Where to go camping

Where to go Camping, Hiking or Fishing! 
Day Trips for all Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers and Families:

1. Angel Rocks – The 3.5-mile loop starts along the north fork of the Chena River, and can take 2-3 hours to complete. Angel Rocks Handout

2. Wickersham Dome – This 7-mile, out-and-back hike starts out approx. near 28-mile Elliot Hwy (where it splits with the Steese Hwy). The climb might be steep, but the view of the Alaska wilderness is great!

3. Moose Creek Bluff – There is a parking area just off the 1st exit (on the left) off the Richardson Hwy, just past the Chena Flood Control bridge. This hike is considered to be an easy 2-hour hike.

4. Birch Hill Recreation Area – This is a favorite with well-groomed, extensive and challenging trails. The trail system is available exclusively to skiers in the winter, and to mountain bikers, runners, hikers and berry pickers in the summer. Birch Hill Trail Maps

5. Creamer’s Field – This is a unique trail system that allows hikers to see both wild and plant life that would be impossible without it. There are benches and rest stops, and at least two towers to view a majority of Creamer’s Field along the 2-mile trail. Creamer’s Field Map and Info

6. Steese Ponds – These are man-made gravel pits along the Steese Hwy that are stocked annually with grayling and rainbow trout by the Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game.

7. Murphy Dome – Murphy Dome is popular with ATV riders and hikers. It lies about 20-miles outside of Fairbanks, off of Sheep Creek Road.

8. Triple Lakes Trail – This trail is 9.5-miles long, about a 5-hour trip one way. The trail starts off steeply at mile 231 of the Parks Hwy, before evening out. There is an excellent view of the Nenana River and Alaska Range as you hike along three scenic lakes!

9. Lost Lake Campground to Moose Pond – This hike begins at Lost Lake campground and follows along the right side of Lost Lake. Go along the spruce bog about 1.3-miles until you reach Moose Pond. Watch for moose, beavers, and more!

10. Ester Dome – From the top of the domes, take the side trails to the south, and look for blueberries and cranberries.

11. Granite Tors – This trail ranges from moderate to strenuous along the 15-mile loop.

12. Horse Shoe Lake Trail – This is a popular 3-mile (round trip) hike starting at 0.9 mile in Denali Park. The total travel time is around 1 to 1-1/2 hours.

13. Ballaine Lake – This lake is just off of University Ave. on the left (from College Rd.). The Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game stocks this lake with grayling, rainbow trout, and Alaska blackfish.

 

State of Alaska, Dept. of Fish & Game – Southcentral Fishing Regulations
State of Alaska, Dept. of Fish & Game – Licensing & Permit Information

 

 

 

 

NYLT

National Youth Leadership Training 

 MIDNIGHT SUN COUNCIL PREMIER CO-ED YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAM

 

Date:  

Location: 

 


 

 

 

 

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.

 

NYLT incorporates the latest leadership ideas and prsents fresh, vital and meaningful training for today’s Scouts.

 
The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what a leader must be, what he/she must know, and what he/she must do. The key elements are then taught with a clear focus on “how to”. The skills come alive during the week as the patrol goes on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership.
 
Who is Eligible to attend?
All youth leaders in Boy Scouts/Varsity programs, 13 years of age or have completed the 7th grade, be a 1st Class Scout,  and have the Scoutmasters recommendation. 
 
Venturing and Sea Scout youth participants must be 14-20 years old, have completed the online “CrewOfficer Orientation,” and the (VLSC) Venturing Leadership Skills Course, OR the new online (ILSC) Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews. Sea Scouts must have ILSC and be recommended by their unit adult leader.
 
The fee for this valuable training is $200. There is a non-refundable deposit of $25 due upon sign up at the Earl & Pat Cook Council Service Center.
 
   
 

 

 

Golden Eagle Reception

The Golden Eagle Reception is a special reception where we thank and recognize those people and organizations that have given $1,000 or more during our annual Friends of Scouting drive. Thank You to all of our donors who make 2023 possible in the Midnight Sun Council. The link to our 2023 Annual Report will be posted here soon. Below is a list of current 2024 Golden Eagles.

eagle

 2024 Golden Eagles

Steve & Carol Adamczak

Stephen Adams

Alaska Riverways

James Barton

Andrew Bennett

Larry Bennett

Tom and Frances Burke

Matt Cooper

Craig Compeau

Con Miller American Legion Post 30

 

Cowles Heating Service

CSG, Inc.

