraft+badges+shouldn%27t+be+shouldering+the+financial+cost+for+Horseback+riding+and+waterskiing%2e++Overall+cost+was+reasonable+%28not+inexpensive%2c+but+reasonable%29%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOther+comments%3a+The+weather+was+a+gorgeous+75%2d85+all+week%2e++High+altitude%2c+so+if+you+have+marginal+swimmers%2c+they+should+swim+last+to+have+a+chance+to+acclimate+some%2e++Camp+Director+made+himself+available+to+everyone%2c+was+very+personable%2c+and+open+to+suggestions%2e++The+majority+of+staff+members+were+great%2c+and+really+seemed+to+care+about+the+boys%2e%0d%0a
Camp+grade+overall+was+a+C%2d%2e+We+just+returned+from+attending+the+last+week%2c+July+27%2dAugust+2%2c+2008%2e+%0d%0aFood+was+barely+edible%2c+and+the+chow+hall+ran+out+of+milk+for+two+days%2c+served+honey+with+pancakes+as+they+also+ran+out+of+syrup%2c+ran+out+of+ketchup%2c+and+served+moldy+cantaloupe%2e+We+ended+up+making+a+run+to+town+to+buy+food+for+our+Scouts%2c+and+boycotted+the+meals+for+three+meals%2e+The+last+meal+was+not+bagels+and+cream+cheese%2c+but+hot+dog%2fhamburger+buns+with+cream+cheese%2e+GRADE%3a+F%0d%0a%0d%0aWaterfront+was+not+staffed+according+to+BSA+standards%2e+Lifeguards+were+under+18%2c+and+capsized+sailing+students+were+left+in+the+water+for+upwards+of+15%2d20+minutes%2c+as+it+took+that+long+for+the+instructors+to+get+to+them%2e+GRADE%3a+D+%0d%0a%0d%0aRifle+shooting+safety+standards+were+very+lax%2e+A+Scout+with+no+safety+gear+was+able+to+sit+down+and+shoot+a+%22protected%22+squirrel%2c+as+the+staff+was+busy+telling+stories+and+not+monitoring+the+shooters%2e+GRADE%3a+D%2d%0d%0a%0d%0aMedic+was+great+as+were+several+climbing%2c+nature%2c+metalworking%2c+horsemanship+and+Scoutcraft+instructors%2e+They+did+a+great+job%2e+GRADE%3a+A%2b%0d%0a%0d%0aStaff+were+spotty%2c+as+several+had+no+uniforms%2e+Several+of+the+staff+youth+walked+around+all+week+in+fedoras+and+trench+coats%2c+while+others+wore+headbands%2e+GRADE%3a+D%2d%0d%0a%0d%0aFacilities+were+excellent%2e+Camp+is+well+maintained+by+the+Camp+Ranger+%28Ranger+Don%29%2c+and+sits+in+a+beautiful+valley%2e+It+was+cold+and+rainy+all+week%2c+with+only+one+day+sunny%2e+Most+nights+were+around+38%2d42+degrees%2e+GRADE%3a+B%0d%0a%0d%0aCamp+director+was+uninspiring%2e+When+he+asked+for+comments+at+the+Scoutmaster+meeting%2c+he+cut+off+all+complaints+and+suggestions+for+making+things+better%2e+His+children+%284+years+and+18+months%29+were+given+free+run+of+the+camp%2e+The+oldest+was+dubbed+%28by+staff%29+the+%22devil+child%22%2e+GRADE%3a+F%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+Program+director+was+out+of+her+league%2e+She+was+nice%2c+but+completely+overwhelmed+by+the+shoddy+operation+of+a+camp+that+has+fallen+from+the+ranks+of+the+great%2e+GRADE%3a+C%0d%0a%0d%0aTwo+years+ago%2c+this+was+the+best+camp+our+Scouts+had+attended%2c+and+they+could+not+wait+to+go+back%2e+After+this+week%2c+they+all+said+we+would+never+go+back%2e+That+was+the+same+feelings+of+our+Scoutmaster+leaders%2e%0d%0a
