Bill Taneri
Warren
| Sunday, July 16, 2023 |
| Was at camp in 69 and 70, summer camp and overnighters, as we called them. One January we were doing winter merit badge so we had to sleep in tents. It was -2. Luckily I got the last bed in the trading post. It was heated by a coal stove. The smoke was so bad you could barely see across the room! But we didn't care. Also had night snowball fights with the Amish boys. Was in troop 9 out of Warren. Scout master was Andy Pankovich. Does anyone remember night hikes looking for the wompum cat!!! |
Ed Stephens
Ogden UT
| Thursday, July 06, 2023 |
| A lot of great memories of my youth came flooding back when I found this site. I was a member of Troop 12 in Leavittsburg OH in the early 70's and summer camp was always spent at Camp Chickagami. Our scout master was Mr. Grady Holt, and my dad, Stan Stephens was one of his assistant SMs. My dad and I were tapped out on the same night during summer of 1972 and did our ordeal together at Chickagami. I was a member of the OA ceremony time for a couple years, and I remember Mr. Lord playing a major role in those ceremonies back in those days. Still remember evening retreats, working on merit badges at the waterfront (life saving MB was a struggle for me - Thanks Jim Dade for your support and guidance to get me through), shooting on the rifle range, and troop water fights on the last night of camp. My grandson is now a 2nd class scout in Troop 1071 in South Ogden UT. We just returned home from a week of summer camp at Camp Hunt in Garden City UT. I hope we made some memories that he'll be able to share 50 years from now. |
Kenny Jones
Bristolville Ohio
| Sunday, March 12, 2023 |
| I spent two summer camps and many weekends with Troop 97 from Warren Ohio in the 1960s. I attended the 1964 Polar Bear Camporee and have the patch shown on the patch collection page.
I was tapped out for AO at the end of summer camp and returned
for a weekend that year to secure the Camp for the winter.
My friend Gabe Illis (a former Scoutmaster that camped at Chickagami in the 1980s) and I went to the now park and walked around for a while. |
William Law
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| Sunday, January 29, 2023 |
| Hello, I'm the volunteer historian for the 1st Lakeshore Scouts in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and I'm currently researching a photo of Scouts from our group holding the Troop flag which also holds a small banner/ribbon that appears to say "Western Reserve Council, Camp Chickagami Inspection" and the last word is unreadable. The image is blurred. The photo appears to be from the late 1960s or early 1970s. Wondering if you have any information about this specific camp (when, where, what the camp was." |
Wally Booher
Dublin Ohio 53017
| Wednesday, November 16, 2022 |
| I was a scout with Troop 97 in Warren Ohio from 1964-1969 an assistant scoutmaster from 1978-1989. I enjoyed many a wonderful nights at the camp at the trading post, Dan Beard lodge, in the leantos next to the trading post and many of the tent sites. I am so very very glad that Chicagami has been saved by the county of Geauga it n hold’s many many good times and nights of camping in neighborhood of 300 nights both as a scout and a leader. PLEASE keep this camp open so that it can be enjoyed by many many people and scouts for long time
Wallace Booher
Eagle Scout
Troop 97
1964-69
1978-89 |
RALPH RIDDLE
oXFORD, ALABAMA
| Thursday, October 20, 2022 |
| i HAVE WHAT I BEOLIVE TO BE SOME PATCHES FROM THE CAMP WILL SCAN AND FORWARD IF YOU WANT. |
RALPH RIDDLE
oXFORD, ALABAMA
| Thursday, October 20, 2022 |
| i HAVE WHAT I BEOLIVE TO BE SOME PATCHES FROM THE CAMP WILL SCAN AND FORWARD IF YOU WANT. |
Chuck Trunick
| Friday, September 09, 2022 |
| I lived at Chickagami as a kid throughout the year in tents, lodges and adirondacks, always looking forward to the next camporee or overnighter. Couldn't get enough of it. The season and weather was never an excuse not to go to Chickagami; regardless of rain, snow, freezing temperatures or hot summer. Except I do especially remember a below zero February tent weekend near the old Handicraft Lodge and Pines where we spent the night keeping the fire going verses sleeping and staying close to the heat. My favorite lodge and camp location in cold months to stay in was the Nature Lodge. I was in Troop 100 at St. William in Champion from 11-17 years old, 1960s. |
Rick Glunt
Girard, Oh
| Wednesday, September 07, 2022 |
