Fall 2024

Each Spring and Fall an annual update is sent to friends and alumni of Canyon Camp.  See below for the Fall 2024 Updates!

We dedicate this newsletter to Father Schwartz and Sam Satterlee. Two beloved staff members that are deeply missed by their loved ones and the Camp community. The next reunion (2026) will continue the tradition of honoring all lost loved ones since our last gathering together.

2024 Summer Camp Review

Lyle Novinski Remembered

Eight New Staff Members in 2024

Fall Woodcutter's Ball- October 12

This annual workday has the primary focus of preparing the camp for the winter camping season. This includes cutting, splitting, and delivering split firewood to the cabins used by Scouts throughout the winter months. Scouters are asked to bring chainsaws, splitters, and appropriate work clothes to work in the woods. (Note: Only trained operators may use chain saws). Pickup trucks and trailers are very helpful to accomplish the cabin wood project. Additionally, we will be continuing the Lookout trail improvement project and starting the winterization process for camp buildings.

Contact Lee Binkley or click here with questions or reservations:

Home phone number 608/325-5540

or email leebinkley@hotmail.com 

Seven Spirit Scholarships Awarded

At the 2024 Staff Dinner Camp Director Seth Kannarr and Assistant Director Alex Kloepping presented seven scholarships of $800.00 each to the following recipients:

• Spirit of Canyon Camp Scholarship - Cam Mickelson - Sauk Valley Community College

• Spirit of Canyon Camp Scholarship - Dylon Timmer - Morrison Institute of Technology

• Dennis W. Pratt Memorial Scholarship - Jude Shipley - Madison Area Technical College

• Lee I. Binkley Scholarship - Jack Anderson - Kishwaukee College

• Ron M. Spielman Scholarship - Troy Papke - Kishwaukee College

• Novinski Family Scholarship - Allie Broetz - Saint Ambrose University

• Father William H. Schwartz Memorial Scholarship - Logan Gallagher - UW-Baraboo 

The Troy E. Larsen Memorial, Michael E. Beeth, and Gene A. Nott scholarships did not receive a recipient this summer.

Through 2024 scholarships totaling more than $75,000 have been awarded to 195 recipients. The Spirit Scholarship Endowment Fund has grown over the years with an ultimate goal to to sustain a minimum of $150,000 in the endowment to perpetually fund Staff Scholarships at Canyon Camp for the foreseeable future.

Scholarship funding comes from staff alumni, Scouters, and Friends of Canyon Camp. Individuals making tax deductible contributions may select prints of pen and ink drawings of Canyon Camp scenes. To date, artist Elaine Bethke of Monroe has generated ten different prints:

Canyon Camp Bells

Held Nature Center

Stagecoach Trail Sign

Jamboree Cabin

The Chapel

Vickery Health Lodge

Rawleigh Headquarters Building

Hess Farmstead Barn

Founder’s Lodge

Dining Hall Historical Signs

If you are interested in supporting the Spirit Scholarship Fund contact Ron Spielman @ 608-325-6490 or spiel335@tds.net

Raise the Roof! $15,000 Matching Challenge Coming Soon for Dining Hall Roof

Progress Continues as Canyon Camp Maintains Traditional Feel While Enhancing Facilities

We are excited to announce that Canyon Camp continues to benefit from major upgrades in recent years. As part of our commitment to a tradition of excellence, the property committee is utilizing gifts to enhance facilities at Camp while ensuring the rustic feel is continued.

Projects that have begun and are progressing include a new shower house and a maintenance building to better serve our campers and staff. Additionally, we have plans in the works for a visitors bathroom and a new bathroom near the staff area and Tall Timber campsite.

Rest assured that despite these upgrades, Canyon Camp will always maintain its traditional feel and focus on outdoor adventure and skill-building.

Thank you to all who have gotten involved in so many ways: from donating to building to networking to ensure these projects continue.

Visit www.canyoncampbsa.org/alumni for additional updates.  If you have questions or recommendations, send us an e-mail at any time: program.canyon@gmail.com.