8 SUMMER ’23 itting on 200 acres that are tucked into the base of the historic Mogollon Rim, surrounded by one of the world’s largest Ponderosa Pine forests (5,000 acres, to be exact), Camp Geronimo is steeped in Arizona Scouting summer camp tradition. It’s located in Tonto National Forest, just north of Payson. While it’s not known how many Scouts were at the first camp in 1956, these days, over 3,000 campers from all over the country head to Geronimo for their week of summer camp in the pines. “There have been several camps in Arizona Scouting history, but the one near Payson is the most recent,” Program Executive Brendan Switts said. In addition to the numerous merit badge courses, many of the programs at Geronimo have been around for decades. To name just some, the Polar- Bear Plunge, horseback riding, shooting, aquatics, canoeing, climbing, hiking the Rainbow Trails, “Night-Eye” Orienteering Trails, the Mogollon Monster story, the “Cut-Throat Cook-off,” a troop- versus-troop cooking competition, and the Big-G Award Program. “Each of our programs has different goals, but our main program focuses on completing merit badges,” Switts said. “Scout Troops also work on their Big-G award, which is presented to high- performing troops at the end of the week.” Wait – the Mogollon Monster? “The Mogollon Monster story is traditionally told every Thursday night by the ‘old storyteller’ (a senior camp staff member),” Switts said. “While it is folklore, the story ties in with the history of Spade Ranch – which is over 100 years old!” Some newer summer programs include Fish Camp, where Scouts learn about fishing and fly- fishing – and earn those merit badges while they practice technical skills like casting and fly tying. Drone Flight School participants learn about the physics of aviation. This program encourages critical thinking and creativity as participants collaborate to solve challenges using STEM concepts. Spade Ranch Adventure is designed for older Scouts and adults, where participants take part in canyoneering, caving, horseback riding, canoeing and mountain biking. Geronimo DIY is a vocational-focused program where Scouts learn life skills through hands-on activities led by staff and camp rangers. Scouts can earn their welding, plumbing, and home repair badges, and fulfill requirements for other badges. “While here, Scouts camp as a Troop led by their leadership and participate in various programs throughout the day. Our popular merit badge program has opportunities that range from climbing to chemistry and everything in between,” Switts said. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Camp Geronimo holds six week-long sessions starting on June 4, 2023. campgeronimo.org Over sixty years of Scouting Adventures S GIRL SCOUT SUMMER CAMPS Hiking, aviation, STEM, rock climbing, zip lining, horseback riding, swimming, archery, canoeing, cooking, and more! Participants don’t have to be a Girl Scout to attend, and camps offer day, resident, and mini-resident options. Camp starts the week of June 4. Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain is the closest location, at South Mountain in Phoenix. This 14.5-acre facility features two pools, an archery and slingshot range, STEM Lab, sports and games and room for activities like music, dance, nature appreciation, arts and crafts and literature. Camp Maripai is an 80-acre camp just outside Prescott, bordered by the Prescott National Forest. Here, Scouts can experience horseback riding, nature trail hikes, STEM programs, archery and gardening. Shadow Rim Ranch is a 40-acre camp situated at 5,600 feet near the Mogollon Rim in the Tonto National Forest. Campers can experience rock climbing, canoeing, swimming and trips to the Grand Canyon. Willow Springs Program Center covers 190 acres in the Prescott National Forest. Scouts can experience rock climbing walls, nature hikes, pottery and ceramics classes, STEM activities and swimming at this camp. CAMP GERONIMO, 2018 PHOTOS: GREG BRUNS

9 SUMMER ’23 hile considering the many options for summer camps this year, just think about what it would be like to have the kids in the kitchen making dinner for you for a change. Here are a few options that will have young chefs whipping up breakfast, lunch and supper in no time. WHISKED AWAY 4823 E. Mulberry Dr., Phoenix Ages: 4-12+ May 30-June 29, Times vary by age Price: Ages 4-7 $210; ages 8-12+ $325 Whisked Away is a small cooking school run by Arcadian Maggie Norris out of her Mulberry Street home. Norris is a graduate of the Scottsdale Culinary Institute. Her background includes a stint at the Food Network in New York, where she worked with celebrity chefs like Mario Batali and Emeril Lagasse. Each camp includes lessons on kitchen safety, table manners, table setting, basic nutrition and, of course, lots of cooking and baking! Campers will learn at least four recipes each day. Whisked Away also offers birthday parties and public/private adult classes. whiskedaway.net PAULA JACQUELINE CAKES & PASTRIES 4151 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale Ages: 5+ depending on the class May 30-July 24 Morning session from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Afternoon, 2-5 p.m. Price: $350 for four days Paula Jacqueline offers three classes for those mini-bakers. Petite Bakers Extravaganza is for kids ages 5-7. Campers will spend the week making yummy desserts and treats while learning core culinary and kitchen skills. Totally Tiered is for ages eight and up. Camp begins with sketching the cake of the camper’s dreams to go on the inspiration board. Then, bakers will learn how to bake the perfect cake. The rest of camp is spent learning how to make buttercream and fondant, culminating in the creation of the cake. For the most serious bakers, there is the fifth annual Cake Competition. This year’s theme is wedding cakes. Campers will create a two-tier (minimum) wedding cake and are encouraged to be as creative as possible. Each camper must complete at least one week of Totally Tiered to qualify for the competition. Paula Jacqueline offers themed classes, including a Disney-inspired week, Ballpark Favorites, Sweet and Savory and Assorted Desserts – to name a few. paulajacqueline.com SUR LA TABLE 15205 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale Ages: 7-17 June 12-August 14 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m. Price: $300 Sur la Table has cooking classes for grown-ups, of course, but did you know they also offer classes for kids and teens? The Kids and Teens Summer Series allows young chefs to explore themes like Baking 101, Global Flavors, Bakeshop and Better Than Takeout. Each class contains different recipes, like breakfast plates, sushi, and sloppy joes – the options are immense. During class, campers will learn tips and tricks of the trade and kitchen safety. surlatable.com CLASSIC COOKING ACADEMY 10411 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, Scottsdale Ages: 8-17 June 5-July 27, Times vary by age Price: $180 for four days At the Classic Cooking Academy, campers will learn both beginner and advanced culinary techniques – and of course, be able to eat what they make! Kids will learn to cook everything from homemade pasta to pizza dough, barbecue chicken, plus sides and desserts. ccacademy.edu Sweet, savory, salty & everything in between W PHOTO COURTESY OF MAGGIE NORRIS Choose between Horsemanship Camp, to learn the basics of cattle work, barrel racing, and roping, or Fine Arts Camp, to explore creativity through printmaking, jewelry making, metalsmithing, and ceramics. Campers ages 12-16 are invited to choose one of the above camps and additionally enjoy swimming, hiking, playing games, and much more. Orme Summer Camp is an overnight camp that takes place July 6-12 and is located in Mayer, AZ, only an hour North of Phoenix, just off of I-17. Also, join us this summer to explore stark volcanic landscapes, emerald valleys, and pristine beaches during our Summer Camp Caravan – Hawaii Edition. This is a ten-day trip, July 14 - 23, geared toward campers 14-17. Days will be spent exploring, swimming, snorkeling, and surfing, and will end with bonfires and camping on the beach. For more information, and to apply to one of our camps, email camp@ormeschool.org or visit ormeschool.org/summer-camp/ . THE ADVENTURE OF YOUR LIFE IS WAITING!