| 1949-1953 approximately. Troop 32 |
Rick Glunt
Girard, Oh
| Wednesday, September 07, 2022 |
| 1949-1953 approximately. Troop 32 |
Mike Michalski
Greene, Ohio
| Saturday, July 16, 2022 |
| I was in troop 57 from Greene Ohio and was at the camp in late 60's ans early 70's. We had a blast at the camp. I got the broken paddle award one year for slapping a snapping turtle while canoeing and breaking my paddle. We always stayed at camp Logan for summer camp. I remember we used to sing "Here we are sitting like birds in the wilderness" if a troop was late for a meal at the mess hall. We stayed in the outerondeck shelters in the winter. Great memories and great people. We never had a staff member that wasn't the best. One of my best friends (Denzil) always stayed in the same tent at camp. Other troop 57 members please put in your memories for all of us to enjoy. |
Chris Trunick
FTW,TEXAS
| Thursday, February 03, 2022 |
| Had a great time in the Boy Scouts coming here in the 70's.From Champion,Ohio. Troop "100" |
John Marks
Beavercreek, OH
| Thursday, September 23, 2021 |
|
Mike Elliott
| Wednesday, March 31, 2021 |
| I was in Troop 52 out of Cortland, OH in the early 1990s and had several summer camps, winter events, and weekend outings at Camp Chickagami. Great times! |
Paul Grimes
NE Ohio
| Wednesday, July 22, 2020 |
| I was on staff summer camp 1986 at the Nature Lodge with V. LaPolla. Al Summerlin was the camp director. |
Harry Hopkinson
Cornwall, Ontario
| Friday, July 03, 2020 |
| Mike Sharpe was part of our parent / driver crew. Sixteen hour car rides to get from Orleans, ON (just outside Ottawa) to Parkman. We always stopped at an Italian restaurant in Parkman after the long drive. |
Mike Sharpe
Lanark County, Ontario, Canada
| Tuesday, June 09, 2020 |
| Hi. Nice memories. My son's troop from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada attended. I went along as a parent / driver. I remember one spring weekend visit for cleanup, and one or two summer visits, a week each time. John King from the Ashtabula area was there. When I locate the photos I will add them. |
Robert M Abruzzi
Warren, Ohio
| Thursday, May 28, 2020 |
| My brother, Dick, and I spent many good times at the camp. We were in Troop 21, from Warren, Ohio. Many memories but one time our troop was sent to the camp, perhaps a week earlier than we were suppose to be there. We got there and found 152 Girl Scouts in the camp! |
Bill Rintala
New Orleans
| Monday, May 11, 2020 |
| I was a Scout from 1958-1968. Pack 218 and then Troop 13 from Warren. I was an Eagle Scout and inducted into the OA in1966.There was a song that we sang in OA, I think. I don't remember all of the words or how to spell everything. The tune remains clear to me after all of these years. Does anyone remember the words? What I recall is:"
"Firm bound in Brotherhood, Gather the (band) that cheerful service brings to fellow man. Circle our Council Fires, weld tightly every link, that bind us in Brotherhood, Wemacktendink". Love to you all |
Mike
Cortland, Ohio
| Monday, January 15, 2018 |
| So many memories doing winter events/klondike camping here as a cub scout and early boy scouts. It's sad that i'll never be able to show my kids everything that used to be here, but i love stopping and telling my daughter how much fun i had here when i was her age. I really do wish they had left the dining hall. So many meals and so much hot chocolate looking up at all the signs painted by the troops there for summer camp. |
Jay Hays
Alliance OH
| Wednesday, April 26, 2017 |
| Camped at Chickagami in the late 80's to mid 90's. Was on summer camp staff in 1994. I think that was the last summer that camp was held there. My wife and I were passing through Parkman and had to take her there. It was raining, so we never made it past the parking lot. I admit to shedding a tear. So many memories. Now I'm a Cubmaster for my son's Pack in Alliance, OH. Plan to take my Pack there in the fall for a hike! |
Rosemary Warther(Haller)
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
| Thursday, April 20, 2017 |
| I attended camp Chickagami for band camp for band camp when I was in the Warren g. Harding High School marching band. Many awesome memories. I also attended many boy scout events here. |
Douglas Fowler
McDonald, Ohio
| Wednesday, March 01, 2017 |
| I attended Camp Chickagami from 1967 through 1969. I was on Camp Staff in the Nature Lodge during both summers of 1970 and 1971.
