High Ropes at Sunrise

Archery in the Canyon

Climbing Adventures at Canyon Camp

High Ropes at Sunrise

1/12

CANYON CAMP

Where the Scout Handbook Comes ALIVE!

Serving Scouts in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, the Midwest, and Beyond

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime at one of Scouting America's premier summer camps! Register today.

PROGRAM AREAS

Check out the 3 specialty programs and 55+ merit badges across more than ten areas of camp.

PROGRAM

CAMP STAFF

Learn more about our elite group of men and women that are fueled by The Spirit of Canyon Camp!

APPLY NOW

NEWS AND UPDATES

Stay up to date with Canyon Camp News and Updates. Be the first to know about new programs and enhancements.

UPDATES

Learn more about our summer program here

Video: Click here to watch full video and learn more about Canyon Camp

camp news and updates

Unveiling the Generosity: How the Moss Family and Friedrichs Family Opened New Possibilities for Canyon Camp

Woodcutters' Ball: October 12, 2024

Summer Camp 2024: Honoring Legacy and Looking Forward

Plan your adventure

Canyon Camp 2022-08654

Canyon Camp 2022-08519

Family

Canyon Camp 2022-08654

1/33

At Canyon Camp, we're all about turning the beautiful Apple River Canyon into a location for adventure, fun, and scouting. Take a look at the merit badges and other programs we offer throughout the week and plan your Canyon Camp Experience! Be sure to reserve your spot this summer before your preferred week fills.

PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE NOW

Questions? Conctact Us

Join Canyon Camp social networks to get a feel for the Spirit of Canyon Camp and to stay up to date on what's happening

Throwback Thursday! Can you name this historic Canyon Camp building?

To celebrate President's Day we would like to give a shoutout to our own "commander in chief". The Camp Director has many roles to fulfill: organizing staff, communicating with unit leaders, camp accreditation, and more.

This summer Seth Kannarr is returning as our Camp Director, so if you see him around camp make sure to say hi and if you need anything ask for help.

Pictured: Seth Kannarr in various environments:

#presidentsday #findyourselfatcanyoncamp #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #canyoncamp2025 #bsasumercamp

This summer we will have a new vision for the evening program at Canyon Camp on Wednesdays during Family and Visitors' Night.

Camp leadership is working hard to provide the best possible experience for all our Scouts, Leaders, and visitors this summer while following all policies and guidelines provided by the Blackhawk Area Council of Scouting America.

More information will be shared in the coming months - stay tuned! We look forward to seeing you this summer.

Check out the full update here:
https://shorturl.at/dcClD

We have the privilege of hosting one of these awesome training events for the Iowa Challenge Training Consortium. Get ready to shout "climb on" as you rise to the challenges that are operating COPE and climbing equipment.

This is a great opportunity for anyone who would like to know more about how our COPE equipment operates and how to run it or for someone who enjoys the thrills and chills of high "flying" challenges. For more information or to register follow the link below:

https://scoutingevent.com/177-COPE_CLIMB2025

#ClimbOn #ReachNewHeights #CanyonCamp2025

You know what they say measure twice and cut once, here at Canyon Camp we apply that phrase by planning an amazing program and hiring a great staff in order to provide the best program we can for you.

With a legacy of programs and staff that have served the Scouts that pass through our front gate we are well equipped to be your troop's summer camp experience or your Webelos/AOL weekend getaway.

What questions do you have about our program let us know? We want to hear how best we can serve you.
https://www.canyoncampbsa.org

#BSASumercamp #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #orderofthearrow #summercamp2025 #CanyonCamp2025 #oa #CanyonCamp #BSA #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #SummerCamp #ScoutingAdventure #TheSpiritThrivesin25 #eaglescouts #eaglescout #SummerCamp2025 #Webelosweekend #horse

While it may not get the same media coverage as the Super Bowl, our human foosball tournament is a staple of the camp wide area games. Troops battle it out in the arena to see who will win and be crowned the foosball champions.

While we don't have a Jumbotron (yet), we do have spirit. Does your troop have what it takes to bring home the gold? Can you battle to the top of the bracket? Do you just want to have fun?
Check out our summer camp page below to register:
https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/summer-camp

#eaglescout #BSASumercamp #SummerCamp2025 #oa #ScoutingAdventure #summercamp2025 #orderofthearrow #CanyonCamp #horse #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #BSA #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #CanyonCamp2025 #SummerCamp #TheSpiritThrivesin25 #Webelosweekend #eaglescouts

We've been talking a lot about our Scouting America program recently, but if you feel left out don't worry we have our Webelos Weekend! Registration will open soon.

Webelos Scouts get the opportunity to build, play, swim, climb, and more! It is an action packed weekend that is bound to be a memory for years to come.

