Camp Sawyer

Here is one of the most unusual sites in the camping program.

A ten acre site deep in the Florida Keys; with the Atlantic Ocean on the East shore and the Gulf of Mexico directly to the west...

A tropical aquatic wonderland of swimming - snorkeling - fishing and boating of a different kind. The camp is located 35 miles north of Key West, Florida on Summerland Key at about mile marker 34.5.

There are four tropical campsites right on the Atlantic Ocean.

Open shelter, group campfire area and activity shelter with latrine and shower facilities make up the facilities.

Deep sea and reef fishing are big attractions.

Camp Sawyer Guidelines for Use

Upon arrival at Camp Sawyer your unit will immediately check in with the camp ranger, who will review the camp policies with the unit leadership. The ranger will be on the property for your entire stay, should you have any questions or concerns please seek the ranger out and ask his advice. Should you have any questions prior to arrival please ask the ranger at check-in.

All units will be expected to adhere to these policies. Any unit grossly abusing these guidelines will be politely asked to leave the property.

Your cooperation with these guidelines is appreciated by all.

Parking: All motor vehicles are to be parked in the designated parking area only. Driving directly into the camping area is not permitted at any time. Recreational vehicles and trailer campers are permitted in the designated parking area only. NO hook ups are available.

Boats: All boats will be stored on their trailer in the parking lot unless it is to be moored on the beach, near the waterfront area. Mooring inside the swim area is not permitted. All units are expected to use the safety afloat guidelines for all boating operations.

Boat Ramp: A public boat ramp is located. 1/8 of a mile south of the camp entrance.

Fishing: All fishing activities must be in accordance with current State and Federal fishing regulations. If you intend on fishing, please check in theme regulations as they frequently change. Fishing inside of the swim area is not acceptable.

Lobstering: As with fishing regulations please check on the current regulations. A source on information is the Florida Marine Patrol, you can check on the current regulations and season dates, an well as obtain current information. Lobstering out of season will not be tolerated.

Fires/Firewood: Please build your fires in the designated area only. Never leave a fire unattended. When completed extinguish completely. Firewood is almost nonexistent in the Keys, as well as at Camp Sawyer. Units planning a campfire should bring their own firewood. All camp vegetation is off limits for sources of firewood. Please, no chain saws.

Garbage: Please put all waste material in the dumpsters located near the commissary. Burying of any trash is prohibited and impossible. Burning of trash is permitted as long as your fire area has been cleaned completely following use.

Ditching Tents is not permitted. "Proper pitching avoids ditching"

Fireworks/Firearms are prohibited, nothing less.

Water: The Keys are serviced by a pipeline stretching from Florida City throughout the Keys. Wasting water is costly.

Pets are not permitted.

First Aid: Your unit is required to have a first aid kit available for emergencies. Any emergency that you are unqualified to handle should be directed to the Camp Ranger.

Alcoholic Beverages are not permitted at any scouting function. Persons under the influence of alcohol or bringing alcoholic beverages into Camp Sawyer will be asked to leave.

Your Units Responsibility

1. Provide responsible two deep adult leadership during all times that your unit is in camp. Co-Ed units must provide adequate co-ed leadership.
2. Police campsite thoroughly prior to your units departure.
3. Assist in cleaning the facilities that your unit used during your stay at Camp Sawyer. This would include but not be limited to the, shower, toilets, dining shelter, and chart room.
4. Take full responsibility for any damages that were caused by the misuse of your unit.
5. Use the Safe Swim Defense Plan and Safety Afloat Plan.

CAMP SAWYER REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

Reservations must be made a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance. Campsites will be offered on a first come first served basis on the day of your arrival.

South Florida Council - S.F.C. units planning overnight camping activities at Camp Sawyer will need to reserve a site through the South Florida Council office. Telephone (305) 364-0020. Address: 15255 N.W. 82 Ave., Miami Lakes, FL 33016. office hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm weekdays.

Out of Council- Out of Council units will need to make Camp Sawyer reservations through the Florida Sea Base main office. Telephone: (305) 664-4173. Address: P. 0. Box 858, Islamorada Fl 33036. Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm weekdays. Ask for the reservations secretary and please specify Camp Sawyer.

Non-Scout - All non-scout campers wishing to stay at Camp Sawyer will follow the same procedure as out of council units. See above information.

F E E S

South Florida Council - $15.00 per site (25 total people) payment should be made directly to the South Florida Council office prior to arrival.

Out of Council - $2.00 per person per night. Payment should be made directly to the Florida Sea Base office prior to arrival.

Non-Scout - $4.00 per person per night. Payment should be made directly to the Florida Sea Base office prior to arrival.

USER FEES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

1. Use of covered dinning shelter with grill, lights, and electrical outlets.
2. Use of volleyball court.
3. Use of shower house and toilet facilities.
4. Fire ring and picnic table in campsite.
5. Water faucet privileges.
6. Use of designated swimming and waterfront area.

NOTE: Keep in mind that your unit may not be the only campers there. It may be necessary to schedule the use of some of these areas with these other units during the course of your stay.