A+heated+pool%2c+a+dining+hall+where+a+chef+cooks+for+you%2c+motor+boats+and+a+store%2e++This+isn%27t+a+Scout+Camp%2c+it%27s+a+resort%2e++At+least+they+make+you+pitch+your+own+tent+here+%28many+Washington+Scout+camps+have+tents+pitched+and+ready+for+you%29%2e++Without+having+to+cook+and+setup+camp%2c+I%27m+told%2c+the+boys+have+more+time+to+work+on+merit+badges%2e%2e%2elike%2c+um%2c+the+Cooking+and+Camping+merit+badges%2e+How+sad+that+boys+can%27t+actually+camp+at+Scout+Camp+anymore%2e++%0d%0a
Post a Comment
Comments
Went+to+the+camp+last+year+%282001%29+Their+merit+badge+program+needs+improvement+and+their+management+was+poor%2e++Not+a+bad+camp+but+needs+some+work%2e%0d%0a
Fife+is+located+in+a+gorgeous+valley+in+the+Wenatchee+National+Forest%2e++It+offers+an+incredibly+diverse+program%2c+especially+for+a+camp+of+its+size%2c+including+horsemanship%2c+rifles%2c+a+fantastic+COPE+course%2c+and+the+standards+of+handicrafts%2c+nature%2c+archery%2c+and+scout%2dcraft%2e+The+staff+loves+what+it+does+and+most+Scouts+seem+to+love+their+time+there%2e+You+should+definitly+consider+Camp+Fife+for+your+troop%21+%0d%0a
My+son%27s+troop+attending+Fife+last+summer+and+the+camp+was+closed+early+due+to+an+unknown+viral+illness+that+might+have+been+food+poisoning%2e++While+I+realize+that+problems+like+this+do+occur%2c+we+have+yet+received+any+refunds+due+to+the+week+being+cut+short%2e%0d%0a
Camp+Fife+has+long+enjoyed+a+great+reputation+for+a+good+program%2c+good+facilities%2c+and+great+food%2e++However%2c+it+has+fallen+in+these+areas+the+last+couple+of+years%2e++Overall+management+has+been+unresponsive+to+leader+concerns%2e++The+advancement+program+has+been+very+poorly+run+and+staff+has+not+been+attentive+to+BSA+requirements%2e++The+camp+is+building+a+new+dining+facility+which+may+solve+some+of+the+poor+food+situation%2c+but+in+the+meantime%2c+the+food+service+has+been+poor+to+just+plain+bad%2e++The+camp+is+also+experiencing+some+water+problems+that+impact+camping%2e++Ask+questions+before+you+go%2e%0d%0a
This+was+an+outstanding+camp+for+2006%2e++A+new+dining+hall+with+a+retired+chef+as+the+cook%2c+so+the+meals+were+excellent%2e++The+heated+swimming+pool+was+a+benefit+as+the+new+shower+house+had+plenty+of+hot+water%2e+The+rifle+range+has+new+Anchluss+rifles+and+new+12+guages+for+the+skeet+shoting%2e++There+is+a+COPE+course+that+is+more+than+adequate%2e+Also+horseback+riding+at+a+reasonable+cost%2c+although+the+ride+is+quite+strenuous+with+a+lot+of+downfall+that+could+be+dangerous+if+you+fall+off+the+horse%2e+Our+wrangler+was+thrown+and+broke+his+collarbone+and+ribs+when+he+hit+a+log%2e+There+is+metal+working+that+you+will+not+find+at+other+camps+as+well+as+water+skiing+and+motor+boating%2e++The+staff+has+difinately+taken+previous+criticisms+to+heart+and+have+made+tremendous+improvements%2c+making+this+one+of+the+best+camps+I+have+ever+attended%2e%0d%0aYou+use+your+own+tents+%28which+I+prefer%29+so+you+can+keep+the+bugs+off+you+at+night+and+actually+sleep%2e+The+only+negative+is+that+due+to+its+proximity+to+Mount+Ranier%2c+there+are+frequent+thunderstorms+that+can+get+quite+exciting+and+cause+everyone+to+spend+some+time+waiting+them+out+in+the+dining+hall%2e+I+would+definately+put+this+on+a+list+of+camps+to+check+out%2e%0d%0a
