Camp Phillips — Attraction in Town of Bear Lake

We have had better experiences/fun at other camps like Ed Bryant and CFL because of organization and how the camp is set up and run. However, there are lots of positives to Camp Phillips. The cost for campers and leaders is really affordable, They offer over 40 merit badges, including shooting and water sports, welding and blacksmithing, and a ton of Eagle requirement ones. The food is not great, but it is plentiful, and they work with allergies. The kitchen staff is really nice, and most of the other staff are enthusiastic and attentive, and they provide a steak lunch to thank the leaders and adults on Wednesday. Here are some concerns. We are out of the district, so it was almost 5 hours of driving to get to camp. I don't usually mind that because at other camps, it was organized and easy to check in and get settled. This was not the case. Our campsite was on the other side of the lake in Pioneer, and the paths were a muddy, rocky rained out mess that you needed to have 4 wheel drive to maneuver. We have been to the camp before and were able to have cars drive and drop off all the equipment and then park in the parking lot in the past. Not so this year...everyone had to unpack in the parking lot, throw everything into the trailers, and then walk BACK to camp...after walking there already just to see the campsite. Our guide seemed unorganized and unaware, and it was a hassle to say the least. It didn't help that it rained and hailed and no one could do their swim test when we arrived. Also, there were only three pit latrines for two full troops, and the supplies were not restocked or cleaned. The limited showers were almost 1000 steps from our camp, and there is limited to no AC...only the trading post has some, but not very cool. There are leeches in the lake, and the platform tents need to be repaired and/or moved from under dead tree limbs. The fishing is great, and riding bikes is fun. Shooting sports and climbing are also positives. If you haven't been to the camp before, you should try it! I think our troop members will want to go someplace else next summer to have a different...

Scout Troop 127 and I went to Camp Philips on Sunday June 15th and left camp Saturday June 21st. Overall we had an amazing week there. For example counselors made the merit badges fun, evening/afternoon program was great, and the camp itself was well maintained. However some of the meals could have been better and the ticks and mosquitoes were bad. On our first day of camp we had to do our swim test in the freezing cold lake. In addition there was a little lack of communication between the staff and the scout troops. For example the counselor that showed us around gave misleading information and it was sometimes confusing. Also everything felt far away from the campsite. I would recommend bringing bikes if possible, if not you will be getting your steps in everyday. But don’t let this stop you from coming! This camp allowed me to go out my comfort zone and try new things such as the polar bear plunge, create stacking, rock climbing, kayaking and more! Not only this but Camp Philips offers awesome opportunities for those scouts who have all their Eagle required merit badges. The program is called LEAP. We did various things like rock climbing, build 3D remote control planes, go hiking through the wilderness, and go sailing. When I did it there was only one other person but the counselor was able to make everything happen. In conclusion if you have not been to camp Phillips you SHOULD go! If you have been you probably want...

Great camping sites and a great trip overall. Was there for a bsa summer campout a number of years ago for a week, I remember a lot of fun. Just found the actual location today now that I'm...