Camp Kern is a Boy Scout Camp that has been here for 77 years (1939). It is definitely showing its…read moreage. The buildings are pretty dilapidated and some to a degree unsafe, such as the deck leading into the dining hall. We had a Scout leader from our Troop offer to put some screws into it as is actually had none. The tents were in bad shape with holes and ties missing, which is no help against the many mosquitoes and bugs. The trails leading into camp and to the gun and firing range (very steep) were also poorly maintained. Our Troop also helped groom the trail leading to the camp which also helped a bit. To make matters worse the pitiful state of the restrooms (portable toilets) and showers weren't cleaned regularly or stocked (with dead bugs everywhere). Although there are a lot of really tall trees, there are a lot of dead ones too. The previous night one came crashing down not too far from camp sites. I'm sure it must be an issue as a result of the drought, fungus, beetles, etc. but they really need to cut more down, lest a tree falls on a tent which looks like a distinct possibility. One of the main things the camp is known for, is its proximity to the Lake, which it abuts. It's docks and swimming area are worn. They also didn't have the sailboats that are shown in the Scouting Magazine review of the camp. We were told there was a mixup in the company that supplies them and they would be delivered the day we left. So we ended up borrowing one sailboat from a nearby camp that we used by everyone to get the Sailing merit badge the last two days. The Camp Director, Kent, is a man with a good disposition but I wondered his sincerity in improving things as it seems strange you would have to ask him to stock towels or pump the toilets? Or for that matter, not to have the sailboats there? The food was decent but there were often long delays in being served and they frequently ran out of things. Also be aware when it says you will have 'steak' on Friday, it will be pork shops and 'tacos' were actually half of a tortilla. The portions were generally small, but seconds were often the case after everyone had been served. On the positive side the Camp Counselors were good. They hung out with the Scouts and bonded with them. From talking with them it sounded like the Boy Scout Council didn't give a lot of resources to the camp, which would account for at least it's condition and maybe more experienced staff in the kitchen. It was their first week of their summer session, so you would have to cut them some slack as there will inevitably be some loose ends. But for the totality of issues and the fact they have been here so long, one would have to wonder if there is a plan to improve things or not? During a hike they do on Wednesday of the week (of various lengths), we were able to see another Boy Scout camp next door by the name of Camp Oljato. That looks to be a better option until Camp Kern can get their house in order. On aside note, the camp has good Verizon service throughout and only AT&T service right on the waterfront. Not that Scouts need it of course :) Also, there are electrical outlets at the sink areas and in the dining hall for your electronics. Last but not least, I feel bad leaving a poor review as a Scout leader, as you want to support each other. But like any business, we all have choices for summer camps, so you need to deliver an all around good product. And I have been to a few other camps, so I do have a basis for comparison.

I was last at the camp in 2014 before my Stroke ! I have great memories of being there I took my…read morescout troop & attened many order of the arrow events . I first attended the camp in 1988 through 1994 my older son worked staff there in the early 1990s . I always had a greattime good food always kept busy the lake is great to get to the camp you have to travel by barge this is a cool experience .

We did a one hour trail ride. It was amazing. Our tour guide was amazing and she helped us a lot,…read morewas very kind. I forgot her name unfortunately but the staff we dealt with here were all kind.

Phenomena! Amazing! Impressive! Friendly! Courteous!…read more Best horseback riding experience I've ever had from the staff to the atmosphere in a full day service experience. Package would have easily been worth double the amount we actually spent! Our guides Mitch and Brandon were the most experienced cowboys I've ever met and not only did they share their knowledge in such a respectful way but they gave my son and I a full day of enjoyment with taking us through the most breathtaking views, laughter from their great stories and experiences and all out humble hospitality! Most personable and down to earth people running this place. Love all these people (so courteous and friendly, didn't even know them but felt like I had from the start) and their top notch, impressive professional family friendly horseback riding experience is second to none. Look no further if you are looking for an all out camping/fishing/hiking/horseback riding adventure! My son and I caught so many trout in just a little over an hour, thanks to our guides tips and techniques! Hadn't caught any all summer til they shared their expertise. Attached a photo of our haul. Our family will be making this an annual experience with D&F Pack Station!

Absolutely love this camp!! So many wonderful cabins, platform tents and tepees for small groups to…read morelarge events. The Dinky creek runs through the property which makes for the best background sounds!! Archery area Large mess hall Bathrooms -Biffys Mountain Biking Canoeing Team building Challenge course Swimming CampFire area But 100% great night sky views!!!

Spend at least once a year here on a group camping trip and it is always a great time. The views…read moreare great, the creek is peaceful, and making memories is the best! The bathrooms are as clean as a bathroom in the woods can be and I have encountered far worse. The showers are heated so that is a plus. Nearby swimming pond is a short hike from the camp site and is one of the perks of staying here. Looking forward to many returned visits!