Camp+Fife+has+made+some+improvements+after+suffering+a+fall%2doff+in+attendance+the+last+several+years%2e++Among+the+changes%3a+A+new+dining+hall+in+the+second+year+of+operation+%2d%2d+features+a+varied+menu+served+in+a+buffett+line+%2d%2d+no+shortages+except+for+kool+aid+drinks%3b+Improved+staffing%2c+though+short%2dhanded+this+year%2e++The+staff+is+offering+a+varied+program+to+catch+the+interests+of+all+ages+%28including+adults%29%3b+An+interesting+outpost+program%2c+including+the+usual+canoe+and+horse+outposts%2c+but+rock+climbing+and+%22gold%22+mining+too%2e++Merit+Badge+sign%2dup+was+a+mess+this+year%2c+but+should+be+improved+next+year%2e++The+camp+features+rifle+and+shotgun+programs%2c+COPE%2c+%22Firefox%22+metal%2dworking+area%2c+Horsemanship+and+the+other+usual+camp+programs+in+nature+and+handicrafts%2e++There+is+a+swimming+pool+in+camp%2e++Other+aquatics+occur+at+the+lake+three+miles+away%2c+but+the+camp+provides+transportation+to+the+lake%2e++Whitewater+was+offered+this+year%2c+but+is+not+suitable+at+this+camp+due+to+varying+water+conditions%2e++Communication+from+the+Council+Office+regarding+camp+issues+is+very+poor%2c+so+keep+track+of+your+records%2e++Overall%2c+much+better+than+2+to+4+years+ago%2e%0d%0a
The+2006+camping+season+was+a+marked+improvement+over+several+years+ago%2e++A+number+of+changes+have+occurred%2c+both+in+facilities+and+operations%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+new+dining+hall+is+open+and+the+food+is+very+good+and+plentiful%2e++Our+Scouts+were+never+hungry%2e++The+program+was+enthusiastic+and+there+did+not+seem+to+be+a+problem+with+%22give%2daway%22+merit+badges%2e++The+staff%2c+while+a+bit+short%2dhanded%2c+worked+very+hard+to+assist+boys+in+their+pursuit+of+merit+badges%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aThere+were+a+few+communication+problems+and+some+minor+administrative+probelms%2e++Also%2c+an+attempt+to+pre%2dregister+for+merit+badges+fell+flat+on+its+face+resulting+in+much+confusion+at+check%2din+and+missed+opportunities+for+boys%2e++However%2c+the+camp+staff+did+make+efforts+to+get+boys+into+desired+merit+badges%2e++Some+offered+badges+cannot+be+adequately+done+at+Camp+Fife%2c+such+as+White+Water+%28due+to+varying+and+unsafe+river+flows%29%2e++Aquatics%2c+Horses%2c+Rifle+and+Shotgun%2c+COPE+and+Foxfire+%28metalworking%29+remain+popular+venues%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aYou+must+now+bring+your+own+tents%2c+something+I+do+not+care+for%2c+but+which+others+like%2e++It+seems+here+to+stay%2c+so+plan+accordingly%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aPrices+in+the+Trading+Post+are+a+bit+steep%2c+both+for+snacks+and+BSA+items+and+handicraft+kits+%2d%2d+it+is+clearly+a+profit+center%2c+so+watch+the+money+your+boys+spend%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOverall%2c+a+good+camp%2c+but+be+prepared+and+try+to+be+flexible%21%0d%0a