Some research I've been doing:
During th summer of 1969, I was a camper with Troop 48 from McDonald, OH. Our troop was there during the week of July 20th through the 26th. That first night, Sunday evening, the whole camp was gathered sitting on the floor, up late, in the dining hall (D. M. Olds Hall) watching a little balck and white TV perched on the stage. We all watched the tiny image of Neil Armstrong step onto the surface of the Moon at 11 pm EDT.
I am now putting together a presentation on Lunar geology for a conference. If anyone else remembers that summer at camp, or if anyone has any photos from Camp Chickagami in 1969, please let know. I would appreciate any memories you have or any photos you would like to share.
Thank you,
Doug Fowler |
Ralph DeAngelis
Niles Ohio
| Tuesday, January 31, 2017 |
| Every time I went by it on my way to and from work memories came back. I now pass by another on 45 but I remember Chickagami. |
Charlesfak
| Tuesday, January 17, 2017 |
|
Duane Patterson
Erie PA
| Wednesday, January 11, 2017 |
| I was fortunate enough to be in Troop 35 from Niles, Ohio and be mentored by the greatest man I ever knew, Mr. D. He was a father to me and I thank him and Mrs. D from the bottom of my heart for all they did for me. I worked at Camp Chickagami during the summer of 1984 and I can honestly say it was the most formative summer of my life. I helped Mr. D. put new roofs on several buildings there and build new foundations for the buildings that were moved around the camp. He taught us so much. I am still amazed when I think about the fact that Mr.& Mrs. D. (Mrs. D ran the dining hall) took 20+ summers off from their normal jobs to mentor us at Chickagami and never accepted a dime from the council. Sorry for total tribute to Mr. Mrs. D, but they deserve it. I truly did love my time at Chickagami. By the way, Mrs. D. lives at Victoria House in Austintown close to the Casino and always appreciates a kind visitor from the old days. |
Marc Beck
Denver, CO
| Thursday, September 08, 2016 |
| I was in Troop 61 from Hiram. I always had a good time when I was here. I'd blow all my money at the rifle range, then hang out at the archery range after that because that didn't cost anything. I'd only go swimming in the lake the first day to get my red, white and blue swim tag...that thing was full of leaches! One kid in my troop got one on his stomach the first day of camp and didn't realize it until about three days later. He totally freaked out. Once when my mom was visiting, I took her to the confidence course (you could be there as long as there was an adult present). She did everything and rode the zip line all the way to the bolt and mattress that stopped you at the end. Those were great times. I remember the bug juice always tasted like it had about 10 cups of sugar in it. |
Tim Bock
Virginia
| Wednesday, March 02, 2016 |
| I helped with rifle range for a week or so, in 1985. really good times at this camp. summer camp at Chickagami was some of the best times of my youth. |
Jim Potjunas
Vienna, OH
| Saturday, February 06, 2016 |
| We are sad to report the passing of Tom Dunlap. Whether at the rifle range or waterfront, "Mr. D." was the most remembered staff member for many generations of Scouts and our best resource for homesickness.
When we ask about Chickagami, his is the first name we hear. His many selfless good works live on through the hundreds of Scouts who passed through the gates of Chickagami. |
John S Biro, Jr
Clayton, NC
| Tuesday, January 19, 2016 |
| I hv many fond memories of my scouting experience while @ Camp Chick. I was with T64 out of Kinsman, OH under the Scout Masters Donald Clute & John S Biro Sr from '77-83. Like so many others I too attended winter camporees/Klondike derbys. Building the sled, cooking a squirrel on the potbelly stove, learning to swim @ the coaching of Mr D., many many hrs on the rifle range & archery range, putting a fellow scout out on the docks while he was sleeping in his bunk (Mike G.) , rowing out to get catrail reeds needed for Basketry MB, being tapped out for OA....the list just goes on. Saddened by the closing of the camp but forever grateful for the memories & friendships made. My son is a Star Scout with T24, a former 2 term SPL, and the 1st President of our brand new (1/2016) Venture Crew. Scouting makes good Men out of ornery boys. |
Tim Thorndike
St. Louis, MO
| Tuesday, November 10, 2015 |
| I'm so happy to have come across this website!! I was in Troop 70 in Southington in Trumbull County from 1966-1970. I loved going to summer camp and doing the Klondike Derby at Chickagami.
