Squatch Camp
Welcome to the J. Sephus Mack Sasquatch Research Center
Nestled in a hotbed of Squatch activity, the J. Sephus Mack Sasquatch Research Center is dedicated to developing the next generation of Squatch Hunters! During their time at the Research Center, Scouts will partake in weeklong focused adventures, honing their squatch hunting skills while also working on Scouting advancement.
The J. Sephus Mack Sasquatch Research Center is the specialized program for the week. Conceptually, hunting sasquatch will be a part of the program, to provide a unique program experience for participants. While they are looking for clues and signs of sasquatch, Scouts will also be working on rank requirements, merit badges, and have a lot of fun along the way.
The program offered at Squatch Camp 2025 will be built around several different adventure tracks. Scouts will sign up for an adventure track in which they will participate all week. Advancement opportunities, including working on several merit badges, will be embedded directly into each adventure track so as Scouts complete various adventure track activities, they will meet requirements. Squatch Camp will not be your traditional Scout summer camp where Scouts sign up for individual merit badges or advancement classes. Scouts will camp and spend the week with other Scouts who sign up for the same adventure track.
Camp Seph Mack | July 13-19, 2025
Who Can Attend?
Any registered member of a Scouts BSA Troop, Venturing Crew, or Sea Scout Ship may participate in the program.
Since this camp does not take place unitl the summer of 2025, currently registered Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts who will have crossed over into a Troop prior to camp will be able to register.
Even if a Scout’s home unit is not planning to attend, individual Scouts may register provisionally and will participate with a group that includes required adult supervision.
Adventure Tracks
Get ready for an epic adventure! These are the 2025 Squatch Camp Adventure Tracks:
Action Newsroom Adventure
Compiling the findings and putting together up-to-date reporting on everything happening in and around the institute is the job of our Action News Reporting group – you’ll visit each of our adventure bases getting a taste of the work being done and work on compiling it into a compelling narrative to share with the outside world. Photography, video, written word and first hand interviews are needed to document this cutting edge research to prove to the public sphere the legitimacy of our research. Will you be the voice that breaks the news?
AWARDS, MERIT BADGES & RANKS
- Journalism
- Moviemaking
- Photography
- Public Speaking
Brownsea Adventure
Not everyone who visits the institute is a seasoned veteran of cryptozoological research. Our Brownsea Basecamp invites those with a willingness to learn and a hunger for the unknown to jump into hunt with hands-on experience targeted at new recruits – you’ll learn the skills it takes to keep searching for the unknown for years to come.
AWARDS, MERIT BADGES & RANKS
- Requirements to First Class
- Totin’ Chip
- Firem’n Chit
- Wood Carving
- Paul Bunyan Award
Expedition Adventure
The Expedition Adventure will start the week preparing for their exploratory trek by documenting their credentials and ensuring that they are physically able to trek deep into Camp Seph Mack Institute for Sasquatch Research Territory. The team will train for survival in the wilderness in preparation for their trek. This will include instructions on building hasty shelters and various methods of fire building in the wild. Team members will also construct a personal survival kit to be used on the trek. Once the team has completed training and detailed planning, they will embark on an expedition deep into Sasquatch Research Territory looking for Sasquatch or signs of their existence within the Research Area. Each team member will file their own expedition report.
AWARDS, MERIT BADGES & RANKS
- Exploration
- Fingerprinting
- Wilderness Survival
Aquatics
Embark on an aquatics adventure as you spend a week of swimming and learning lifesaving on and in the glorious Yellow Creek Lake as you keep an eye out for signs of Sasquatch. The lake is perfect for testing your swimming skills, each stroke bringing you closer to the unknown and the elusive Sasquatch. The waterfront is the perfect place to catch some squatch tracks in the wet sand.
AWARDS, MERIT BADGES & RANKS
- Swimming
- Life Saving
- Multi-Sport Merit Badges
Nautical Adventure
Surrounding the research base is the 720-acre Yellow Creek Lake, allowing explorers to traverse otherwise inaccessible areas. Deep within the murky waters may lie the clues to Sasquatch’s whereabouts – do you have what it takes to leave the land behind and search the unknown? Boating, swimming, snorkeling – if it’s out there, you’ll find it!