Overall+Grade%3a+B%2b%0d%0a%0d%0aFood%3a+A%2e++Excellent%2c+well%2dbalanced+meals+including+lasagna%2c+steak%2c+hoagies%2c+fresh+fruit+and%2for+vegetables+at+each+meal%2e++Served+cafeteria%2dstyle+in+large+dining+hall%2e++Second+portions+available%2c+and+no+one+needed+to+go+away+hungry%2e++Coffee+and+cocoa+in+the+a%2em%2e+for+adults%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aFacilities%3a+A%2e++Well%2dcared+for+camp%2e++Everything+is+compact+and+within+a+5+minute+walk+from+campsites%2e++Campsites+are+close+together%2e++Individual+stall+showers+with+plenty+of+hot+water%2e++Separate+adult+facilities%2e+Waterfront+is+3+miles+away%2c+but+there+is+a+bus%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aMedical%3a+A%2e++Slightly+short%2dstocked+for+supplies%2c+but+a+large%2c+generally+well%2dequipped+building+with+a+knowledgeable%2c+careful%2c+and+enthusiastic+medic%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aProgram+Areas%3a+Overall+grade+%3d+B%0d%0aStructured+rather+than+open+program+allowing+the+boys+to+learn+and+earn+several+badges+each%2e%0d%0a%2aFirefox+%28A%29%3a+Superb+metalworking+yard+with+professional%2dlevel+instructor%2e+%0d%0a%2aHorsemanship+%28A%29%3a+Horses+are+well+card+for+and+obviously+loved%2e++Instructor+is+a+professional%2e++Overnight+outpost+was+a+favorite+activity+for+many+Scouts%2e%0d%0a%2aRifle+and+Shotgun+%28A%29%3a+Excellently+run%2c+safety%2dfirst%2c+organized+program%2e++Scouts+got+a+lot+of+shooting+time%2e%0d%0a%2aAquatics+%28B%29%3a+Patient+and+intelligent+waterskiing+instructor%2e++All+instructors+showed+safety%2dfirst+emphasis%2e++Canoeing+and+Rowing+were+top%2dnotch%2e++Small%2dboat+sailing+was+a+little+on+the+%27easy%27+side%2e++Bring+your+wetsuit+if+you+have+it+%28Lake+temp+%7e65%29%2e++The+swimming+badge+was+marked+complete+even+for+Scouts+who+%22tried%22+rather+than+completed+the+program%2e%0d%0a%2aNature+%28B%29%3a+Program+quality+varied+widely+depending+upon+instructor%2e++Extremely+thorough%2c+well%2dtaught%2c+and+interesting+classes+taught+by+Greg+included+Bird+Study%2c+Astronomy%2c+Fish+%26+Wildlife%2c+Reptile+Study%2c+Mammal+Study+%5bA%2b+for+his+classes%5d%2e++A+lot+of+%22sit%22+time+with+other+instructors%2e%0d%0a%2aCrafts+%28B%29%3a+Art+is+usually+a+%27gimme%27+badge%2c+but+this+was+much+too+simple+to+be+of+value%2e++Basketry+had+very+good+instruction+as+did+Leatherworking%2e++Woodcarving+was+good%2c+but+also+%27easy%27%2e++Would+have+liked+for+Indian+Lore+to+be+more+intensive%2e%0d%0a%2aScoutcraft+%28C%29%3a+While+E%2dPrep+was+thorough+and+valuable%2c+Cooking+and+Pioneering+were+severely+lacking+in+quality%2e++Orienteering+was+decent%2e++Wilderness+Survival+was+okay%2c+although+Scouts+were+permitted+to+bring+sleeping+bags+on+their+overnighter+AND+sleep+with+other+Scouts%2e++First+Aid+was+glossed+over+and+a+bare+minimum+done+before+signing+the+blue+cards+as+complete%2e++Useless%2e%0d%0a%2aArchery+%28D%29%3a+Disappointing%2e++Scouts+didn%27t+even+get+to+shoot+until+the+3rd+day%2c+then+were+limited+to+4+or+5+arrows+before+moving+out%2e++Qualifying+scores+were+extrapolated+from+single+rounds+rather+than+actual+scores%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aCost%3a+Many+of+the+badges+have+extra+costs+associated+with+them%2e++This+is+a+good+thing+%2d+Scouts+who+are+doing+Nature+and+Scoutcraft+badges+shouldn%27t+be+shouldering+the+financial+cost+for+Horseback+riding+and+waterskiing%2e++Overall+cost+was+reasonable+%28not+inexpensive%2c+but+reasonable%29%2e%0d%0a%0d%0aOther+comments%3a+The+weather+was+a+gorgeous+75%2d85+all+week%2e++High+altitude%2c+so+if+you+have+marginal+swimmers%2c+they+should+swim+last+to+have+a+chance+to+acclimate+some%2e++Camp+Director+made+himself+available+to+everyone%2c+was+very+personable%2c+and+open+to+suggestions%2e++The+majority+of+staff+members+were+great%2c+and+really+seemed+to+care+about+the+boys%2e%0d%0a
