Staff Camp

- 1356 E Greenwood Rd, Alger, MI 48610

Michigan’s vast natural resources provide an exceptional backdrop for outdoor education, character development, and unforgettable adventures. For countless youth and adults across the state, the essence of summer is intertwined with the unique experiences offered by dedicated outdoor camps. When it comes to fostering leadership, self-reliance, and a deep appreciation for nature, specialized facilities play a crucial role. If you’re a local Michigander involved in Scouting, youth leadership programs, or simply seeking a well-organized and impactful outdoor experience, "Staff Camp" in Alger, Michigan, represents a significant and well-regarded destination, primarily known as Cole Canoe Base.

While the name "Staff Camp" might suggest a facility exclusively for personnel, the address provided (1356 E Greenwood Rd, Alger, MI 48610, USA) directly corresponds to Cole Canoe Base, a well-established and highly respected Boy Scouts of America camp operated by the Michigan Crossroads Council. This distinction is important for clarity, as Cole Canoe Base is a cornerstone of Scouting in Michigan, offering comprehensive summer camp programs and year-round outdoor opportunities. It’s a place where "tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping" are available, making it an "excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers," particularly those within the Scouting community.

Cole Canoe Base, or "Staff Camp" in this context, is much more than just a campground; it's an educational and experiential hub. It’s a place where Scouts can "practice their shooting sports skills in camp, go hiking on our many miles of trails, and participate in other unit led scouting activities." The facilities are designed to support a wide array of programs, from merit badge attainment to leadership training. The camp also boasts easy access to the Rifle River, with activities like "Canoeing on the Rifle River" being a prominent feature, where "units who sign-up to enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience" can explore. For Michigan families and Scout troops, Staff Camp (Cole Canoe Base) offers a structured, safe, and enriching environment for youth development and outdoor exploration, making it a pivotal part of the Michigan Scouting landscape.

Staff Camp, officially known as Cole Canoe Base, is strategically located at 1356 E Greenwood Rd, Alger, MI 48610, USA. This address places it firmly within Ogemaw County, a central part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula renowned for its extensive forests, numerous lakes, and scenic rivers, making it an ideal setting for a large-scale outdoor camp. Alger is a small community, providing a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature, which is paramount for a youth camp experience.

The accessibility of Staff Camp (Cole Canoe Base) is well-managed for its primary users – Scouting groups and families from across Michigan. E Greenwood Road is a local route, but Alger itself is reasonably well-connected to major state highways. Visitors typically access the area via M-33, M-72, or M-65, which provide routes from larger state thoroughfares, including I-75 for those traveling from southern Michigan. While the camp offers a feeling of being "off the beaten path," the road infrastructure leading to Alger and then to the camp is generally suitable for various vehicles, including buses and those towing trailers, ensuring that groups can arrive without undue difficulty.

Being situated in Alger means the camp benefits from the tranquil and natural ambiance of rural Michigan. While the immediate vicinity of the camp is focused on its programs, the small town of Alger offers basic services such as gas stations and convenience stores. Larger communities like West Branch (to the west) or Standish (to the east) are typically within a reasonable driving distance, providing access to more extensive grocery stores, medical facilities, and other retail options should they be needed during a camp stay. This balance ensures that the camp can maintain its immersive outdoor environment while still having practical support services within reach.

Crucially, the camp's location directly incorporates the Rifle River. As highlighted, "The Rifle River, which flows through Cole Canoe Base, is often regarded as one of Michigan's safest canoeing rivers." This direct access to a renowned waterway is a significant geographical advantage, allowing for a wide range of water-based activities like canoeing and kayaking right on site, forming a central part of the camp's outdoor programming. The combination of a remote natural setting, convenient road access, and direct river frontage makes Staff Camp (Cole Canoe Base) an exceptionally well-suited location for its mission of outdoor education and youth development in Michigan.

Staff Camp, known as Cole Canoe Base, offers a comprehensive range of services specifically designed to support its mission as a premier Boy Scout camp and outdoor education center. These services cater to the needs of Scout units, individual Scouts, and adult leaders.