Jeffrey Currey

Pete Dillon

Doyon Utilities LLC

Everts Air

Fairbanks Central Labor Council

Bob Groseclose

Interior NAPA

Kal Kennedy

Kiwanis Club of Fairbanks

Lost Lake Camp Staff

Nenana Ice Classic

Optimist Club of Fairbanks

Ann Rasmussen

Rods Alaskan Guides Service

Silver Line, LLC

Stephen Smith

Spirit of Alaska FCU

Jodi and Brian Tansky

Brad Tilden

Women’s Auxiliary Unit 11

 


 

GOLDEN EAGLES ARCHIVE

 

2023 Golden Eagles

Steve Adams

Carol and Steve Adamczak

Bell Development

Ben Lomond Inc

Bennett Engineering

Andrew Bennett

Larry Bennett

C.B. Bettisworth

Bettisworth North

Mary Binkley

Wade Binkley

Chena Hot Springs Resort

Cold Spot Feeds

Dennis “Skip” Cook

Jeff Cook

Cooper Family

CSG, Inc

Denali State Bank

Design Alaska

Doyon Utilities LLC

Shelley and Richard Ebenal

Joe Faulhaber

Foundation Health Partners

Fullford Electric

Ghemm Company

Golden Heart Emergency Physicians

Fairbanks Gold Mine

Bob Groseclose

Hale & Associates

Patrick Mechanical

Mt McKinley Bank

Lotto Alaska

Jim Lund

The Optimist Club of Fairbanks

Karen Perdue

Sani-Can

Mark Simon

Stephen Smith

Brad and Danielle Tilden

Toontuk Lodge

Cathie Tordoff

TOTE Maritime Alaska

Usibelli Foundation

Walsh Kelliher & Sharp

Warwick and Schikora CPA

Women’s Auxiliary Unit 11

2022 Golden Eagles
Steve Adams

Alaska Riverways

Larry Bennett

Hank Bartos

Mary Binkley

Chena Hot Springs Resort

Craig Compeau

Skip Cook

Conoco Phillips Alaska

Matt Cooper

Doyon Utilities

Fairbanks Central Labor Council

Fairbanks Stump Grinders

Robert Groseclose

Michael Helmbrecht

IBEW

Bernie Karl

Kal Kennedy

Benny Linn

Jon Odsather

Optimist Club of Fairbanks

Nenana Ice Classic

Outdoor Heritage

Rods Alaskan Guide Service

Bill Satterberg

Stephen Smith

Somers and Sotheby’s Realty

Brad Tilden

Leonard Thiltgen

Toontuk Lodge

Cathie Tordoff

Leon Unruh

Jerrie Wagner

 

2021 Golden Eagles

 

 

Steve Adamczak Craig Compeau Wayne Miller
Steve Adams Skip Cook Nenana Ice Classic
Alaska Airlines Matt Cooper Riverboat Discovery
ALCAN Auto &Truck  Doyon Limited Rod’s Alaska Guide
Linda Anderson & Steve Frank Fairbanks Gold Mine Stephen Smith
Bell Development, Inc. Bob Groseclose Technica, LLC
Andrew Bennett GVEA Goodcents Found. The Optimist Club of Fairbanks
Larry Bennett Cathie Harms-Tordoff  Tired Iron
 Bennett Engineering Kal Kennedy  Brad Tilden
 Mary Binkley Ben Lomond VFW Post 10029 North Pole
Mick Braun Jim Lund

 

 

Meet our staff

Scout Executive

Stephen Smith – Stephen began his Scouting career at the Columbia-Montour Council in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. He has worked with Scouts in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and New Jersey. He and his wife, Mary Ann, met when they both were attending Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania.  They have been married for 31 years. He enjoys fishing, cooking, camping, photography, and spending time with his family..

Boy-Scout

District Executive

Vacant –

District Director and
Senior Learning for Life Executive

Tasmine Stebbins – Tasmine has been with the Midnight Sun Council since May of 2000. She is the Sr. Learning for Life Executive for the Learning for Life District which serves over 8,300 youth. She is also the staff advisor for the annual popcorn sale, grants, and marketing events like Youth Safety Day, Clean-Up Day and Scouting for Food.

Office Manager (Accounting)

Stacy Brandon, – Stacy has been with the Midnight Sun Council since December, 2011. Her husband, retired from the Army, and she, along with their two girls reside in North Pole. She is currently on the Board of The Friends of the North Pole Branch Library. She enjoys scrapbooking, quilting and reading. She’s enjoyed meeting many of the Boy Scout family and looks forward to meeting many more.