This is a fun filled weekend for Webelos Scouts to also advance in the Webelos rank and have tons of crazy activities while doing it. Stay tuned for the theme to come and the opening of registration.

#eaglescouts #SummerCamp2025 #BSA #orderofthearrow #BSASumercamp #SummerCamp #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #TheSpiritThrivesin25 #eaglescout #CanyonCamp #ScoutingAdventure #oa #summercamp2025 #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #Webelosweekend #CanyonCamp2025

Did you hear that Canyon Camp has 5 weeks of traditional Scouting summer camp? Do you have a preferred week you like to go to summer camp?

Every week is its own adventure with different troops in camp and different activities. Register soon to get your preferred week.

https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/summer-camp

#BSASumercamp #eaglescouts #summercamp2025 #BSA #SummerCamp2025 #oa #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #orderofthearrow #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #ScoutingAdventure #Webelosweekend #TheSpiritThrivesin25 #SummerCamp #eaglescout #CanyonCamp2025 #CanyonCamp

Is there anything better than having a flag ceremony before breakfast? What about before breakfast and dinner?!

Here at Canyon Camp we celebrate and close the day with a flag raising and lowering, respectively. Scouts from each troop get the opportunity to not only participate on the sideline, but be the color guard crew themselves!

If you're worried about your Scouting abilities and participating in flag ceremonies have no fear the first session of our Canyon Ranger (First Class) program is all about flags ceremonies and etiquette.

To find out more about our summer program or to register check out the link below:
https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/summer-camp

#SummerCamp2025 #SummerCamp #CanyonCamp #eaglescout #TheSpiritThrivesin25 #BSASumercamp #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #Webelosweekend #BSA #ScoutingAdventure #eaglescouts #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #orderofthearrow #oa #CanyonCamp2025 #summercamp2025

Who is missing the green canvas tents right now? When you come and experience the Canyon Camp summer program you have the option of either staying in one of our luxurious canvas tents or requesting a site to set up your own tents in!

Don't worry there is more to camp than canvas and tents, we have programs for all skill levels and interests. Scouts new and old will have a fresh experience at Canyon Camp with the same great quality and service that we have become known for.

What will your adventure be?

To find out more about summer programs or to register check out the link below:
https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/summer-camp

#SummerCamp2025 #ScoutingAdventure #CanyonCamp #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #CanyonCamp2025 #BSASumercamp #summercamp2025 #eaglescouts #orderofthearrow #Webelosweekend #SummerCamp #BSA #eaglescout #oa #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #TheSpiritThrivesin25

Did you take the opportunity last summer to learn how to be a modern day cowboy/girl? If you didn't horsemanship merit badge is making a return to Canyon Camp's roster and it is a blast!

If horses aren't your thing, don't worry we have plenty of other fun activities at Canyon Camp. Take the reins (literal or figurative) to your own Canyon Camp Adventure!

#TheSpiritThrivesin25

For more information on Canyon Camp's programs check out the link below:
https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/summer-camp

#SummerCamp #SummerCamp2025 #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #ScoutingAdventure #orderofthearrow #oa #CanyonCamp2025 #eaglescouts #BSA #BSASumercamp #CanyonCamp #eaglescout #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #Webelosweekend #summercamp2025 #horse

Is your New Years Resolution to be outside more? Well, come spend the week at Canyon Camp this summer!

We offer a traditional weeklong summer camp experience for the Scouting program throughout the summer and cap it off with a Cub Scout Weekend. If you need motivation to get outside this summer register for Canyon Camp today to get your preferred week.

Canyon Camp is a historic Scout camp in the drift less region of Northwestern Illinois and has been a home to Scouting in the area since 1936! From climbing to shooting sports to aquatics and more there is plenty of reason to Find Yourself at Canyon Camp in 2025.

For more information or to register:
https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/register

#CanyonCamp #summercamp2025 #oa #BSASumercamp #CanyonCamp2025 #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #SummerCamp2025 #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #SummerCamp #BSA #ScoutingAdventure #newyear #eaglescout #Webelosweekend #orderofthearrow #eaglescouts

Congratulations to four-time Canyon Camp Staff member Nicholas Welty for being honored with the Founder’s Award at the Wulapeju Lodge Winter Banquet last night!

Nicholas has served as Lodge Chief for the last two years, setting a positive example of cheerful service for all Lodge members. He also has served as the OA Summer Chief at Canyon Camp, ensuring that Ordeal candidates have a meaningful Ordeal experience during their week on the banks of Coon Creek.

Canyon Camp has a rich history with the Order of the Arrow, and we are very proud of this enduring history and of individuals like Nicholas who ensuring that cheerful service remains part of the Spirit of Canyon Camp.

