Camp Fife - Goose Prairie, Washington State

My son really enjoyed his experience at Camp Fife. He would rate it at 2.5.

HOWEVER, I am really unhappy with how Camp Fife handled money. My son took three merit badge classes that, according to the official leader handbook, required additional money: Photography, Cinematography, and Metalworking. For photography, they were required to purchase a $10 SD card and pay $6 for photo developing. For cinematography, they were required to pay a $10 SD card fee. For metalworking there was a $7 materials fee.

He got materials for metalworking, so that was fine. However, there were no SD cards available for purchase. Since he was required to purchase a card (according to the handbook) I didn't send him with any SD cards to loose. That meant that he had a digital camcorder and a digital still camera with no SD cards for his photography and cinematography classes. In addition, they never did any photo developing in the photography class.

Since Camp Fife made it clear that they would not offer refunds, he felt compelled to purchase things from the Trading Post. Sounds to me like bait and switch. He bought a lot of ice cream, and a $25 pocketknife with a BSA logo on it that lasted through 30 minutes of use. And learned that the Trading Post doesn't do any exchanges.

Also, don't plan on using "one of the largest COPE courses in the Western Region" unless they have found a new instructor since July 14th. The one who was lined up broke his ankle in an accident, so the COPE course was closed.

I Think that Camp Fife is the best Boy Scout camp there ever was. The Things Emily Posted about money handling would have happened at any scout camp. I remember going there and loving it. The trading post is fun, every scout seems to spend every dime they possibly could there. The no refund policy makes no difference.

I love the place I'm still in scouts and I love the camp everytime I go there

Youth leadership training. Amazing to location. BSA should put the money into updating the place.
Had to boil water, due to e -Coli.

Did not expect to find anywhere to camp so last minute Fourth of July weekend but just my luck and we got a spot!! At first it was a little confusing where to go or check in so make sure you screenshot or save your reservation info before you go since there is absolutely no service for about an hour drive. My bad!! But Saffron, who I think is the new owner, was so kind and came down to greet us and even offered to move us to a better site since there weren’t going to be many people that weekend. I had 2 young kids with me (5 and 1) and the site she offered had its own porta potty which was perfect!! I also think it was one of the group sites and it was enormous!! Would definitely be a great spot for anyone with many tents, there was easily room for 5 or more large tents in my opinion. It was jut the three of us so we didn’t take up much real estate. They are definitely still a work in progress but what a beautiful place!! So much room for growth and opportunity, I doubt this is the plan but it would be a gorgeous wedding venue once the buildings are up and running. When we stayed (july2026) there was no available water to fill up our handwashing and dish washing jug but we had to make a trip to town anyways plus in hindsight we probably could have used the river water, I just didn’t think of that at the time. My son loved exploring and there was just so much to check out, he even told the campsite that he loved it and he’ll come back soon. lol. I just love the concept they have going and if it was ever an up and running kids camp again, I would definitely consider sending my kiddos there. What an awesome experience. I wish I got more photos of the site itself or even the buildings but maybe next time ☺️