Development Director

CJ Stewart retired from military service (Army) after 23 years of service. He immediately began working for the Midnight Sun Council in March of 2017 and has been with us since. He and his wife Megan have been married for 23 years and have one son Gabriel who is a 19yo Eagle Scout attending UAF for computer sciences. CJ has experience working in Wilderness Search and Rescue, logistics, administration, survival, grant writing and event planning. CJ is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and pretty much all things SCOUTING. He is the staff advisor for Sporting Clays, Popcorn, Friends of Scouting, Legends & Heroes Banquet & the Distinguished Citizens Banquet

 

Registrar

Linda Hill – 

Director Camping Services

Vacant – 

Lost Lake Program Director

Spencer Snoap – Spencer is a Program director known for providing a solid camp experience, fostering a healthy staff environment, his exceptional work ethic, and modeling scouting spirit. With about 15 years of experience in resident camp staff, he has earned the CIT of the year, Staff member of the year, rookie of the year, and turkey buzzard awards. He is passionate about summer camp, scouting, and providing an exceptional program for future generations. In his free time, he enjoys sports, the outdoors, gaming, and learning new things. Spencer has a Bachelor’s degree in Film and video production with a minor in mathematics from Grand Valley State University.

Camp Ranger

Richard Baumfalk aka Ranger Rick, Lost Lake Camp Ranger – Retired Educator in Alaska and Certified COPE Director. Fellow of Wilderness Education Association and NOLS.

Helpful Websites

For Everyone:

scouting.org – National website for the Boy Scouts of America
my.scouting.org – Website for adult leader training
usscouts.org – A plethora of information regarding all Scouting resources and information
scoutlife.org – Boy’s Life Magazine website
scoutingmagazine.org – All of the content from Scouting Magazine
scoutstuff.org – Online store for all Scouting products
Good turn for America Hours – Site to log all Good Turn service hours for each unit

Boy Scouts

boyscouttrail.com – Site for finding merit badge requirements and worksheets
nesa.org – National Eagle Scout Association webpage
ntier.org – Northern Tier website for High Adventure
scouting.org/philmont – Philmont Training Center website

Venturing

wrventuring.org – Western Region Venturing website
venturing.info – Includes information on programming and general information

 

Council policies, resources and forms

Midnight Sun Council Local Forms

100 below – 40 below form
District Award of Merit Form
Silver Beaver Nomination Form
Campership-Scholarship Packet

Other Forms

Annual Health and Medical Records
Merit Badge Counselor Information form (fillable)
Midnight Sun Council – Merit Badge Counselor Application
Forms on the National Website

Resources

Guide to Safe Scouting 

– Updated Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse with additional resource information

– Updated prohibited activities (eliminating hunting exemption)

– Updated Age-Appropriate Chart

Scouting-Boating Safety Alert

Guide to Advancement 2021 pdf

Friends of Scouting Pledge Card

Scouting.org Page Relaunch on Incident Reporting

Navigating Incidents: Guide for Units

Other Resources

National Summertime Pack Award

Tour Plan now available at: www.my.scouting.org   

Guideline to Update and Maintain the BeAScout.org  Unit pins (PDF) 

Scouting Safely  – WE want you to know that the safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees is an important part of the Scouting experience…….(click here to read more)

Restart Scouting Checklist

BSA Ceremonies and Campfire Guidance (12/2021)

 

Scout BSA Program Resource Page

Scouts BSA  Program Updates Page

 

Scholarship Applications, Awards, and Student Contests

NESA – Beyond your Board of Review (Scholarships)

SAR – Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Award

VFW Scout of the Year Program – Annually, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States recognizes individuals who are Eagle Scouts, Girl Scout Gold Award recipients, Venture Summit Award recipients, and/or Sea Scout Quartermasters who have risen above their peers in exemplifying the qualities of that rank. Please review the linked materials (end of this paragraph) to see if you know someone who may qualify and share the application with them. A Scout may enter the contest through one VFW Post only. Locally, we have VFW Post 3629 in Fairbanks, and VFW Post 10029 in North Pole. Remember to choose just one to apply through. Deadline to apply is March 1st. – Scout of the Year Brochure and Entry Form

VFW – Teacher of the Year Award Brochure

VFW –  Voice of Democracy

 

 

 

Training

Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader!

When leaders are trained, the quality of the program for our youth goes up, our program gets safer, and, as a result, more youth and parents are willing to make Scouting a part of their lives.

How Can I Get Trained?