• Summer Camp Programs: The core service is a robust summer camp program for Boy Scouts. This includes a wide array of merit badge instruction (over 100 merit badges across 12 program areas), skills development (Outdoor Skills, First Year Camper Program), and specialized activities.
• Merit Badge Instruction: Extensive merit badge offerings are a key service, covering areas like Aquatics (Canoeing, Kayaking), Shooting Sports (Archery, Rifle, Shotgun), Ecology-Conservation, Crafts, Digital Technology, Skilled Trades (Welding, Painting, Automotive Maintenance), and more.
• Campsite Accommodations: The camp provides numerous campsites of varying sizes to accommodate different Scout units (packs, troops, crews). Some campsites even feature their own pavilions, suitable for meetings or ceremonies.
• Dining Services: "Tasty, well-balanced meals are served family style" in a large dining hall. The camp typically provides meals as part of the summer camp fee, with options for units to arrange food for early arrivals.
• Modern Restroom and Shower Facilities: Campers have access to "modern indoor restrooms" and shower buildings with "plenty of hot water," indicating a focus on cleanliness and comfort.
• Rifle River Canoeing/Kayaking Program: A significant highlight, the camp offers a "complimentary canoe river trip" as part of the camp fee. They provide canoes (over 100 in their fleet), paddles, PFDs, and transportation to drop-off points on the Rifle River.
• Shooting Sports Ranges: Three dedicated ranges for archery, rifle, and shotgun are available, with qualified staff to ensure safety and instruction for merit badge requirements and recreational shooting. Advanced reservations are required outside of summer camp weeks.
• On-Site Trading Post/River Store: A "camp trading post 'The River Store' will be open on the weekends." It offers "camping supplies, snacks, drinks, and camp souvenirs," along with toiletries and other necessities.
• Health Lodge/First Aid: A "Health Office" is available 24 hours a day for medical needs, including medication disbursement, demonstrating a strong commitment to safety and well-being.
• Year-Round Camping: Beyond summer camp, campsites and the White Pines Cabin are available year-round for units seeking weekend campouts, allowing for activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding in winter.
• White Pines Cabin Rental: A "beautiful cabin complete with bunk beds, full kitchen, and indoor restrooms and showers" is available for rent, offering a more comfortable lodging option.
• Elliott Turkey Run Family Camp: A newer addition (open April 1 - Oct 31) with 16 sites (12 full hook-up, 4 water/electric) for those with motorhomes, catering to families.
• Leadership Training: The camp often hosts training courses for adult leaders, such as Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster Specific Training, Safe Swim Defense, and Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills.
• Service and Conservation Projects: Scouts engage in projects like trail maintenance, fostering a sense of ownership and contribution to the camp.
• Internet Availability (Limited): While generally encouraged to disconnect, limited internet access might be available in certain areas.

These services collectively position Staff Camp (Cole Canoe Base) as a premier, full-service outdoor education and recreation facility for the Scouting community in Michigan.

Staff Camp, or Cole Canoe Base, is distinguished by an impressive array of features and highlights that solidify its reputation as a leading outdoor educational and recreational facility in Michigan.

• Premier Boy Scout Camp: It is widely regarded as a top-tier Boy Scout camp within the Michigan Crossroads Council, providing comprehensive programming designed for youth development and character building.
• Extensive Merit Badge Opportunities: With "over 100 merit badges between 12 program areas," Scouts have unparalleled opportunities to explore diverse interests, learn new skills, and advance in their Scouting journey, from Aquatics to Digital Technology.
• Direct Rifle River Access & Activities: The camp's location directly on the Rifle River is a major highlight. It offers "complimentary canoe river trip" and access to a large fleet of canoes, making it easy for units to enjoy one of Michigan's "safest canoeing rivers."
• Vast and Varied Terrain: The camp boasts "many miles of trails" for hiking and exploring, providing diverse natural environments. Some areas even offer "large changes in elevation that you do not typically get in Michigan," adding unique topographic features for adventure.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Reviews and descriptions consistently point to "clean sites," "very clean" bathrooms, and "well-maintained" grounds, indicating a high standard of upkeep across the entire property. The showers are noted to have "plenty of hot water."
• Dedicated Shooting Sports Ranges: The presence of three distinct shooting sports ranges (archery, rifle, and shotgun) with qualified staff provides a safe and structured environment for Scouts to develop marksmanship skills.
• Flexible Year-Round Camping Options: Beyond the summer season, campsites and the White Pines Cabin are available for "year-round" camping, allowing units to engage in winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding.
• Convenient On-Site Trading Post/River Store: The camp's store offers a wide range of "camping supplies, snacks, drinks, and camp souvenirs," ensuring that Scouts and leaders have easy access to necessities and memorabilia.
• Comfortable Cabin & Family Camp Options: The White Pines Cabin offers a more rustic yet comfortable experience with a "full kitchen, and indoor restrooms and showers." The newer Elliott Turkey Run Family Camp provides full hook-up sites for RVs, catering to diverse needs.
• Strong Staffing and Leadership: The camp prides itself on an "exceptional group of staff and directors," ensuring high-quality program delivery and a supportive environment. Staff are available to answer questions and assist with various needs.
• Focus on Safety and Health: With a 24-hour "Health Office" and strict policies regarding medication and emergency preparedness, the camp prioritizes the well-being of all participants.
• Community and Service Opportunities: Scouts are encouraged to engage in "service and conservation projects," fostering a sense of ownership and contribution to the camp's ongoing maintenance and improvement.