I'll never forget doing the mile swim in the lake, back and forth, and just when I didn't think I could swim another stroke, the loudspeaker blared out one of my favorite songs (Windy by The Association). it was so upbeat that it gave me the motivation to finish the swim.
After I proposed to my wife in California in 1980, I brought her back to Ohio to meet my family and, of course, I had to show her around Chickagami!!
I'm back in Boy Scouts again after a 45-year hiatus and more active than ever. Joining Scouting again has been an answer to prayer. I'm backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, lot of water sports, was one of the best adult shooters at summer camp this year and having the time of my life! And I'm wearing the OA pocket flap from Tapawingo Lodge! |
Ed Courim
El Paso, TX
| Sunday, August 23, 2015 |
| Was on summer camp staff 1993-1995 worked handicraft and nature lodges as a C.I.T. and later as a paid staff member had alot of great times there. |
Jeremy Williams
Warren Ohio
| Thursday, August 20, 2015 |
| Troop 2 from Warrren
'The proud the few Troop 2'
great times and memories |
Don Kuszmaul
Martinsville Indiana
| Saturday, August 23, 2014 |
| Fond memories! I loved reading the other comments. I remember Mr "D" at the rifle range, the smells in the dinning hall, and thunder bridge. We stayed back at Custer most years. I remember catching catfish below the dam with our bare hands one year during a survival week in single digits. I learned life long skills and things that turned us into men, I would not trade it for ANYTHING! I remember lifting up my buddy's bunk in the middle of the night and setting it down out in the middle of the woods for him to wake in the morning. We had fun! Kuszy's Angles!!!! |
Herb Wilcox
Ottawa IL
| Sunday, February 16, 2014 |
| First year camper in 1966, didn't want to stay all week. but did. On staff 1971,1972 and 1973. Stopped at the camp April 2013. just not the same with all the buildings gone. |
Kevin York
Durham, NC
| Monday, January 13, 2014 |
| Glad to have been given the link to this website. I was a camp staff member from 1993-1995. It's great to see the patches and hear the stories about Chickagami, it really takes me back to that time when being paid 15$ a week in Trading Post Credit was well worth it! (Back in the 90's that bought a lot of boxes of Nerds and suicide flavored Slush Puppies!) |
Darren Hood
Pittsburgh PA
| Monday, November 11, 2013 |
| Nice to see this site and know that Chickagami still exists. I was a staff member here in the eary 90's. Its great that this is now part of the Geauga Park District. Its the best thing that could happen.I want to visit Chickagami with my dad who was a scout here in the 1950's, and with my boys who are 6 and 19 monthes old, when I'm in the area. I can probaby provide a lot of pictures and information from the early 90's. |
Lisa Corso Jackubek
Houston, Texas
| Sunday, October 27, 2013 |
| This is a fantastic tribute to such a wonderful place. I had the honor and priviledge to be a Boy Scout Staff Member at Camp Chickagami for three summers. I was the C.O.P.E. Course Director. Thinking back, it is so hard to believe, I was actually one of the people who helped bury the time capsule! How time flies! Some of my fondest memories of those summers were, the buddy board water drills, making apple pies and playing volleyball with the Amish women who were cooks in the kitchen during that time. I also remember our camp ranger, George. He was the only person I have ever met in my life that actually knew how to find water using the old crossing the wire coat hanger trick! Thanks for the memories! |
John Streitferdt
| Tuesday, September 24, 2013 |
| In the real early years, a Bugler was used to sound the different happenings of the day, including Reville and Taps ! The first Buglers name was "Willis Scott" ! I first attended Chickagami in the summer of 1944 ! The dining hall at that time had a front porch ! The cooks name was "Ma Selkirk" ( every one called her that ! I had my first taste of "French toast" there and she cooked it on a big flat iron stove ! Chief Olds and his wife lived the summer through on the cabin next to the dining hall, and they would come out every night and stand on the front porch to observe the nightly rituals of lowering the flag, which was allways done by the O.A.
