NEVADA CITY, Calif. — Nestled on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Camp Marin-Sierra, a private 320-acre summer retreat operated by Scouting America, sits in the historic Emigrant Gap area. This location is renowned for its forested campsites, a welcoming alpine lake, and a rich 75-year history of scouting traditions.
“Marin-Sierra is an exceptional scout camp managed by the Marin Council, thriving since 1950,” remarked Scout Executive and CEO Michael Dybeck. “Throughout the summer, hundreds of kids come to experience the camp, acquire new skills, forge friendships, and grow as leaders and individuals.”
In honor of its 75th anniversary, Camp Marin-Sierra recently organized a reunion for its staff alumni.
“These celebrations help us remember the camp’s significance across generations,” Dybeck noted.
As staff from different eras gathered, they quickly rekindled their connection with the camp’s surroundings.
“Just driving in, a mix of anxiety and excitement starts to build up,” shared former staff member Mary O’Donnell.
“You open your car door, and the aroma from the trees just brings back all the memories of the good times here,” staff alumnus and 1953 camper Irving Schwartz said.
“The trails. The dust. The people. It just hits you right in the nostalgia,” staff alumnus Shamus O’Donnell said.
Visitors relived some of their favorite camp experiences, such as archery, rifle shooting, nature walks, and relaxing canoe rides on Chubb Lake.
“We’ve been reminiscing about all the various things that we remember,” former staffer and 1950’s camper Barry Evergettis said.
“It’s cool seeing the legacy. I get to see so much history, hear so many stories,” current staff member Jordyn Mines said.
As the reunion came to a close, attendees left once again with memories and a renewed appreciation of their time at Camp Marin-Sierra.
“Learning new skills that I didn’t have when I started in scouting. Those skills I have today, and they’ve been with me all my life, 90 years,” Barry Evergettis said.
“I think it’s tremendously important to have a place like this because there are so few opportunities for kids to be able to develop those types of character skills and leadership skills,” Dybeck said.
“People will come here and make their own adventures, their own experiences,” former staff member and 1969 camper Fernando Silva fondly said. “Marin-Sierra is a place that no one ever forgets.”
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