Bear Paw Scout Camp will play host to the American Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Basics course the weekend of October 9-11, 2009.  This basic course in backcountry emergency response is great for anyone who spends time in remote areas where traditional EMS services are not readily available and there could be a delay getting an injured person to advanced medical care.

This sixteen hour course will take place over the weekend at camp, and will use a classroom setting, skills practice, and outdoor rescue scenarios to teach and reinforce responses and treatment of injuries and illnesses in the wilderness.  (It is highly recommended that participants already have CPR training as it is not included in this course.)

The cost for the weekend is $90 for each registered Scout or leader,  and will include all meals for the weekend.  Participants will be staying in Sauk campsite, and many of the activities will be outside, so dress for early October weather at camp.  The program will begin at 6:30pm on Friday, and will conclude at approximately 12 noon on Sunday.

Due to the nature of this program, pre-registration is required and enrollment is limited to the first twenty-four (24) paid registrants age 15 or over.  (Leaders needing this training to meet the new requirement for a Philmont trek will be given preference.)  To register, please contact the Center for Scouting.    For more information, please contact Robert Ernst or Keith Steiger.

Yet another summer camp season has come and gone at Bear Paw.  Happily more than 1500 Scouts participated in camp programs during the seven weeks of service.  We would like to extend a special thank you to all the scouts, volunteers, and employees who made summer camp possible.  Without their efforts Bear Paw would simply be a beautiful parcel in the woods.

While summer camp 2009 has passed, it is not too early to start planning for Bear Paw 2010.  The Bay-Lakes Council is accepting campsite reservations for 2010, so if you want to get your favorite site on your favorite week, you had better act fast. Reservations must be coordinated directly with Kathy Collins at the Bay-Lakes Council Offices.

• 2010 Site Reservation Form (pdf)
• 2010 Campsite Reservation Calendar (BLC)
• 2010 Summer Camp Calendar
• Bear Paw Campsites

We are proud to report that work nears completion on the new Maintenance building under construction in the Ranger’s complex at camp.  The building features modern space for storage of vehicles, a wood shop and machine shop, winter storage for summer camp and other program equipment, and an office in a four seasons, illuminated, heated environment.

Work began in spring with the deconstruction of the aging Warehouse 1 and the Maintenance building by volunteers.  A building contractor was hired to prepare a new foundation and construct the shell of the new building.  This work is 90% complete and the building has for the most part taken shape.  The bulk of the work for completion is the build-out of the shell by the volunteer corps.

What remains is sheathing of interior partitions, installation of interior doors, and interior finish work as well as construction of shelving and storage, re-location of displaced items back to the new warehouse and landscaping tasks.  The Bay-Lakes Council is relying on both skilled and unskilled volunteers to complete this work before the weather turns.  If you are willing and able to help, please contact Camp Ranger Andy Anderson for more information.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the volunteers who have helped with this project to date, Keep up the good work!  The building looks great and is a welcome improvement for an often overlooked part of camp.