Thursdays was the cooks day off so at lunch the whole camp would march from the camp down the road to the State Park on Rt. 422 in Parkman, eat a sack lunch, and march back to camp !! The shower facilities were all down by the dam !!! Lots of memories through the years ! Still involved in Scouting as a merit Badge Counseler with Troop 20 of Lordstown !!!
|
Harry Hopkinson
Cornwall, ON Canada
| Sunday, September 08, 2013 |
| I was part of a Canadian troop that visited Camp Chickagami from 1988 to 1991 or 1992. I really enjoyed our time there. We always received a warm reception. We enjoyed the U.S.A. ? Canada rivalry when we were there. |
Rich Rostan
Mcdonald
| Sunday, March 10, 2013 |
| I was a member of Troop 44, Girard. Scoutmaster was Jack Daugherty. We mostly stayed at Camp Custer from 1966-1970. There are many memories of summer camp and weekend overnighters the rest of the year. My brother Bob, Jack Daugherty jr and I would roast ducks on an open fire. We loved the assault boat races on parents night. I was Mateu at a tapout. Our troop also made the totam pole that was at the entrance for years. So many memories. |
Roye Meis
| Wednesday, October 17, 2012 |
| great site. i actually ahve a felt ordeal sash with stamps on the back from the lodge banquets in 1956 and the spring fellowship at the camp in 1956. WWW |
Steve Putt
| Saturday, October 13, 2012 |
| I attended five summer camps ('59-'63 I think), OA Ordeal, and many over-nighters (Adirondacks in winter - cold!). I learned to play Monopoly one winter in one of the lodges. I was in troops 10 (Calvary Presbyterian, Warren) and 27 (Champion Presbyterian). Loved the shooting, archery, woodcrafts. I was good at carving neckerchief slides from the blanks in the store - they had step-by-step examples mounted on plaques. Wow, I have to be in the '61 and '62 Flag Ceremony photos somewhere. |
Dave Newcomb
| Sunday, July 22, 2012 |
| I was a member of Troop 62, Garrettsville, 1968-71. Summer camps at Chickagami are among my fondest memories of growing up. We always used the Dan Beard campsite. I camped at Chickagami again with my older son Matt (an Eagle Scout) about 10 years ago with Troop 1, Akron. My younger son Michael is a Star Scout and Troop 1's current Senior Patrol Leader. Michael and I visited the park earlier this summer, and I shared many memories with him. Their summer camps are held at Camp Manatoc in Peninsula, and on the camp's front gate are the words, "To these things you must return." In my experience, truer words were never spoken. |
Douglas Turner
Formerly Warren now North Canton, Ohio
| Friday, July 06, 2012 |
| I was with Troop 9 in Warren during the 80's. Enjoyed my summers at Camp Chickagami and my time in the Tapawingo Lodge. Now I share scouting with my sons in the Buckeye Council. At the first years hike last week I heard the words I hear each year..."a scout will remember what camp looked like his first year at summercamp, no matter how much it changes." I still picture camp Chickagami. |
Bob Marks
Manassas, VA
| Sunday, May 13, 2012 |
| Spent the weekend at my son's Ordeal, it really brough back memories of Chickagami for me. So many good times, I hope my son has those type of experience in his scouting and OA future. |
Bill Johnston
Naperville, IL
| Monday, April 09, 2012 |
| Troop 55 of Kinsman, Ohio was a pretty active troop in the 1950s. I enjoyed the hiking, cookouts and especially our week at Camp Chicagami every summer. I learned many lessons there. Some intentionally and some inadvertently. Like the science lesson I learned at the waterfront during the swimming tests to see which group you belonged in ( non-swimmers, beginners or swimmers). I wanted to test for the advanced swimmers group to get to swim and dive in the deep water so I jumped off the dock and started to swim around the bouys when i saw a snake "swimming" right me in the wiggling, rippling way they moved. Needless to say, I made a slight "deviation" from the marked course (but I still passed the test). Did you know that snakes could swim? I did by the time I got back to shore.
