THIS PATCH IS IN STOCK WAITING FOR UNITS TO EARN But don't wait too long they are going FAST!
This patch is available for units from OHIO also

This is a limited edition patch that was previewed at the District Dinner on March 15, 2007.  There is still a limited amount to be earned contact Doug at the camp for more information.  Updated 5-12-08

Camp Michaels was opened in October 1947 and has become a active part of each of our lives as we enjoy scouting.  One  the first person to come down and camp at the camp was Jim Eifert father of our Ranger Doug Eifert.  So for the last 60 years the Eifert has been a part of the camp History. 
Jim tells of having to come down a long dirt road just to get into camp which was a great challenge when wet or snowing.  Until the 80's not much work or money was spent on the road leading into camp.   In  earlier 80's a major project to add culverts and drainage ditches to keep the road from washing away was completed.  In a effort to save money a District volunteer stepped forward and assumed the job as the District Engineer doing full design layout and over seeing the crews that worked the road, that volunteer was Chuck Satchwill who we know even today  is still volunteering his time on Trailblazer District Camporee Main Staff.  Chuck was presented a cap that looks like a train's Engineers cap the night he received his Silver Beaver and was officially awarded the title of  Silver Beaver and "District Engineer" for our district.  Today Chuck is still the only "District Engineer" our District has ever had.

Today twenty seven years later we drive down a bumpy but very solid road.  Just think about how many Scouts and Scouters have taken that trip down that road and camped in 60 years.

I remember camping at Camp Powderhorn  (as Michaels was known then) in the 1950's and 1960's.  My Dad, Harry Means, was scoutmaster of Troop 30 in Covington, Jim McCafferty and Guy Beane was Asst Scoutmasters.    I was still a Cub at that time, but was the unofficial mascot of the Troop. 
I can recall hiking down the road, as you were not allowed to take cars down due to the condition of the road.  Down was not to bad, hiking back up after a weekend in tents was a bit trying. 
At the bottom of the road where there is now the parking lot was a small grassy area with a fenced in area and a small Statue of Liberty model.  I can still see it in my mind. 
I camped many times back then as I continued my way through Scouting.  Unfortunately other things such as school and the military (late 60's) got in my way of advancing farther. 
I remember camping in the backfields, hiking past the Lodge (it seemed bigger then, and was the only building down there) and setting up camp.  We fished in the creek, and even ate some of the fish (it was safe then). 
I have some very fond memories of Powderhorn, and it has helped me continue in Scouting with my son and grandson.  With my service as a youth, and my time as a leader with my son and grandson, I have nearly 27 years in scouting.  I know many people have more years, but I hope they have had as much fun as I have had.  Mike Means
If you have a event or story to tell  about camp Michaels just e-mail the webmaster and lets make this year in celebration to the camp with a collection of stories. As I receive them I will post them on this web site.

If you would like to receive this patch, all that is required is that you or your unit come to camp and do a small service project.  Doug our Ranger will be making a  list of projects he needs to get done .
If your unit attended the Spring Trailblazer District camporee your unit will be credited for the amount of people who attended and will be awarded a free patch for each person doing the service project. 
If You missed the camporee there will be a small fee of only $2.00 per patch for a nice collectors item. 

Anyone is eligible to earn this patch from any district in the Dan Beard Council this is not restricted to Trailblazer District Scouts and Scouters.

Service projects must be scheduled with the Ranger please fill out the attached form and it will go directly to Doug and he will contact you on your arrival about the your service project.  Projects will be assigned in the level of the group, Cub Scouts will work at Cub Scout level projects and Boys Scouts will work on projects that are at a Scout level.   Scouts and Adults can camp on Friday night to do a project on Saturday, So get your group or yourself down to Michaels and give back to Scouting by helping the camp.