Why You Should Camp at Tomahawk

Top 10 Reasons Your Troop/Crew Should Camp at Tomahawk

Reason #1: Great Staff

We get constant praise from Scouts and leaders about our camp staff. Our staff are exciting, knowledgeable, flexible, and committed to our mission. Our large camp staff allows for more cross-training and upward mobility. Our retention rate of staff is high, meaning that your Scouts will get to know our staff over their years as a camper. It also goes to show that Tomahawk is a place where people want to be year after year.

Reason #2: Unique Program Opportunities

You will be hard-pressed to find another camp around with a wider variety of program options. In a Scout's 7-year career in Scouting, they could not participate in every program Tomahawk has to offer.

• Horses
• ATV's
• Logging Camp Outpost
• Sailing on Lake Superior
• Trade Skills Programs (Welding, Metalwork)
• STEM Programs (Robotics, Electronics)
• Voyageur Canoes
• Mountain Biking
• Rock Climbing on Natural, Real Rock
• Whitewater Kayaking
• Shooting Sports Outpost
• Big Boat Sailing

See what programs we offer

Reason #3: Mission-Focused

Tomahawk Scout Camp is your tool for a great summer camp Scouting experience. Utilized by units to meet the goals of carrying out the mission of Scouting through the outdoor program environment, Tomahawk is the ultimate camp experience. We hold the values of Scouting in the highest regard and have the ultimate goal of producing young adults that are equipped with character and trained for citizenship.

Tomahawk is a mission-focused organization. You won't find staff more dedicated to ensuring your Scouts not only have a great time, but grow during their stay at Tomahawk. The mission statement that all Tomahawk staff know and follow is to "Provide fun experiences that develop character, citizenship, fitness, and leadership." We don't only provide amazing and unique experiences, but ensure that your Scouts grow while here. 

However, the staff aren't alone in ensuring this mission. We offer exciting programs with trained staff, serve great food, and strive to help you during the week. However, we should never lose track of camp’s main objective: to provide the unit the opportunity to develop their youth. It is our goal that after your Tomahawk experience, your unit returns stronger and better prepared to spend the rest of the year producing young adults with character willing to serve their communities better. Our hope is they would continue the Scouting message in that community to shape more responsible youth for the future.

Reason #4: Troop/Crew Activities

At Tomahawk, and other Northern Star Council camps, we offer Troop/Crew Activity Times. During this time, your troop is given a scheduled time to experience activities all over camp. Some examples include a troop rifle shoot, troop climbing, or a troop horseback ride. Since this time is for your troop, there is no waiting in lines as our staff is waiting for you. At Tomahawk, when your troop is scheduled for an archery range shoot, you know that your troop will be the only group there during that time. This is not the only time you can do these activities; program areas are open each night for your Scouts to experience again with a buddy. This all combines to allow for a balanced program structure at Tomahawk.

Reason #5: Great Value

Tomahawk offers a wider variety of programs at the same cost as other camps; you get more when you camp at Tomahawk. More staff, more program, more land and lakes to explore. Tomahawk doesn't charge to use our tents, dining flies, or cots.

Reason #6: Three Sub-Camp Options

At Tomahawk you have options: there are three Scouts BSA camps on the property to choose from. Each camp offers the same programs and merit badges, but have their own climbing tower, beach, and staff. With three different camps, your troop or crew can explore a new camp each year without having to navigate through different sign up systems and learn about program options. Looking for a fresh experience every summer? Here's your answer.

Explore Our Sub-Camps

Reason #7: Family Island

Do your leaders struggle with dedicating precious PTO towards going to summer camp with the Scouts instead of time with your family? At Tomahawk, you do not have to choose: families can come to camp too! There is a resort-style area at Tomahawk called Family Island. Family Island has cabins, RV hook-up sites, and tent sites for families of leaders to enjoy camp too. Families can visit your troop or crew everyday so that leaders can spend time with the unit and their family.

Reason #8: Great Food

Tomahawk food is great; no camper goes hungry here. We have a healthy selection of food and a full salad bar to ensure that every camper gets the recommended number of calories and that their nutritional needs are met. Each sub-camp does food just a little differently, so review the sub-camp page linked above before selecting a campsite.

Reason #9: Partnership With Many Point Scout Camp

Northern Star Council operates two major Scout BSA camps: Tomahawk Scout Camp and Many Point Scout Camp. If you have a reservation at either one of these, you can arrange to swap your campsite for the following summer with a unit currently registered at the other camp. You can then return back to your same campsite in the same week the year after trying out the other camp if you desire. This is a great way to give your troop or crew more variety without losing your favorite campsite. When you camp at Tomahawk, you have access to Many Point and vice versa. Between Tomahawk and Many Point, you can not find more variety at any other camp.

Reason #10: Beautiful Location

Tomahawk is a big camp, over 3,000 acres! Filled primarily with maple, oak, and pine trees, the beautiful forests of Tomahawk are paralleled only by the scenic waters of Long Lake, Lake Nielsen, and Lake Neibel. With 15 miles of lake shore surrounding the Tomahawk peninsula, there are a lot of opportunities to camp near the lake. The naturally cooling breeze off the water make hot days much more enjoyable. As you walk through camp, it is common to see deer, bald eagles, or gaze upon a beaver lodge. The call of the loons each night is a great way to end your day. Set up a hammock, relax, and unplug for a week emerged in nature at Tomahawk Scout Camp!