I learned, also, about human nature and how the desire of some people to fit in and be part of a group sometimes overpowers common sense. A lot of our troop was at the swimmers test site ready to prove we could swim well enough to be in the deep water. When it was his turn, John jumped off the dock into the deep water, came back up to the surface, flailed his arms around and sank back down. On about his third time down he finally yelled "I can't swim". He was promptly pulled out and sent to the non-swimmers area. I(t must have made an impression on me for it is still one of my memories of Camp Chicagami almost 60 years later. I wonder whatever happened to John?
|
Chris Sprague
Chicago, IL
| Monday, April 09, 2012 |
| Thanks for preserving the camp this way! I started as a Cub Scout in Pack 252 out of Cortland and spent my first years as a Boy Scout at Chickagami Summer Camps with Troop 54 (1988-1992). Many great memories of Summer Camp and Troop outings involve Chickagami, well done! |
Ryan Veon
Ravenna, OH
| Tuesday, February 14, 2012 |
| Who remembers the giant reels we used to push around in the snow? or the mass games of tackle football in the snow. the zip line with no helmet ! I was a member of troop 61 out of Hiram,OH until it disbanded and we merged with troop 575 out of Mantua,OH.
Chickagami was a great camp. My personal highlight was being "tapped out" in 1987. Now they "call out" Still scouting was and is the best program for youth! |
Matt McCracken
| Friday, January 27, 2012 |
| Thanks Anthony, we've added you to the list. If you remember any other names we might have missed feel free to send us an email. |
Anthony Irwin
Binghamton NY
| Friday, January 27, 2012 |
| I was a cook 1975-1976-1977-1978 for the summer camp.Wonder why My name is not listed. Boy scout troop 55 Warren, Ohio |
Michael O'Hara
Girard, Ohio
| Saturday, October 22, 2011 |
| I was the nature director at Camp Chickagami in 1967 and 1968. |
Jim McFarland
Warren, Oh
| Tuesday, September 06, 2011 |
| I was a waterfront counselor for summer camp 1969, Our Camp Director was Carl Clifford. Sad to report his obituary was in today's tribune. He ran the camp like the Marines. We had to be sharp and in line and the scouters benefited. Great memories. |
Doris Fitzgerald
Brosius Rd Garrettsville
| Friday, August 26, 2011 |
| Was a campmaster for Chickagami and now am campmaster for Stigwandish and Stambaugh. We are having same problem for Stwindwandish as Chickagmi had. Metro Parks want our camp. I am still the O>A Advisor for Native Am. Hertiage. |
Trish Gushura
Warren, OH
| Monday, February 28, 2011 |
| Great Memories at Chick, my brother was a scout in troop 65 in Nelson, OH in the 90's and my son was a cub scout in pack 226, leavittsburg from 2004 to 2009. Our pack was the last to use the dining hall for their spring cross over before it was torn down... :-( Nice to see a web site devoted to Chick, would love to see more pictures!! |
Matt McCracken
| Saturday, February 05, 2011 |
| I have restored the posts lost from a recent crash at our hosting company. If your post isn't below, please post again.\r\n\r\nCamp Chickagami, though I never camped there for a Summer camp was a great location for Winter Events. I will always remember the fun we had there, as well as the fun we will continue to have in Scouting. |
Atippius Roell
Charlottesville, VA
| Friday, December 31, 2010 |
| I have fond memories of my time here, always at Camp Beard. My brother and myself, Bill and Howie Small, with our father, Scoutmaster William T. Small, Sr. Troop 62, Garrettsville, in the mid 60's. Do they still serve "Bug Juice" in the mess hall? |
Dennis Funtjar
Hilliard, Ohop
| Thursday, December 30, 2010 |
| I earned my Eagle in 1978 as part of Troop 3 in Warren Ohio at Central Christian Church. I have to admit that I was truely saddened by the news that Camp Chickagami had been closed. I have many great memories of summer camp and weekend trips. Who can forget 1st year camper "snipe hunting" or trips to the warehouse for "dehydrated water" or "Fox and Hounds" after dark. Winter nights listening to the eery sounds of the frozen lake cracking or hikes through the pitch dark pine forest. I'm hoping to find some pictuers of those days, but, since in was before the time of the digital camera or cell phone, I'm not sure there will be many to be found. |
Bob Custer
Eastlake, OH
| Monday, December 20, 2010 |