Share your congratulations with Nicholas for this worthy honor!

Photo Credit: Pam Conley

#CanyonCamp #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #CanyonCamp2025 #SummerCamp #BSASumercamp #summercamp2025 #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #SummerCamp2025 #oa

As we wrap up 2024 we want to remember all of the fun we had this past year: horsemanship merit badge, crazy creatures, off season camping, and much more!

Thank you for making 2024 awesome; we have much to look forward to as we go into 2025: a new camp leader, a new shower house, and the same great programs. As we've been saying the Spirit Thrives in '25!

Happy New Year's Eve

Canyon Camp

#ScoutingAdventure #CanyonCamp #oa #BSA #BSASumercamp #CanyonCamp2025 #summercamp2025 #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #SummerCamp2025 #SummerCamp #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #newyear

Yesterday was the annual Canyon Camp Christmas party! There was plenty of catching up and fellowship as the 2024 Canyon Camp staff gathered together again.

The 2025 Canyon Camp staff interviews started yesterday as well so as we get ready to say goodbye to 2024, we are still getting ready for the 2025 Canyon Camp season.

If in Christmas cheer you would like to join us for Canyon Camp 2025:
https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/summer-camp

#CanyonCamp2025 #SummerCamp2025 #CanyonCamp #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #BSASumercamp #merrychristmas2024 #merrychristmas🎄 #merrychristmas #SummerCamp #ScoutingAdventure #BSA #summercamp2025 #oa

Merry Christmas! Looking forward to the gift of seeing you all next summer.

-Canyon Camp

#CanyonCamp2025 #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #BSASumercamp #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #SummerCamp2025 #CanyonCamp #merrychristmas #merrychristmas🎄 #merrychristmas2024

Even though Canyon Camp is quiet in the winter that is just because we are preparing for an awesome time during the summer! If you don't want to miss out on seeing the "Spirit Thrive in '25" then join us at Canyon Camp next summer!

P.S. Don't worry there isn't snow in the summer

#SummerCamp2025 #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #BSASumercamp #CanyonCamp2025 #CanyonCamp #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #SummerCamp

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy a day of food, friends, and family as we recognize all we are thankful for,

- Canyon Camp

#Thanksgiving #CanyonCamp2025 #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #TheSpiritThrivesIn25

We're always talking about our summer program, but listen to what one of the unit leaders said at the end of their week at camp:

“We had a wonderful first time being at Canyon Camp, all the merit badges and activities kept us busy in a good way.”

Do you want to be busy in the best way possible, with C.O.P.E., aquatics, and more? We still have spots available for Summer 2025, get your preferred week before it fills up:
https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/register

#CanyonCamp2025 #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #orderofthearrow #summercamp2025 #BSA #CanyonCamp #eaglescoutcourtofhonor #ScoutingAdventure #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #eagle #SummerCamp2025 #oa #eaglescouts #eaglescoutsofamerica #BSASumercamp #SummerCamp #eaglescout #knots #Webelosweekend

We are excited to announce our next Business Manager at Canyon Camp. Please join us in congratulating Samuel Saylor on his acceptance of this vital role!

Sam was a Scout from Troop 7 in Dubuque, Iowa. He attended Canyon Camp with his troop once in 2015, and immediately applied for the opportunity to serve on Staff the following summer. He has been on the Canyon Camp Staff for five summers, serving as Handicraft Assistant in 2016, Trading Post Director in 2017 and 2018, and then after a hiatus, was hired back as our Shooting Sports Director in 2023 and 2024.

In the off-seasons, Sam has been a full-time delivery driver at FedEx but will spend the next few years helping deliver a successful program and business operation at Canyon Camp. We look forward to seeing him work with the Staff to help share the 'Spirit of Canyon Camp' with all our Scouts and Scouters in the next few summers. Please share your congratulations with Sam!

#oa #eagle #eaglescout #ScoutingAdventure #eaglescoutcourtofhonor #orderofthearrow #CanyonCamp #eaglescouts #BSA #SummerCamp #SummerCamp2025 #CanyonCamp2025 #BSASumercamp #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #summercamp2025 #eaglescoutsofamerica #summercamp #scouts #scoutsbsa #summercampbsa #ScoutsBSA #canyoncamp #bsasumercamp #bsa #canyoncampbsa #boyscoutsofamerica

Did you hear there is less than 2 weeks left to apply to the Canyon Camp staff for summer of 2025? Canyon Camp staffers build skills that will enable them to excel in whatever future plans or goals they have!

An example, the camp staff practices a lot of first aid skills like using tourniquets to stop the bleed as shown below! Do you have a skill that you learned from Canyon Camp or from the camp staff that you use everyday?

