The Coastal Georgia Council, Boy Scouts of America is pleased to announce that both of their camps received National Accreditation during June 2016. National Accreditation is a rigorous review process that assures that a camp is meeting all standards for safety and financial stability. Black Creek Scout Reservation was granted a five-year accreditation to operate our camp with the current programs, including personal watercraft, zip lines, shooting and climbing.
 
Assistant Scout Executive, Susie Curtis said, “A team from the National Boy Scout’s Southern Region traveled to our camps and reviewed our operations to ensure we are following the regulations set by National Boy Scouts of America. At the conclusion of our review, they determined that we meet or exceed what is required in all areas. They were extremely impressed with our talented staff and gifted leadership. We achieved this distinction thanks to the leadership of Linda Scovanner, Camp Director; Sam Leathers, Program Director; Nick Scovanner, Camp Ranger; and our incredibly hardworking staff.”  
 
Camp Tolochee and the Sea Kayaking Program were also evaluated by the National Boy Scouts’ Regional assessment team. Camp Tolochee was awarded a one-year accreditation as the facilities and infrastructure continue to be updated. Over the last 20 years, the Sea Kayaking program maintained National Accreditation. Recent improvements include drainage around the dining hall, electrical upgrades to multiple buildings, interior remodeling and repainting of buildings, with additional upgrades scheduled to take place over the next few years.
 
Camp Ranger, Nick Scovanner stated, “We would like to thank Steve Bennett, the Kingsland Stake LDS Church members, and the many other volunteers and staff members who assisted with these upgrades. We also thank Cheri Gresham and her whole team for the dedication and drive to ensure the continued quality of this outstanding program.” Coastal District Director, Jed Hewitt added, “Cheri has been Lead Guide and Program Director with the Sea Kayaking program since the program’s inception twenty years ago.”
 
The news of our National Accreditation success was concurrent with great news about this year’s summer camp attendance numbers, as preliminary totals indicate that a record number of youth and adults will attend Summer Camp at the Coastal Georgia Council Boy Scouts’ facilities this year. As of the beginning of Summer Camp, a total of 678 campers were already pre-registered.
 
Executive Board President, Chris Ray said, “Our three week resident Scout camp at Black Creek Scout Reservation this summer was a rousing success.  Scouts, volunteers and leaders alike were complimentary of the facility and its programs.  Most importantly, our staff received particularly high praise for its professionalism and courtesy.  The Council’s Executive Board conducted its June meeting at BCSR which afforded the board members an opportunity to tour the facility, observe this quality program first hand and share a meal with campers. Things were busy at Camp Tolochee as well. Our Sea Kayak program was in full swing this summer. We hosted participants from six other councils in addition to our own.  Now that it appears that the word is out about our camps, we hope for even greater success at both camps next year and in the future.”