Training is offered year round. If your unit can provide a minimum of five adult leaders for a training course the district will come to YOUR unit and conduct training. To explore this, contact the Service Center.

Click Here to find out what training courses you need to take to become a Trained Leader.

There are also several training awards available to Scout Leaders, for a complete list with requirements, Click Here.

See our MSC Calender for updated dates and  times of  upcoming Training Events.

Training Policy

The primary responsibility of the Midnight Sun Council is to ensure the delivery of a safe quality Scouting program to the youth who reside within the Council’s boundaries. It is the goal of the Council Training Policy that every unit will have trained direct contact leaders because every youth deserves a trained leader.

The policy is as follows:

It shall be the policy of the Midnight Sun Council that 100% of Assistant Cubmasters, Cubmasters, Assistant Scoutmasters, Scoutmasters, Assistant Varsity Team Coaches, Varsity Team Coaches, Associate Crew Advisors, and Crew Advisors will be fully trained for their positions in their respective units.
It shall be the policy of the Midnight Sun Council that 75% of Tiger Cub Den Leaders, Cub Scout Den Leaders, and Webelos Den Leaders will be fully trained for their positions in their respective units.

What Other Training is There?

The BSA offers most of its training online. Training may be accessed by logging into MyScouting at www.myscouting.org.

This includes but is not limited to:

Youth Protection: a basic training course on the guidelines of two deep leadership that keeps our youth safe. Youth Protection expires after two years!

Hazard Weather Training: required for ANY tour permit.

This is Scouting: the first step to becoming a trained leader.

Safe Swim Defense/ Safety Afloat: Critical training to understanding the BSA water safety programs.

There is also training for almost every position in Scouting from the District Committee to Fast Start courses for unit leaders. This training is invaluable to any new leader and is a necessary link to operating a safe Scouting unit.

Aquatics Supervision Training:

Any Unit that wishes to conduct any aquatic activity, whether it is swimming or boating, has to have at least one member of the unit actually present and participating in the activity, that has completed the appropriate skills course in order for the activity to occur. The only exception is if the swimming activity is held at a location where a professional lifeguard is provided by the venue. That means, if you are doing a canoe trip for a day or a week, at least one member participating needs to have the Paddle Craft Safety Course. The same thing applies if you are swimming where there is not a professional lifeguard you will need the Water Rescue Course.

Camp rentals

If you are looking for a place to have a retreat or just a getaway for your group or family, we have the place for you. Lost Lake Camp sits on beautiful Lost Lake about 58 miles south of Fairbanks across from Birch Lake. We have over 400 acres of trails and camping opportunities with lake frontage and swim docks/boat docks available from mid- May to mid- September. There are several outdoor pavilions and one that overlooks the lake.
10  LL land conveyance 2018

 Waterfront  15
The Honor Lodge is a year round facility available for rent with bathrooms, showers, two classrooms and a meeting room/chapel. The kitchen in the lodge is commercial size with a walk-in cooler and freezer, two convection ovens, a four burner gas range with griddle, two ovens and an industrial size mixer.
Lodge
There are several cabins available to rent for those groups that want more than one day, heating sources vary depending on the cabin, all cabin complete with mattresses and sleep will sleep from 4-14 people.

Our facility is perfect for:

  • Weddings
  • Corporate retreats
  • Church retreats
  • Family reunions
  • Outdoor programs

 

click here to view/download Camp Rental Reservation Packet

 

Click here for Lost Lake Scout Camp Cope/Zipline/Climbing info.

 

Feel free to contact our office for further information 907-452-1976

Lost Lake Camp Map

Camp Staff

Camp Staff

 

Summer camp is often one of the highlights of a Scouts BSA troop’s year-round camping program. That means that the summer camp staff plays a big part in developing and strengthening troops and, in turn, their members and leaders. Our main goal is to strengthen the troops so they operate better the other 51 weeks out of the year. It’s a big job, which is why we hire quality staff.

 

Click here to open and fill out the 2024 Camp Staff Application Form!