AWARDS, MERIT BADGES & RANKS
- Kayaking
- Oceanography
- Canoeing
- Small Boat Sailing
Outpost Adventure
High above our research base, on the eastern ridge of camp lies a hotbed of paranormal activity. Considered by many of our staff as the origin of the local Sasquatch sightings, we have quarantined this area, awaiting the arrival of our bravest researchers. Needing 24-hour monitoring, you’ll be asked to set up camp deep within the wilderness and spend the week exploring this hotbed of paranormal activity. The scarcity of resources will require individuals with superior survival skills. All food will be cooked in camp, focusing on low impact and trail prepared meals. Your pioneering skills will be put to the test as all infrastructure will need to be fabricated in site. Proficiency in shooting sports and fishing are a plus (but not required, we’ll have plenty of time to practice!) as well as a respect for the great power of the unknown resources held deep withing the wilds. The Outpost is one of our most demanding and challenging locations at the Institute.
AWARDS, MERIT BADGES & RANKS
- Fish & Wildlife Management
- Fishing
- Pioneering
- Rifle Shooting
- Archery
Rapid Response
On your adventure to find Sasquatch you will use your skills to navigate the camp. You will be armed with first aid knowledge and how to locate any lost Squatch hunters. You will be trained on using orienteering to chart your course around camp to search for signs of Sasquatch including unusual tracks, broken branches or strange markings. You will be trained in the are of communicating through signs, signals and codes to stay in touch with and without technology.
AWARDS, MERIT BADGES & RANKS
- First Aid
- Emergency Preparedness
- Search and Rescue
Stay up to date by signing up for our emails and joining the Facebook Group.
Fee Schedule
Reserve your troop’s space by providing estimated attendance counts and paying a flat unit + per Scout deposit. When you make your reservation and pay your deposit will determine your pricing level (see below).
| Squatch Camp Fee Schedule | ||||
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Scout Fees
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Deposit of $100 made by 11.15.24
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Deposit of $100 made after 11.15.24 and before 03.31.25
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Deposit of $100 made on 06.01.25 or after
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Paid in Full on or before 03.31.25
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$430.00
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$450.00
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$465.00
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$100 Scout Deposits are fully refundable up to and including 11.15.24
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Paid in Full after 03.31.25
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$450.00
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$465.00
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$485.00
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Adult Fees
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$200 if paid on or before 03.31.25
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$225.00 if paid after 03.31.25
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One FREE adult for EVERY 8 registered and paid Scouts
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Leader's Guide
Get ready for ADVENTURE! Check out the guide for all things Squatch Camp Here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the deal with Sasquatch?
A: The J. Sephus Mack Sasquatch Research Center is the specialized program. Conceptually, hunting sasquatch will be a part of the program, to provide a unique program experience for the participants. While they are looking for clues and signs, they will also be working on rank requirements and merit badges.
I have heard that the Scouts will not earn merit badges, is that true?
A: No. Scouts will earn merit badges which will be woven into the program. The difference with this program is that Scouts will sign up a “Track” rather than individual merit badge classes. This enables the set up of the program to be engaging to the youth, while providing opportunities for merit badge work and rank advancement requirements.
In general, Tracks will be based on a Scout’s rank/needed requirements. These are still being planned at this time. More information will be made available in the coming months. But rest assured, Scouts will come home having met some requirements and earning some merit badges. The program will look a little different from other resident camps.
What is a Track?
A: Tracks are being developed to cover certain requirements (i.e., first year camper, advanced camper) in an engaging fashion. Rather than just show up for a merit badge class, Scouts will work on select requirements which are tied into the specific track while hunting for sasquatch. While the program team hasn’t finalized the tracks yet, they are working on things that will provide an engaging experience for ALL youth who attend, regardless of how many times they have attended Summer Camp.
How do I keep updated on the program development?
A: We will begin hosting monthly sessions on the program development. Please note that we are designing something completely new, so there will be regular adjustments to the program and new developments throughout the next 18 months. Also, sign up for the Squatchin’ Newsletter and join the event Facebook Group at CSM Adventure Base.
What if my Troop doesn’t want to attend, but my child does what to attend?
A: Scouts do not need to attend with their troops. If your child wants to attend, we will have a special registration set up for those youth, similar to provisional Scouts at resident camp. We are working to develop that registration function in the coming weeks.
