Troop 411 has chosen to attend summer camp at Fire Mountain Scout Camp in the Mt Baker Council and will be camping in the War Eagle site.
The dates are July 26 - Aug 1, 2009.
Computers Merit Badge no longer offered - Technology Lab Unavailable
Fire Mountain Scout Camp is southeast of Mount Vernon. Located at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, nestled in the forests of scenic Walker Valley, Fire Mountain Scout Camp is home to some of the finest Scouting program opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. The Patrol is the focus of the Fire Mountain program. All staff and programs are geared towards teaching the patrol method thus strengthening the members of each patrol. Our friendly and enthusiastic staff is National Camp School Certified and is anxious to make your visit the best camping experience you will ever have!
Pathfinders (scout skills):
Pathfinders: Our First Year Scout Program - PATHFINDERS - is a special program designed for those who are brand new to Scouting, especially those right out of Webelos. It teaches them basic Scouting skills while introducing them to Scouting and Fire Mountain. The Pathfinders program is a half day program, offered each morning. Make sure that your new Scout understands that the program will occupy half of his day. Pathfinder activities include: Totin’ Chip instruction, Firem’n Chit instruction, Knots and Lashings, Map and Compass, Hiking, First Aid, Plant and Animal Identification, and Scout Spirit. Scouts learn skills and play games to work toward a common goal: building a ‘ballista’ catapult to launch waterballoons. The program is staff lead, working alongside unit adults and older Scouts (volunteer SPLs) to help teach skills to the first year Scouts. The Boy Scout Handbook is used as a teaching guide.
A Pathfinder is encouraged to take one (or two at the most) merit badges during the half day he is not at Pathfinders. Leaders should encourage new Scouts to explore the many program areas at Fire Mountain. (More than two merit badges are not recommended for new Scouts.) Fire Mountain suggests Pioneering, Basketry, Leatherwork, Woodcarving, Rowing, Swimming, Fishing or First Aid for new Scouts.
New Program - Fire Mountain Boarding (Dirt Boarding) CANCELLED
Mountain boarding is an exciting program for older Scouts at Fire Mountain Scout Camp. Not a skateboard, not a snowboard, a mountain board is a 36" deck with steer-able wheels and a hand brake. Off road, fast and rugged, for adrenaline junkies looking for fun and excitement at a mile a minute.
Archery
Some of the finest Archery instruction takes place on the Fire Mountain Archery Range. The mobile archery rounds and covered shooting positions provide an excellent place for 16 people to shoot to their hearts' content. The spacious range compliments our excellent instructors' teaching abilities, providing a great program for Scouts both young and old. Each week there are special shoots, competitions, merit badge classes, one-on-one instruction, as well as just good old fashioned fun. The range provides covered instructional areas near the range and easy access to the Shotgun and 22 Range. Merit Badges offered here: Archery.
Shotgun & Black Powder Range
The Range features muzzle loading black powder rifles, as well as modern shotguns, two skeet throwers, conventional targets, and 'the bell'. Tomahawk throwing is a fun part of the program for Scouts of all ages. A veteran Scouter, who heads our entire Shooting Sports Program, Gary Falkner, staffs our range. Gary is an expert marksman as well as an excellent instructor. Merit Badges offered here include: Shotgun Shooting (black powder option), Rifle Shooting (black powder option), Shotgun Shooting (modern option).
Small-bore Rifle Range
The Gene White Range is the focus of many Scouts' attention through the summer camp experience. Here Scouts learn the importance of safety as well as the excitement of target shooting. Our range features 16 shooting positions and .22 caliber rifles. Scouts can earn the learn to shoot, merit badge, qualify for an NRA Marksman Rank, or join the Dime Club. Merit Badges offered here: Rifle Shooting.