| WOW. I was just asking my dad the other day what happeneed to Chickagami? It is sad to see it go as a BSA camp but glad to see it still alive in our memories. I was in scouting for many years in Troop 90 in Hartford, OH. I achieved Eagle in 86 and was CIT a few years at Chickagami. I was also in the OA and a part of the crew that attended the 75th Anniversary of Scouting at Fort A.P Hill with guys from Troop 15 and 101.\r\nDrop me a line if you remember me. |
Don Rottman
Transfer, PA
| Tuesday, December 14, 2010 |
| Wow.....great site that brings back a lot of fond memories. I started out as a CIT in 1984. My 2nd year I was also a CIT and worked in the Nature Lodge with Martin Marks who is the older brother of Bob Marks who was closer in age with my twin brother Mike and I. I remember being one of the "Expendables" in 1985. That was a weird year at camp for us staffers. My 3rd year on staff I ran the mess hall and remember holding up the Scout sign to let everyone know it was time to listen up and also leading the songs we would sing at the end of chow. I also helped Tom run the COPE course in the afternoon. My 4th year I worked the waterfront with Mr. D before getting sick and going to the hospital for a few days. Lots of good memories. Sad to see it end but glad that it will be open to everyone and allow Scouts first choice for camping. Drop me a line if you remember me. Don\r\nRottman\r\nTroop 54\r\nCortland, OH\r\n |
Isaac Aldrich
Warren, Ohio
| Sunday, December 05, 2010 |
| Hey all...Chickagami is where many of us learned to become the men we are today. Scouting is a valuable, but all too often overlooked gift in today's world. I fondly reminisce of my memories at Chic, and as I find photos, i'll be sure to post...\r\n\r\nIsaac V. Aldrich, CPIM\r\nTroop 15, Warren, Ohio\r\nChaplain's Aide\r\nTroop Guide\r\nPatrol Leader\r\nAssistant Senior Patrol Leader |
David Bowling Jr
| Saturday, September 04, 2010 |
| I entered Boy Scouts in 1982 and earned my Eagle Scout in 1988. I was fortunate enough to spend at least one week out of every summer at Camp Chickagami. It was there that I learned how to shoot a gun and a bow and arrow. And it was there that I learned many of the lessons that guided me from childhood to becoming a man. I will never forget the staff, leaders, and fellow scouts that I shared those years with. God Bless the Boy Scouts and thank God for allowing me to be part of the history of Camp Chickagami. |
Jim Mac Laren
Green Valley, AZ
| Thursday, August 05, 2010 |
| In the 1950's I had the pleasure of attending Camp Chickagami many times in the Summers and Winters. Diving in the lake through thin ice was cold. I earned my Eagle Scout with Troop 3 of Warren,Ohio. I served on the Staff and was in the Order of the Arrow. My two brothers, Wally and Bob, were also Eagle Scouts. Good old Parkman on weekends. |
Thomas Dyer
Amarillo, TX
| Sunday, June 13, 2010 |
| Wow! Lots of GREAT memories here...I went to summer camp with Troop 62, Garrettsville, Ohio, usually the end of June, beginning of July...1971-76...You could usually find me at the Rifle Range first, or the Nature Lodge working on some merit badge requirements, then to the swimming hole...I cant remember a colder Coca Cola, then those little bottles of Coke at the Trading Post! I came back to Ohio for a High School reunion in 2003. I drove out to the Camp and was given a tour by the caretaker there...It brought back all sorts of memories...We camped at Dan Beard campsite, now without a scoutmaster cabin...Because I was under the old "system", I loved the nature part of scouts, and lost interest with the oncoming "new" system, which emphasized community service...I was a camper, hiker, naturalist, survivalist, marksman, etc. and got involved with the O/A more, after I turned 13 and on...GOOD TIMES with Spring Camporees, and Klondike Derbies in the Winter! |
Ray Sponseller
Bristolville, OH
| Monday, May 31, 2010 |
| where do i start? there were so many memories in my years that i went to camp chicagami while with troop 25 in champion, scoutmaster, jim perrin. i was in boy scouts from 1966-1973. i remember all of it like it was yesterday. the rifle range, archery range, merit badges earned and mile swim. oh yes, and also the infamous order of the arrow initiation. I LIVED!!! what an accomplishmen and achievement i'll never forget. i think all kids should have the chance to experience all the fond memories that i have of camp chicagami. HUBBA HUBBA MEN!!!!!!! |
John S. O'Donnell
Girard, OH
| Thursday, May 20, 2010 |
| First let me say what a nice job on the site.also hello to Greg Hillman,Bob Marks,and Dan Pupillo I spent many a good times with thease gents on camp staff I would like to hear from some of you via e-mail perhaps getting togeather for an adult beverage and swapping some stories |
John B, O'Donnell
Girard, OH.
