03/28/2024
Below is the information that was shared at the meeting. We are still waiting for updated 2025 information. We were expecting it by now, but so far it has not been released. 2025 info will be shared as soon as it becomes available.
Camp Melita Island is a Boy Scout camp located on a private island in Flathead lake, Montana. The camp is the only thing on the island—there are no roads and scouts must take the camp ferry to the island. Besides the unique designation of the camp being its own island, Melita is known for its extensive water sports programs, including motor boating, sailing, all forms of paddle boats, fishing, hiking, and emergency preparedness programs. It is about 1 ½ hours away from West Glacier (Glacier National Park)
Campers stay in 10x12 canvas tents with concrete platforms and steel pipe frames, 4 per tent in 2 sets of bunkbeds, most with views of the shoreline. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, sunshade, electricity and drinking water. Dining is at a community dining hall.
Maywood to Camp Melita is approximately 22-24 hrs of driving, or 1500-1650 miles, depending on route. Based on time and distance requirements, driving would likely need to be broken up over 3 days. Including the week of camp and drive time, as well as at least 1 day visiting Glacier National Park, it would be a 2 week trip.
However, several different significant points of interest can be visited on the way, with possibilities including the Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Exact routes and destinations will be determined at a later date after input from scouts attending camp.
Flights for Sun-Sun in July 2024 $595-960 round trip, no direct flights. Will still need to arrange ride to camp. Since scouts have to be ferried over to the island, packing is asked to be as light as possible. Most use Hammocks vs Chairs, and other space saving tips. This may affect the ability to camp vs hotels if we drive.
2025 Camp fees are not published yet, but 2024 Fees are a follows and will likely be similar:
Youth: $525 (Fee will increase to $550 if not paid in full by 05/15/2024)
Adults: $275
$200 per troop deposit required to hold spot until individual payments due. Last year it was all one lump sum due by May 15, but this may be changing for the coming year.
Units are permitted 1 adult per 4 scouts registered, with a minimum of 3 adults allowed per unit. Only 200 spots available per session. day visitors are allowed, must sign up for the ferry over. Unclear if Adult spots can be split.
In addition, 2025 camp dates are not yet available, but are likely to include the 5 sessions through July and August, 2025. For comparison, the 2024 Dates are:
Session 1: July 7th - July 13th, 2024
Session 2: July 14th - July 20th, 2024
Session 3: July 21st - July 27th, 2024
Session 4: July 28th - Aug 3rd, 2024
Session 5: Aug 4th - Aug 10th, 2024
Expected Sessions
July 7-12
July 13-19
July 20-26
July 27-Aug2
Aug 3-9
They have not announced the registration dates for 2025, but if they go with the same timetable at 2024, Registration for in-state troops starts March 15, 2024 and it will open to out-of-state troops April 15, 2024. They have never completely filled up with Montana troops, so as long as we are ready to go by April 15, 2024, we should be able to get in, even if not our preferred week.
Other potential costs include lodging, gas, and meals on the road, as well as entrance fees at any of the parks/monuments/ etc. that are visited on the way. In addition, we are exploring the possibility of white water rafting or another similar activity in Glacier National Park.
Badlands, $30 per vehicle
Yellowstone $35 per vehicle
RMNP $30 per vehicle
Grand Teton $35 per vehicle
Mount Rushmore Free
Wind Cave National Park Free
Glacier National Park $35 per vehicle
Annual US Park Pass-$80
Also check out other Passes such as Senior 62+ (Annual $20, Life $80), Military (Free), Access(Free), and 4th Grader (Free)
Rafting
Glacier Guides
White water 81 half, 152 Full
2 hour scenic 81/61 Family Friendly