Camp+grade+overall+was+a+C%2d%2e+We+just+returned+from+attending+the+last+week%2c+July+27%2dAugust+2%2c+2008%2e+%0d%0aFood+was+barely+edible%2c+and+the+chow+hall+ran+out+of+milk+for+two+days%2c+served+honey+with+pancakes+as+they+also+ran+out+of+syrup%2c+ran+out+of+ketchup%2c+and+served+moldy+cantaloupe%2e+We+ended+up+making+a+run+to+town+to+buy+food+for+our+Scouts%2c+and+boycotted+the+meals+for+three+meals%2e+The+last+meal+was+not+bagels+and+cream+cheese%2c+but+hot+dog%2fhamburger+buns+with+cream+cheese%2e+GRADE%3a+F%0d%0a%0d%0aWaterfront+was+not+staffed+according+to+BSA+standards%2e+Lifeguards+were+under+18%2c+and+capsized+sailing+students+were+left+in+the+water+for+upwards+of+15%2d20+minutes%2c+as+it+took+that+long+for+the+instructors+to+get+to+them%2e+GRADE%3a+D+%0d%0a%0d%0aRifle+shooting+safety+standards+were+very+lax%2e+A+Scout+with+no+safety+gear+was+able+to+sit+down+and+shoot+a+%22protected%22+squirrel%2c+as+the+staff+was+busy+telling+stories+and+not+monitoring+the+shooters%2e+GRADE%3a+D%2d%0d%0a%0d%0aMedic+was+great+as+were+several+climbing%2c+nature%2c+metalworking%2c+horsemanship+and+Scoutcraft+instructors%2e+They+did+a+great+job%2e+GRADE%3a+A%2b%0d%0a%0d%0aStaff+were+spotty%2c+as+several+had+no+uniforms%2e+Several+of+the+staff+youth+walked+around+all+week+in+fedoras+and+trench+coats%2c+while+others+wore+headbands%2e+GRADE%3a+D%2d%0d%0a%0d%0aFacilities+were+excellent%2e+Camp+is+well+maintained+by+the+Camp+Ranger+%28Ranger+Don%29%2c+and+sits+in+a+beautiful+valley%2e+It+was+cold+and+rainy+all+week%2c+with+only+one+day+sunny%2e+Most+nights+were+around+38%2d42+degrees%2e+GRADE%3a+B%0d%0a%0d%0aCamp+director+was+uninspiring%2e+When+he+asked+for+comments+at+the+Scoutmaster+meeting%2c+he+cut+off+all+complaints+and+suggestions+for+making+things+better%2e+His+children+%284+years+and+18+months%29+were+given+free+run+of+the+camp%2e+The+oldest+was+dubbed+%28by+staff%29+the+%22devil+child%22%2e+GRADE%3a+F%0d%0a%0d%0aThe+Program+director+was+out+of+her+league%2e+She+was+nice%2c+but+completely+overwhelmed+by+the+shoddy+operation+of+a+camp+that+has+fallen+from+the+ranks+of+the+great%2e+GRADE%3a+C%0d%0a%0d%0aTwo+years+ago%2c+this+was+the+best+camp+our+Scouts+had+attended%2c+and+they+could+not+wait+to+go+back%2e+After+this+week%2c+they+all+said+we+would+never+go+back%2e+That+was+the+same+feelings+of+our+Scoutmaster+leaders%2e%0d%0a
A+heated+pool%2c+a+dining+hall+where+a+chef+cooks+for+you%2c+motor+boats+and+a+store%2e++This+isn%27t+a+Scout+Camp%2c+it%27s+a+resort%2e++At+least+they+make+you+pitch+your+own+tent+here+%28many+Washington+Scout+camps+have+tents+pitched+and+ready+for+you%29%2e++Without+having+to+cook+and+setup+camp%2c+I%27m+told%2c+the+boys+have+more+time+to+work+on+merit+badges%2e%2e%2elike%2c+um%2c+the+Cooking+and+Camping+merit+badges%2e+How+sad+that+boys+can%27t+actually+camp+at+Scout+Camp+anymore%2e++%0d%0a