For more information or to apply to the Canyon Camp staff check the link below:
https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/staff

#summercamp2025 #SummerCamp2025 #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #CanyonCamp2025 #SummerCamp2025 #BSASumercamp #CanyonCamp2025 #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #BSASumercamp #summercamp2025 #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #orderofthearrow #BSA #eagle #eaglescoutcourtofhonor #eaglescouts #CanyonCamp #eaglescout #ScoutingAdventure #oa #SummerCamp

Want to partake in an epic saga worthy to pass down for generations? Join the Canyon Camp staff for a summer that will be worthy of sharing!

Canyon Camp staff isn't all work and no fun the Canyon Camp staff get to enjoy the summer in fellowship and service, while also caring for and providing program for the Scouts and Scouters who attend.

"Working on the Canyon Camp staff was a truly transformative experience, and it enabled me to be better equipped for life ahead in leadership and service" - Dylan Berry

For more information or to apply check out the link below:
https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/staff

#FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp #TheSpiritThrivesIn25 #SummerCamp2025 #CanyonCamp2025 #summercamp2025 #knots #BSASumercamp

We're excited to share our new promotional graphic for the summer of 2025!

The National Park Service may have their “Find Your Park” campaign, but we have certainly found our camp! Has your troop found their camp for next summer?

We look forward to welcoming many Scouts and Scouters, new and returning, back through our front gate for a life changing experience.

If you're interested in finding out more or registering visit:
https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/summer-camp

#SummerCamp2025 #CanyonCamp2025 #TheSpiritThrivesIn25
#FindYourselfAtCanyonCamp

Did someone say tea? Well not quite, Happy National Cappuccino Day from Canyon Camp.

While we may not have cappuccinos we do have a lot to offer for those who call this place home for the summer (tea is one of those things). If you would like to join the ranks of our local tea enthusiast, Lee Binkley, and many other exceptional men and women consider joining the Canyon Camp Staff.

Other than tea, being on the Canyon Camp Staff provides opportunities to lead, be mentored, and live out the Scout Oath and Law everyday. For more information and to apply check out our link below, remember the application closes Dec. 1st.

https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/staff

If you have further questions please reach out to us: https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/contact-us

It's the second time we have had Crazy Creatures this year! Remember to have a buddy and watch your scout socks as you go out tonight. You'll never know when the Zip Zip Bird will show up!

Happy Halloween from Canyon Camp.

Do you want to join a team that is always "alive, awake, alert, enthusiastic"? The Canyon Camp Staff is hiring for our 2025 season.

We offer mentorship, leadership opportunities, and a life changing experience for all our staff (and it's paid). If you have been a Canyon Camper before now might be the time to be a Canyon Camp Staffer!

For more information or to apply check our website below:
https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/staff

Deadline to apply is Dec. 1st!

#summercamp2025 #summercamp2024🌍⛺ #summercamp #scouts #summercamp2024 #MoreToExplorein2024 #summercamp2024💥🎊🥳 #scoutsbsa #summercampbsa #ScoutsBSA #canyoncamp #bsasumercamp #bsa #canyoncampbsa #boyscoutsofamerica

WAKE UP! Canyon Camp's Woodcutter's Ball is in a week.

We look forward to having everyone coming to join us for this day of quality fellowship and cheerful service. There is no cost to attend and meals are provided!

To RSVP or for more information check out our link below:

https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/post/woodcutters-ball-october-12-2024

Looking for a reason to visit Canyon Camp? In a few weeks we'll have our annual time of work and fellowship: the Woodcutter's Ball.

This year Woodcutter's Ball will be on Saturday October 12th and is still a no cost event and includes meals! We look forward to coming back together after a few months apart to help prepare camp for the winter season and work on the important projects that are ongoing.

If you have any special skills that might be of use please let Lee Binkley know in the registration form. For more information and register check out the link below:
https://www.canyoncampbsa.org/post/woodcutters-ball-october-12-2024

Canyon Camp is proud to announce that we have some new additions to our Youtube channel! If you have ever wanted to relive parts of the summer camp experience in the off-season we know offer you:

Virtual Reality videos of Canyon Camp. These are live now @canyoncamp on Youtube. As a bonus they don't require a fancy VR headset but can be done with something as simple as a smart phone and a quick cardboard craft project!

https://www.youtube.com/@canyoncamp5651

#summercamp2024🌍⛺ #summercamp #scouts #summercamp2024 #MoreToExplorein2024 #summercamp2024💥🎊🥳 #scoutsbsa #summercampbsa #ScoutsBSA #canyoncamp #bsasumercamp #bsa #canyoncampbsa #boyscoutsofamerica

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@canyon_camp_1936

71043995_841050092979348_719792900839728

Take the next step toward your adventure at Canyon Camp

Request info

Visit Camp