These features collectively establish Staff Camp (Cole Canoe Base) as a robust, well-equipped, and enriching outdoor education center deeply integrated into the Michigan Scouting community.

As a large-scale Boy Scout camp operating under the Michigan Crossroads Council, Staff Camp (Cole Canoe Base) primarily structures its offerings around program fees rather than conventional retail-style promotions. The "camp fee" typically includes a comprehensive package of activities, merit badge instruction, and meals.

Based on publicly available information, specific, short-term "promotions or special offers" in the traditional sense (like percentage discounts or buy-one-get-one deals) are not commonly advertised for such a facility. Instead, the "offers" are built into the camp's operational model and pricing structure, providing value through:

• Inclusive Camp Fees: The primary "offer" is the comprehensive nature of the camp fee, which typically "includes all Merit Badge Fees" and well-balanced meals, providing a structured and all-encompassing experience.
• Tiered Pricing/Payment Schedules: The camp often utilizes a payment schedule with varying rates based on registration timing (e.g., "January 15 – March 15," "March 16 – April 15," etc.). This acts as an "early bird" incentive, where registering by earlier deadlines can result in a lower fee ("$200" vs. "$170" for Scouts in different periods). This encourages timely planning.
• Complimentary River Trip: A notable included feature is a "complimentary canoe river trip," which is part of the camp fee, adding significant value and a popular recreational activity without additional cost.
• Unit-Specific Accommodations: The ability for units to choose from "campsites of varying sizes" and access to amenities like pavilions or the White Pines Cabin (some available for rent) offers flexibility in accommodation without necessarily being a "discount," but a tailored option.
• Family Camp Option: The newer "Elliott Turkey Run Family Camp" provides a distinct offering for families with motorhomes, potentially at a separate pricing structure from the youth programs, catering to a broader audience.

For Michigan locals, particularly Scout leaders and parents, understanding the camp's fee structure and payment deadlines is key to optimizing costs. Given that direct promotional sales are not its operational model, the best way to ascertain current fees, payment schedules, and any specific cost-saving information (such as group rates or early registration benefits) is to consult the official Michigan Crossroads Council website for Cole Canoe Base or directly contact the camp office.

To learn more about the extensive programs offered at Staff Camp, officially known as Cole Canoe Base, or to inquire about registration, facilities, or specific activities, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1356 E Greenwood Rd, Alger, MI 48610, USA
• Camp Office Phone: (989) 873-1516 (as per Scouting council information)
• Council Camping Hotline: (517) 816-7755 (for broader inquiries with Michigan Crossroads Council)

Please note that while the provided information listed the phone number (260) 610-6500, current public data for Cole Canoe Base (Staff Camp) indicates (989) 873-1516 as the primary office number for the Alger location. It is always recommended to check the official Michigan Crossroads Council website for the most up-to-date contact information and program details, especially when planning a visit or registration for their structured programs. The camp staff are well-equipped to assist with all inquiries regarding program content, schedules, and specific needs for your unit or group.

For Michigan locals involved in Scouting or seeking structured outdoor educational experiences, Staff Camp, known officially as Cole Canoe Base, is not just suitable—it's a premier destination. Its comprehensive offerings and dedication to youth development make it an invaluable resource for families and Scout units across the state.

Firstly, its unparalleled focus on Scouting programs, particularly the extensive "over 100 merit badges" available, provides Michigan youth with a unique opportunity for skill development and personal growth. This level of specialized instruction, from "Shooting Sports" to "Digital Technology," is hard to find elsewhere, making it a pivotal place for Scouts to advance and explore diverse interests in a supportive environment. The presence of a "Phenomenal Staff" ensures high-quality instruction and a positive experience.

Secondly, the camp's location directly on the Rifle River, considered one of Michigan's safest for canoeing, offers unparalleled access to water-based adventure. The "complimentary canoe river trip" embedded in the camp fee highlights its commitment to providing an authentic Michigan outdoor experience. This integration of river activities with educational programming allows Scouts to learn valuable outdoor skills while enjoying the natural beauty of their home state.

Thirdly, the comprehensive facilities, including "modern indoor restrooms" and "plenty of hot water" in showers, along with a well-stocked "Trading Post," ensure that while the focus is on outdoor education, essential comforts are not overlooked. The flexibility of "year-round" camping, cabin rentals, and the newer "Family Camp" also cater to a broader range of needs and preferences within the local community, allowing for continued engagement beyond traditional summer programs.

Finally, the camp's commitment to safety, well-being (24-hour Health Office), and fostering a sense of community through service projects (where Scouts "take ownership of their camp") instills valuable life lessons. For Michigan parents and leaders, knowing that youth are in a well-managed, enriching, and safe environment is paramount. Cole Canoe Base provides precisely that, offering a cornerstone experience for generations of Michiganders to develop leadership, resilience, and a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.

Staff Camp

1356 E Greenwood Rd, Alger, MI 48610, USA