Aquatics
Lake Challenge provides a great place for Scouts to get together with their buddies and have a great time on the water. Neighboring Big Lake offers Scouts opportunities to learn the art of waterskiing. Our Aquatic program at Fire Mountain has many layers. Our skilled staff members can teach Scouts and leaders to swim, Scouts can complete the swimming requirements for advancement in the Tenderfoot-First Class Ranks, or earn a merit badge. Snorkeling BSA certification provides a great chance for Scouts to dawn the mask and snorkel and search for the hidden treasures of Lake Challenge. BSA Lifeguard is a challenging course that is very labor and time-intensive, but prepares Scouts and adult leaders to be the aquatic leaders for their units, allowing safer, and more exciting water activities on Scout outings throughout the year. There are several very exciting events that take place during the week including (but never limited to) the Polar Bear Dip (often including Aquatic and other Staff Members taking a dip in Full Scout Uniform), and the Scout Leader Splash on Friday. Troops or Patrols can sign up with the Aquatic Staff to run their own troop boat, often under their own trained leadership. Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training is offered to unit leaders weekly.
The Fire Mountain Boating program has become one of excellence over the last few years with the help of many boat acquisitions. The ever-famous canoe races and patrol canoe polo are often held during the week. Tour the scenic lake challenge and enjoy the beauty and fun of boating in a rowboat, canoe, sea canoe, paddleboat, kayak (13+), motorboat (13+), or sailboat (13+). Boardsailing BSA (13+) offers a great challenge for the older Scout when qualified staff is available.
Merit Badge offered here are: Swimming, Lifesaving, Rowing, Canoeing, Motorboating, Small Boat Sailing (13+), .
Ecology Conservation
Camas Lodge is the heart of The High-Tech Productions.com Nature, Science and Technology Center at Fire Mountain and is one of the busiest areas of camp. Located on a hill above beaver swamp, the environment creates a wonderful teaching ground for Scouts and leaders. Scouts are taught using creative teaching techniques that make the environmental studies exciting. Scouts can take nature hikes, perform nature experiments, and earn many nature Merit Badges.
Scouts can learn all about the wonders of space, view NASA videos, and even launch model rockets into the atmosphere. Those interested in geology and archeology will not have to go far to see, and touch all kinds of geological wonders, including a wide variety of rocks and fossils.
Merit Badges offered here include: Environmental Science, Nature, Astronomy, Fishing, Mammal Study, Fish & Wildlife Study, Soil & Water Conservation, Weather, Space Exploration, World Conservation Award.
Crafts
A wonderful area with a majestic view of Lake Challenge where Scouts young and old can enjoy the craftsmanship of their own two hands. Scouts can learn to weave baskets, work with leather, carve wood, make concrete stepping stones that can be added to the permanent walk way into the craft area, and enjoy friends and company great staff. Tie-dying and Stepping stone creation are frequently evening & Patrol program highlights. Merit Badges offered here include: Basketry, Leatherwork, Woodcarving, Art.
Outdoor Area
Among the cedar trees of Fire Mountain one will find the opportunity to enjoy their creative thinking as they learn to survive in the wild, construct monkey bridges, build various pioneering projects and camp gadgets, and cook their own meals over hot coals. Scouts can view and construct a model campsite, learn to tie a slew of knots, and lashings from our knotty staff members. Scouts can learn to orienteer and try their abilities at a highly developed orienteering course that may challenge them. The Fire Mountain Orienteering course was developed and built by Cascade Orienteering Club of Seattle, and offers a wide variety of courses that will fit into any skill level. Merit Badges offered here include: Pioneering, Orienteering, Wilderness Survival, Camping, Fishing, Fly-fishing.
First Aid
To compliment our excellent Emergency First Aid Response, and Health lodge, the First Aid Merit Badge is taught by one of our many First Responders. We employ several American Red Cross trained Emergency Responders, one of those certified and qualified staff members will enlighten your scouts mind in the world of First Aid. Scouts learn the art of bandaging, packaging, transporting and seeking help. Scouts learn how to administer the Heimlick Maneuver, Chest trusts, Rescue Breathing and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. These skills could save your life, or the life of your family, friends and Scout troop. Merit Badge offered here is: First Aid.