| Thursday, May 06, 2010 |
| Nope that is my dad John S. O'Donnell. The only time I worked staff at Camp Chickagami was for North Star JLT. I was too young to be on camp staff when it operated as a summer camp. |
Bob Marks
Girard, OH.
| Thursday, May 06, 2010 |
| This is bringing back memories, I went through my old scout box with my son. He crossed over in Feb 2010 to the local troop and I'm becoming active. Looking forward to spending a week at summer camp at the Goshen Scout Reservation. I was a staff member in '84,'85 and '86. I remember you John O'Donnell, weren't you Archery Directory. I found a picture of the 1985 staff plaque, hopefully it will get posted here. |
John B, O'Donnell
Youngstown
| Wednesday, April 21, 2010 |
| I miss my summer home away from home...however, the memories and friends I have made will last a life time. Eagle Scout Troop 40 Girard, OH. |
Gary Stecker
Weston, FL
| Tuesday, April 06, 2010 |
| So glad to see this site that keeps the history alive. I was a member of Troop 85 and my fondest memories of scouting were from summer camp. I was sad when I saw the camp had closed and enjoyed seeing the pictures now that it has been reopened for all. In addition to summer camp I was able to camp there several times in the winter. Sledding down the hill from the Mess hall out onto lake was the best. Of, course you had to be sure to keep your head down going under the little railing that marked the beginning of the swimming area. I also had the privilege of camping at Camp Goodail, it is still one of the most beautiful spots I have ever visited, especially in the winter. |
Daniel Pupillo
Uniontown, Ohio
| Saturday, March 27, 2010 |
| Nice Job. It took me back to some fun times. |
Matt Gabat
Bay Village, Ohio
| Monday, March 22, 2010 |
| I am also an Eagle Scout from Troop 31 1994.\r\nI was on camp staff in 1990 and 1991. Lots of great memories of Chickagami. |
Jeff Pearson
Virginia Beach, VA
| Friday, February 05, 2010 |
| Love your site! As a former member of Troop 31 in Niles and Eagle Scout, I fondly remember Camp Chickagami. I was sad to hear they closed the Camp some years ago. There are plenty of memories of my youth at camp and someday I hope to have time to take my son, a Bear Cub, to camp at the park. Your patches prompted me to pull out my scout box and I seem to have a few that you don't have listed. If you would like a scanned copy please let me know. I would be happy to\r\nprovide them.\r\nYIS Jeff |
Paul Kuszmaul
Champion, Ohio
| Wednesday, February 03, 2010 |
| Scouting in and of itself provides a youth with the opportunity to learn and make several pleasant memories that they can reflect upon and enjoy the rest of their life. Along with those memories is the place in which they were made. I made mine on the top of a hill in Parkman, Ohio at a place called Camp Chickagami. Jumping in the liquefied ice during week one for my swimming test, going in the "In" and out the "Out", learning how to steady my aim, administer first aid, row a boat to collect my cattail reeds, the reverence of retreat, the mystique of an Order of the Arrow ceremony, and helping others were all things that I learned at this place. That one week a year during my adolescence played a major role in who I became as an adult.\r\n\r\nI thank our forefathers who made this place possible for me and countless others and also the Geauga Park District took the reins to maintain and provide it for to new generation of youth and adults. Even though Chickagami has evolved from what it was, it remains a wonderful place and will keep on making memories for those who wish to take the time to enjoy its inspirational setting. |
Terry Polzin
North Royalton, Ohio
| Thursday, January 28, 2010 |
| Camp Chickagami will always be Gillwell Park to be I had the honor of being a member of the Fox Patrol in course EC-208 (Aug. 1981) We were asked to leave our patrol flags for display in the dining hall. I wonder where they are now. |
Gregg Hillman
Troy, OH
| Thursday, December 31, 2009 |
| Looks good |