On Saturday, April 29, 2023 we held our second annual Friends of Silver Fir Recognition Dinner at the home of Sam and Kathy Engel. Although Pat and I were unable to attend due to illness, the event was a big success. Thank-you to the Engels for your hospitality and ongoing support. Thank-you to Council President, Peter Chiulla for attending the event and for helping with the award presentations.
This event was started last year to recognize the efforts of the volunteers who have spent years of quiet, dedicated service managing and maintaining Camp Silver Fir. In 2022, the Veteran's Service Award was presented to longtime camp masters and the Lodgepole Award was presented to spouses. The Jack LaWall Excellence in Camp Stewardship Award, named for Jack LaWall who worked quietly and diligently to develop, operate and program Camp Silver Fir was designed to be presented annually to an individual in recognition of their dedication to Camp Silver Fir which reflects the spirit of commitment exemplified by Jack LaWall. The inaugural award was presented to Jerry Geisen in 2022 and the ongoing award to Daryll Langness in 2023. Congratulations Daryll!
The Spirit of Silver Fir Award was added this year for volunteers who have embodied the Camp Silver Fir Mission to provide and maintain a quality camp facility that will allow access for Scouts and others to enjoy the unique alpine experiences available in the Sierra National Forest, and to develop informed, responsible, environmental stewards who will care for, protect, and preserve our outdoor spaces for future generations. It was very fitting that the inaugural Spirit of Silver Fir Award was presented to the Langness Family, three generations volunteering to maintain and manage Camp Silver Fir. Congratulations to Daryll, Nancy, Ed, Lisa, Haley and Erin Langness! (Pictures attached.)
The Camp Silver Fir Committee is dedicated to returning the camp to Scouts.
See Camp Silver Fir before the Creek Fire:
About the Camp:
Camp Silver Fir is a high adventure outpost camp that has been operated since the 1950’s by the Verdugo Hills Council, Boy Scouts of America with a Special Use Permit from the US Forest Service. The camp is in the Western Sierra Nevada Mountains (Sierra National Forest) east of Fresno, 285 miles north of Glendale off highway 168, less than 2 miles past Lakeshore, CA. The road to camp goes off the highway through the Upper Line Creek tract and is less than half mile from Huntington Lake. At an elevation of 7,200 feet, the high Sierra mountain setting with its beautiful vistas, lakes, streams, and magnificent trails, provides an excellent venue for high adventure.
As a high adventure outpost camp, Camp Silver Fir provides unique opportunities for participants in the Scouting program, and their families to experience the high Sierra wilderness terrain of the Sierra National Forest, using the Philmont model on the trail as well as family camping.
Mission and Vision Statements:
Mission: Our mission is to provide and maintain a quality facility that will allow access for Scouts and others to enjoy the unique alpine experiences available in the Sierra National Forest, and to develop informed, responsible, environmental stewards who will care for, protect, and preserve our outdoor spaces for future generations.
Vision: To support the development of outdoor skills with a focus on conservation and the environment. To advance the mission of Scouting and the Outdoor Code of Ethics through shared life changing experiences and camaraderie.