I didn't go to camp. I just went to the camp grounds for a photo op. So this is not for the camp…read more This is for the ambiance and location of the camp. When you first come onto the camp, they have a cute fake town. There is a sign with a Sheriff on it and some fake stores (one real store but was closed). They had fake train tracks and just cute playtown fun. Great for photos. It is also near a hiking trail. This is just a great place for photos :)

It is a truly well planned camp which my grandkids have attended for two years together. The…read morecounselor for our grandsons in Junior Camp was the same young man as last year well trained, truly talented,compassionate, very responsible. Our grandsons really liked him very much! This year: the only family disappointment was the lack of daily pictures which was promised like last year. Despite the above concerns, the camp is located in a beautiful environment; well planned and supervised; safe and fun.

My sister and I swam to this place over summer break, and we found it and thought it was abandoned…read more Great experience but almost got hit by a deer lol. I love this place definitely worth exploring

Great facility and great program. One of the most beautiful BSA camps I've ever seen. The food…read moreand kitchen crew were AMAZING AND MET ALL OUR NEEDS.

Skylake is a 5-star, sensational camping experience. Our three children have been attending for…read moreseveral years now, and consider it their "home away from home." They typically attend for a two week session and have consistently returned thrilled, having tried many new activities, having loved their counselors and made many new, great friends. Activities include: Horses, Archery, Paddle Boarding, Swimming in the Lake, Banana Boats, Biking, Rock Climbing, and Tomahawk Toss. Our kids report that the food is great, the songs and campfires are fun, the activities are great and there is nothing about it that they don't love. As a parent, it is easy to stay in touch...the Director (who is wonderful) posts a detailed summary each day on their password protected website of what is happening at Camp each day, and about 100 candid photos are posted each day to show what is going on around the Camp. The pictures are a great way to (sometimes) see candid shots of your kids and still feel in touch. The kids are able to get letters everyday and larger "care packages" once a week so you can stay in touch. We have interacted with the owners, nurse, and camp management on several occasions and have been impressed every time. These folks are great professionals! We will continue to send our kids to this remarkable Camp and commend Skylake for being such an oasis. Keep up the great work! Skylake is a dream...a 5-star camping experience!

Was a camper for 4 years, a counselor for another 4-5 years, family camper for at least 12 years…read moreand now I send my children there - the place is magic! My favorite activities as a camper were tennis, archery, canoeing and campcrafts. As a counselor I tended to drift towards watersports - waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboards... As a family camper my favorite activity is anything where my kids are having fun and I'm in the sun! Skylake is a magical place where friendships are born that sustain through your lifetime, a time of meaningful personal growth away from the "you" you are at home, where you are free to explore who you are, who you want to be and what is important in the world. Highly recommend giving it a shot if you can! You won't be sorry.

I visit Convict Lake every year because it's just so beautiful! No wonder those escaped prisoners…read moreyears ago stayed here! You cannot resist such a beautiful lake with the mountain backdrop. Okay, the parking is terrible but if you're patient and parking lot pimpin', there will be an open spot for you! The water is freezing here in the summer but that is why I love it so much! I love being the 1 out of 3 people who swims here lol. If you want to fish here, I promise there's no fish here. We can never catch anything here! 10/10 will always visit again.

Beautiful lake off the Highway 395. I felt so lucky to find a parking space in front of the lake…read morewhere the boat launch was! It was such a beautiful sight of the mountains and the lake. Nice place to take a walk with family and friends!

We have been looking for some kind of sports for my son who is 4 years old. So happy we found this…read moreplace. They have free trial class you can go and see how it is. And my son enjoyed it from the first visit. They allowed my son to be upgraded to join the higher age group since he was a bit advanced for his age. They also gave us a hand written card to welcome us and that made me feel we are part of it. Only thing I would say is if they can keep the facility with less dust and more sitting for parents to watch the kids playing. But special thanks to coach lexis and coach Alyssa.

My daughter has been comming here for soccer training for almost a year. I can definitely see the…read moreresults and how she improved from increasing her skill with her left foot and her touch on the ball and all around improvement on her game. It is also very reasonably priced. I highly recommend this place if you want your kid to improve his or hers game

Gosh, I just popped on here to see if the camp was still around after all the fires a few years…read moreback, and I'm so glad it is. My daughter started going to this camp 25 years ago and stayed for 10 years! She got her 10-year jacket, which she still has, and used her GAC blanket through college. She looked forward to camp every year and every year she would come back a very happy, content, and more independent than she was when she left. Worth every dollar we spent!

*** "Gold Arrow Camp is absolutely f-i-n-e" ... ***…read more At least that is the one-liner my 10yo keeps saying. He went there for a 2-week sleepover this summer. Twas his very first stint staying at an overnight camp. He enjoyed it so much, that he wants to ret'n for 1mo! From what he tells me, he likes the variety of activities: archery, hi-ropes, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing, riflery, ziplining, hiking, backpacking, waterskiing, wake boarding, mountain climbing, camping, art & crafts. The bus picks up the kids at the Cheviot Hills Rec Center. Then you do not see nor speak with them until they return. The only correspondence permitted is via email or USPost. They also post daily picks of the kids at play to the web site. Twas a great way to help build a kid's sense of independence. That was my motivation to send mine here. We're both happy. I only had marbles and a fishing pole when I was in camp! (lol) *** Gold Arrow is pricey but it is a great way to cut the cord. ***