Mountain Biking
The wooded areas of historic Cultus Mountain are home to the Fire Mountain Biking Adventure Program. Scouts' skills are tested to the max as they attempt trails that weave up and down the mountain slopes. Scouts build confidence within themselves as they push the envelope in search of new limits. Our Biking team will lead Scouts 13 and older and adults through rigorous trails, obstacle courses, and maintenance and safety instruction. Merit Badge offered here: Cycling (partial only) (13+)
Vocational Area
Make a tin cup for your mother, bend steel, or shape a bowl. These are just a few of the exciting things you can do at Metal Mountain. Under the watchful eye of our Metalmountain Staff, you will have the opportunity to create all kinds of things from metal. Programs include tinsmithing, rod iron work, soldering, and much more!
Merit Badges offered: Metalwork.
Golf
Imagine coming to camp, honing up on your golf skills at the 'Kit Carson driving field,' chipping golf balls into the Lake Challenge, putting your way to success, and trucking off later in the week to the Overlook Golf Course for a couple of rounds of golf before lunch. You don't have to imagine any longer. Fire Mountain is one of the few Scout Camps around that can offer the Golf Merit Badge. We have some clubs available, however you may want to bring your own so you can show your best swing to your merit badge counselor. Merit Badge offered: Golf (13+, previous experience required).
Climbing
Imagine yourself atop the beautiful 36 foot Fire Mountain Climbing Tower. Whether to earn the merit badge, learn to climb, or just for fun, a great time will be had by all at the Climbing Tower in the heart of "Downtown Fire Mountain." Our tower sports a rappelling wall, four hand-hold routes (including two overhangs), and a durango stone 'natural' side. Around the outside of the tower, Scouts of all ages can practice their bouldering skills. Merit Badge offered: Climbing (13+)
Forms:
- Photo Permission Slip - Release to be signed by each Scout's Parent/Guardian, which allows the Mt. Baker Council to use photos of Scouts in camp for promotional purposes
- Be sure to bring your enthusiasim and excitement for a great week at Fire Mountain!
- Map of Fire Mountain A full-color map of camp.
Fire Mountain History
The area now known as Fire Mountain Scout Reservation was settled and farmed by William Gaches from La Connor in the early 1900's. He built the farmhouse and farmed 300 acres, planting the orchard as well as hay in the field which is now Lake Challenge.
In the early 50's the land was sold to Lloyd Nelson who raised beef cattle on the property. In 1971, the 300 acres owned by the Nelson's, as well as an additional 140 acres of the neighboring Walking M Ranch, were aquired (see Aquisition of Camp) by the Evergreen Area Council. The 440 acres were named Fire Mountain Scout Reservation by Council Scouter Bob Overstreet who, as a young man, had fought one of several fires on Cultus Mountain. See How Fire Mountain got its name.
Hundreds of volunteers as well as the Army Reserve, Navy Seabees, and Marine Reserves worked frantically to turn the hay fields into the beautiful 37 acre Lake Challenge, build the Dining hall, Campfire Bowl and campsites so Fire Mountain would become a reality for hundreds of Snohomish County Scouts.
Over the years generous donors have financed 3 additions to the Dining Hall, the building of Salishan Lodge, and many other projects. In 1988 the Council Executive Board made a commitment to undertake a capital campaign to make Fire Mountain into a premier camping and training facility.
1988 saw the completion of a new commissary and separate meeting room addition to the Dining Hall, construction of a new bunkhouse with a lounge for the summer camp staff, the completion of two new troop campsites and, finally, the acquisition of 225 additional acres, bringing the total reservation to 665 acres.
From 1990 onwards the expansion has continued with new plumbing and toilet facilities in each campsite and the opening of Cub Adventure Land to host resident camping programs for Cubs and Webelos Scouts. It featured a teepee campsite, a complete BB gun/Archery range complex, aquatics area and, its focal point, the Wild West style Fort Boeing. Fire Mountain has continued to grow and has expanded its services and program support to thousands of Scouts and adult leaders each year. Such is the demand that the whole camp is used for Scout camp with the Cub and Webelos camping run in other weeks.
Merit Badge List:
Compliments of USScouts.org.
Workbooks Created by: Craig Lincoln
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