Celebrating 80 Years of Adventure
September 25-27, 2026
Come celebrate Camp Wilderness at this year’s Fall Festival, a weekend filled with classic camp activities and plenty of ways to have fun with family, friends, and fellow Scouters. The festival features carnival games in the Pines and on the Flag Field, hayrides through camp, the Five-Mile & Five-Lake Hike, the camp museum open for exploration, a silent auction, and a variety of midway booths.
Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA will have opportunities to take part in hands-on classes, while visitors can join guided tours, step inside historic Cabin O, explore on their own, or sit in on presentations. The weekend comes together at the campfire program, a simple but meaningful gathering that highlights the shared experiences that make Camp Wilderness what it is.
It is a weekend designed for participation, connection, and enjoying camp in a laid-back and welcoming way. Come out, take part, revisit old memories, and make new ones. Camp Wilderness looks forward to seeing you!
Camp Wilderness Through the Decades
1940s
1941 – The Red River Valley Council began planning for a larger camp as Camp Shawondasee could no longer accommodate growing numbers of Scouts.
1944 – Camp Shawondasee hit a peak of 1,100 campers, reinforcing the need for a new camp.
1945 – A new site was chosen, fundraising surged, Scouts helped clear the first campsites, and the camp property was officially purchased on December 24.
1946 – Additional land was acquired, and Scouts experienced their first summer at the newly established Wilderness Camp.
1949 – The camp was formally dedicated, showcasing new facilities (Black Building, Dining Hall, and Trading Post) and welcoming both the ND and MN Governors.
1950s
1950s – Tree planting became a focus as Scouts worked to reforest and improve the landscape.
1950s – The chuckwagon program added western-style cooking and themed adventure to camp.
1950s – Horse trail rides were introduced, giving Scouts a new way to explore the wilderness.
1950s – The canoe trails program operated again, reviving longer paddle-based wilderness travel.
1950s – Winter camping began and wood-burning cabins were constructed.
1956 – The camp’s official name was changed to Camp Wilderness.
1956 – Camp Wilderness celebrated its 10th Anniversary with special events and recognition.
1960s
1960 – The first Camp Ranger, Jim Hocking, was hired in late winter to support year-round operations.
1961 – A permanent home for the Ranger was completed in May, establishing on-site caretaking.
1960s – Gas-burning cabins were added, modernizing heating and improving camper comfort.
1966 – The second Camp Ranger, Rodney Bostrom, was hired, continuing full-time stewardship.
1969 – “Destroilets” were introduced, beginning construction of what’s now the youth latrine building.
1960s – Reed Lake was stocked with sunfish, enhancing the camp’s fishing opportunities.
1970s
1970s – The third Camp Ranger, Norm Georgina, was hired, continuing ongoing development and stewardship of camp.
1970s – The bell tower and family cabins were installed.
1970s – The Burke Hiking Trail was established, expanding trekking opportunities.
1970s – A new latrine style, known as the “lion dens”, were built.
1974 – The four councils (Lake Agassiz, Great Plains Area, Missouri Valley, and Red River Valley) merged to form Northern Lights Council.
1976 – The horse program ended as camp programming shifted toward other adventure offerings.
1976 – Camp Wilderness celebrated its 30th Anniversary
1980s
1980s – The fourth Camp Ranger, Claire Beech, was hired.
1980s – Camp began using non-professional Scouters as Camp Directors.
1980s – The Fox Building was constructed, adding new program and support space to camp.
1980s – Project COPE was introduced, bringing team building, challenge elements, and personal growth activities.
1980s – The first Climbing Tower was built, launching vertical adventure at Camp Wilderness.
1980s – The Trailblazer Program and Mataga Commissioner Area were created.
1986 – Camp Wilderness celebrated its 40th Anniversary.
1990s
1990s – The fifth Camp Ranger, Phil Shorn, was hired.
1990s – Camp welcomed its first female Camp Director.
1990s – The Nature Building was added and the Bog Walk was built.
1990s – The Shotgun Area opened and Muzzleloading was introduced.
1990s – Webelos Resident Camp began operating in connection with the summer camp season.
1990s – The Scoutcraft Area was formed and the Mountain Bike Program was developed.
1996 – Camp Wilderness celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
2000s
2000s – The sixth Camp Ranger, Andy Kietzman, was hired.
2000s – The Nature Lodge was built, providing an expanded home for ecology programs.
2000s – The Butler Health Center was constructed, adding adult showers, laundry facilities, and medical services.
2000s – The Rifle Range was rebuilt to modern safety and program standards.
2006 – Camp Wilderness celebrated its 60th Anniversary and Butler Wilderness Outpost was established for Cub Scout camping.
2000s – Four additional campsites were added, the Trailblazer program restarted, and the Area Commissioner system shifted to a volunteer model.
2010s
2010s – The Pavilion and Brick Courtyard were established, creating a central gathering and celebration space for camp.
2010s – A new Climbing Tower was built and a new Trading Post was constructed.
2010s – The History Center was created in the old Quartermaster Shop.
2016 – Camp Wilderness celebrated its 70th Anniversary.
2010s – The Meechgalanne “Sparrow Hawk” Campfire Arena was established.
2010s – The ATV Program was added.
2010s – An Astronomy Dome was added to the Nature Area by Pa-Hin Lodge.
2020s
2020s – Storm shelters were built on both Scouts BSA and Cub Scout sides.
2020s – Camp Wilderness successfully remained open through the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021 – Camp Wilderness celebrated its 75th Anniversary.
2023 – The ATV Program restarted and the OKPIK program launched in conjunction with ROMP.
2020s – A conservation easement was established to protect lands for future generations.
2020s – The cooking program returned at the Blackfoot campsite.
2024 – The Northern Lights Council celebrated its 50th Anniversary.
2026 – Camp Wilderness will celebrate its 80th Anniversary.
2027 – Pa-Hin Lodge will celebrate its 50th Anniversary.
