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8 Things You Never Knew About Camp Sidney Dew Georgia: An 85-Year Legacy Of Scouting Adventure

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For over 85 years, Camp Sidney Dew has stood as a cornerstone of character development and outdoor adventure for generations of youth in the Southeast, particularly for the Northwest Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Located in the breathtaking Appalachian foothills near Armuchee, Georgia, this sprawling 600-acre property is more than just a campsite; it is a living history of the Scouting movement.

As of late 2025, the camp continues its legacy, hosting year-round unit camping and preparing for a new season of dynamic summer camp programs, building on its recent 85th-anniversary milestone. From its humble beginnings as a land donation to its current status as a premier outdoor education center, the camp offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it a sought-after destination for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA troops, and Venturing crews alike.

The Legacy of Sidney Dew: Biography of a Generous Farmer

The camp’s identity is inextricably linked to the man whose generosity made it possible: Sidney Dew. While not a nationally recognized figure, his local impact on youth development in Northwest Georgia is profound.

  • Name: Sidney Dew
  • Role: Land Donor
  • Location of Residence: Settled in Rome, Georgia, for a few years before living out his retirement in Atlanta.
  • The Donation: Mr. Dew received a portion of his father’s land as an inheritance. He subsequently deeded this land to both the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts, ensuring that future generations would have a dedicated space for outdoor learning and personal growth.
  • Year of Founding: The camp was established on this donated land in 1939.
  • Lasting Impact: His vision allowed for the creation of a permanent home for the Northwest Georgia Council, a facility that has since served hundreds of thousands of Scouts.

This foundational act of philanthropy established a serene retreat nestled in the valley between John's Mountain and other ridges, providing a perfect natural laboratory for leadership and adventure.

What’s New and Noteworthy at Camp Sidney Dew: Current Programs and Fresh Updates

Camp Sidney Dew is not resting on its history; it is a continuously evolving facility committed to providing a cutting-edge Scouting experience. The camp is managed by the Northwest Georgia Council and has been actively updating its programs to meet the needs of contemporary Scouts.

Celebrating 85 Years of Scouting Excellence

In recent years, the camp has celebrated its 85th anniversary, a testament to its enduring role in the community. This milestone highlights the blend of old and new structures, with several of the early buildings from the late 1930s still in use alongside modern additions.

A Hub for Year-Round Unit Camping

While the week-long Scouts BSA Summer Camp is the main draw, the camp is utilized throughout the year for unit camping by Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops, and Venturing crews. The facility boasts 15 individual campsites, each equipped with essential amenities like potable water, latrines, and covered pavilions, ensuring a comfortable and authentic outdoor experience.

Specific campsites are often named after local Native American tribes, including Apache, Comanchee, Creek, and Cherokee, adding a layer of regional history to the camping experience.

The 2025 Cub Scout Day Camp Theme

A recent and exciting development is the announcement of the theme for the Silver Comet Cub Scout Day Camp: "Welcome to the Jungle." This theme, active as recently as March 2025, showcases the camp's commitment to fun, engaging, and themed activities for its youngest participants, the Cub Scouts.

Premier Facilities for Leadership and Adventure

The camp’s amenities are what truly set it apart, providing a premier destination for scouting adventures.

  • The Swimming Pool: A standout feature is the ADA accessible swimming pool, which is approximately 40 feet by 75 feet and holds 150,000 gallons of water, providing a crucial program area for water safety and recreation.
  • Central Buildings: Key structures include the main Dining Hall, a central hub for meals and fellowship, the Eagle Chapel for reflection, a dedicated First Aid Station, and the Trading Post for supplies and souvenirs.
  • Unique Features: For specialized programs, the camp offers a Handicraft area, the Hill Cabin, and even unique accommodations like Tree Houses, providing diverse environments for skill development.

The Ultimate Outdoor Classroom: Activities and Merit Badge Offerings

The core mission of Camp Sidney Dew is to provide a comprehensive outdoor classroom where Scouts can master new skills, earn merit badges, and develop critical leadership qualities. The diverse range of activities supports the BSA's focus on outdoor experiences, STEM activities, and character building.

A Diverse Merit Badge Schedule

The summer camp program is structured around a robust Merit Badge Schedule, allowing Scouts BSA members to advance in rank and explore potential careers. While the specific list rotates yearly, the camp offers badges across all program areas, including Aquatics, Ecology/Conservation, Trades, and Shooting Sports.

Signature Camp Events

In addition to the standard programs, Camp Sidney Dew is known for hosting epic regular events that bring the entire council together.

  • The Dew Dog Challenge: This is a notable regular event that engages Scouts of all ranks, from Lions to Eagle Scouts, in challenging and fun activities designed to test their skills and teamwork.
  • Order of the Arrow (OA) Events: The camp is the home of the local OA lodge and has hosted major sectional gatherings, including the Centennial Order of the Arrow Section gathering in 2015, showcasing its capacity for large-scale Scouting events.

Exploring the Appalachian Foothills

The camp’s location in the Appalachian foothills provides a stunning backdrop and a wealth of natural resources for activities like hiking, nature study, and conservation projects.

Furthermore, the surrounding Northwest Georgia region offers incredible educational opportunities for visiting units. Troops often take advantage of the camp's proximity to historic sites such as the Etowah Indian Mounds, the Chickamauga Battlefield, and the New Echota Historic Site, blending outdoor adventure with American history lessons.

In short, Camp Sidney Dew remains a vibrant, essential institution for the Boy Scouts of America. Its enduring legacy, rooted in the generosity of Sidney Dew and continuously refreshed by modern programs and facilities, ensures that it will continue to unleash the "Scout Spirit" in countless young people for decades to come.

8 Things You Never Knew About Camp Sidney Dew Georgia: An 85-Year Legacy of Scouting Adventure
camp sidney dew georgia
camp sidney dew georgia

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