 

Seasonal Staff “Workplace Harassment Prevention Training” Requirement

Boy Scouts of America maintains a respectful and safe workplace for all employees; therefore, it is equally important that all seasonal staff complete “Workplace Harassment Prevention Training” as it is for our full-time staff. This is a required annual training for all camp seasonal employees prior to beginning their employment and must be completed by all staff, regardless of age. There are no exceptions. Please use the link below to log into the BSA Skillsoft Academy to access the training:
https://www.skillsoftcompliance.com/Academy/Commonui/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2Facademy%2Fdefault.aspx%3Forgid%3D551502&orgid=551502
It is required that seasonal employees print a certificate of completion at the end of the training and that the certificate is collected as part of the pre-employment paperwork.
If you have any questions you may contact the Summer Camp Administration at 907-452-1976 or linda.hill3@scouting.org

 

Scouts BSA Resident Camp

2025 Camp Dates

July 13 – July 19 Midnight Sun Council Resident Camp

2025 Camp Registration

PLEASE click the link below to register:

 2025 Scout Resident Summer Camp Reservation Form

2025 Leader’s Guide (coming soon)

Health and Medical Records

Please remember that all parts of the Medical Record (A, B, and C) must be filled out for both Scouts and Adults before Camp!

Black Pug Registration / FAQs for Resident Camp

 

2025 Camp Fees

Early Bird Rate is available until May 31, 2025

 

In Council Fees:

 Early Bird Rate w/FOS Discount* $370/per Scout
 Early Bird Rate $390/per Scout
 Regular Rate w/FOS Discount* $430/per Scout
 Regular Rate $450/per Scout

Out of Council Fees:

 Early Bird Rate $410/per Scout
 Regular Rate $470/per Scout
Fee for Adults**:

$150

Refunds *** and Camperships ****

 

*Friends of Scouting (FOS) discounts are available to troops from Midnight Sun Council in recognition of meeting their FOS goal before the victory celebration.

 **Leaders Fee – Each leader that comes to camp will be $150 per adult. Any adults who attend for only a day or two pay a prorated fee of $40 per day. One Leader Fee will be waived for each eight registered scouts attending camp for each unit. (Two free leaders per unit maximum)

***Refund Policy – All fees are refundable, with the exception of the unit’s initial non-refundable deposit, until June 1, 2024. After June 2, fees are nonrefundable and cannot be transferred to another unit. No refund will be given if a Scout or leader was sent home for disciplinary action or inattention to Safe Scouting standards. In addition, if a Scout or leader chooses to leave camp early, no refund will be given. Refunds for extenuating circumstances must be requested in writing to the Earl & Pat Cook Service Center and received no later than one week following departure from camp.

****Camperships are available only to Midnight Sun Council Scouts. There are a limited number to help Scouts in need of financial assistance. Applications are available at the Earl & Pat Cook Service Center. They are due before the end of the business day on May 1, 2024.

 

2025 Scouts BSA Resident Camp forms:

Camp Guide (coming soon)

Health & Medical Record

Campership – Scholarship Assistance Application

The Scouts BSA resident camp experience provides an excellent forum for Troop, Team, and Crew members to hone their existing skills and learn new ones all while having fun in the great Alaskan outdoors. It is a place of learning, meeting new friends, and just having fun.
Scouts BSA resident camp is an important part of every youth’s Scouting experience. It provides memorable experiences. Swimming, boating, shooting sports, mountain boards and Project COPE will provide both traditional Scouting activities and new and unique experiences. Every Scout needs to attend Scouts BSA resident camp because every Scout will be positively impacted by Scouts BSA resident camp experiences while having copious amounts of fun just not possible anywhere else.
Scouts BSA resident camp doesn’t just help the Scout. Scouts BSA resident camp will also strengthen every Troop, Team or Crew that attends. The single week spent at Lost Lake Scout Camp this summer will build the year-round program of each Scouting unit. If our goal is truly to impact more young people, then summer camp must be a part of our year-round program.

 2024 Lost Lake Scout Camp

Happenings and Recap

click here or on picture below to view Slide Show Video from George Stover – Vimeo


 2022 Lost Lake Scout Camp Happenings and Recap

click here or on picture below to view Slide Show Video from George Stover – Vimeo

lostlakesign

 The Midnight Sun Council sends out a big thank you to all the units who attended, to all of the staff and volunteers who made it possible, and to all those who work behind the scenes to make scouting in Alaska the rich and rewarding experience it is. We hope to see you all next year!


CLICK ON THE LINKS TO VIEW 2021 LOST LAKE SCOUT CAMP VIDEOS:

VIDEO:    Lost Lake Scout Camp – Summer Camp – July 15

VIDEO:    Lost Lake – Friday Night Camp Fire and Awards  –  from George Stover on Vimeo.

VIDEO:    Lost Lake Scout Camp – What Scouts are saying  –   from George Stover on Vimeo.

VIDEO:    Lost Lake Scout Camp – July 3-17, 2021 slideshow  –  from George Stover on Vimeo.