Camp Sequoyah has been in operation since it was dedicated on June 29, 1972 and is a part of the Frank Spain Scout Reservation, which encompasses 1,447 acres of prime wilderness. The camp’s centerpiece is the 80-acre Lake Cross. Camp Sequoyah has the best programming and facilities that Scouting has to offer and has plenty of opportunities for advancement with four class periods each day. However, most of the afternoon is left free for troops to schedule their own programs or take advantage of the great activities planned by the camp. Older Scouts may want to go to Xtreme Adventure Base for the week. We can arrange transportation to and from XAB for them. Each Campsite is equipped with a flagpole, trashcan, faucet, and latrine with washbasin, two flush toilets and two hot ­− water showers. On the side of the latrine is a bulletin board that the troop can use to post assignments, notices, and duty rosters. There is a designated leaders area for each campsite, and patrol sites pre­−established in groups of four tents each. Each tent, including the leaders, sleeps two people. Many sites will be occupied by more than one troop. We ask that if you have an exceptionally large troop you use those sites that are designated for larger troops. Each troop must bring their trash to the dining hall every morning at breakfast and place it in the dumpsters beside the loading dock. Campsite inspections will be performed every morning after breakfast to check for trash, latrine cleanliness, fireguard chart postings, and general neatness.

Please remain on the main trails and roads in camp and do not wonder through other campsites. These sites are your homes for the week, and we need to respect each other’s privacy.

**The Turkey Flats Campsite is a HANDICAPPED ONLY site, if you do not have a scout or leader that is wheel chair restricted, that site may not be available. This site does not have its own shower building.

Location

4907 County Road 11
Delta, AL 36258

https://1bsa.org/camp.php?cn=13

 

Camp Sequoyah Facts

 

Every wonder why the campsites have particular names? There are rumors that the campsite names were brought over from Camp Arrowhead, but that is not true. Each campsite has a unique name associated with Camp Sequoyah. Here are the reasons the campsites and some other areas are named what they are. This was provided by Mr. Harry Merril, who was the Camp Sequoyah Ranger from 1971 (when the camp was built) until 2013.

Parking Lot: Originally on this site as a Colonial Home. It was a two story home built in 1855. It originally stood in this location when the property was purchased by the Boy Scouts.

Robber’s Roost: During construction to the camp in 1971-1972 this was a parking lot and storage area where tools were stored. As there was no fence or security around it, one weekend “thieves” helped themselves to almost everything stored in the parking lot. Because of this, the campsite was named “Robber’s Roost.”

Boiling Springs: During the fall of 1971, while the camp was still under construction, there was a huge Poplar tree here that water was shooting up out of from an underground stream. The resulting campsite name of “Boiling Springs” was very fitting.

Frontier: This area was densely grown over with pine trees and other vegetation. The camp developers named it “Frontier” because of the vast time it took to clear in 1971.

Raccoon Hollow: This was, and remains, a “swampy” area, which was very inviting for raccoons to call home. Many raccoons were living in the hollow trees at this site, so this campsite was named “Raccoon Hollow” in 1971.

Boone’s Place: This location is on a higher ridge overlooking the lake area and a valley as well. It reminded the camp developers of Daniel Boone as he blazed trails through the frontier, so this location was named “Boone’s Place” in 1971.

Bobcat’s Den: As the camp was moving forward in construction in 1971, Chief Zack Cross and other frequently spotted bobcats, both young and adult, in this area. So everyone knew there had to be one or more dens of bobcats calling this area home, thus “Bobcat’s Den”.

Turkey Flats: The original site of “Turkey Flats” was located where the new shelter is behind the dining hall. That area had been struck by lightning before the Boy Scouts acquired the camp and all the trees and brush had burned. This resulted in an area that was perfect for turkeys to browse for food, which resulted in the name “Turkey Flats” in 1971. The campsite was relocated to its current area in 1988.

Hawk’s Landing: Built in 1988, this area was home to many red-tailed hawks. It was named for the hawks as they now had to share their home with humans.

Cherokee Point: Built in 1971-1972. During construction of the lake many scouts camped and helped with clearing areas. On the banks of the area being dug-out for the lake, the scouts found many arrowheads, so the campsite was named for the Cherokee that used to live in this area.

Beaver Knoll: Built in 1971-1972. This area was home to many beavers using a small stream which is now in the lake area. Beavers cut many trees in this area and had an extensive dam and homes that were built in Carr Creek.

Chigger Ridge: Built 1971-1972. As this area was being cleared, it was very dense with honeysuckle, briars, and various vines. As the scouts and others worked, they were “eaten up” with “red-bugs” or as most call them, “chiggers”, which is where the name “Chigger Ridge” comes from.

Buck’s Hide Out: Built 1971-1972. Many male deer were seen on this ridge during the building of the camp. Even today many large bucks are seen in this area, so it was named “Buck’s Hide Out.”

Deer Run: Built 1971-1972. This area is connected with Buck’s Hide Out and deer were seen running through this area during construction, and still today. This resulted in the name “Deer Run.”

Uncle John’s: Built in 1988. Uncle John Godsey, a very dedicated Scouter that taught wood carving, conducted vesper services at Camp Sequoyah for many years. He was the Scoutmaster for Troop 34. When he had a few moments at camp, he would walk out to the area named “Uncle John’s” and fish, so it is very fitting that this campsite was named for him.

Dining Hall: Built in 1988, this was the location of the original camp parking lot. During construction, a road ran through the parade field area. The slope was so steep that a cement truck became stuck and had to be towed out. The cement company would not come back until the road was re-graded and more accessible for their trucks. The tables and benches in the dining hall were all built by scouts helping out at the camp. The scouts learned how to use the tools and apply the laminate, and how to remove laminated when they made a mistake!

Climbing Tower: The climbing tower was built by Mr. Merril and the camp staff just before summer camp started in 1987.

Council Ring Area: Built in 1971-1972. This area has been enlarged three times over the years. It was named for Peck Hughes, the Scoutmaster for Troop 8 for over fifty years.

Lake Cross: Built in 1971-1972. This was 80 acres of farm land and Carr Creek. The lake was named after Chief Zack Cross.

The Stopper: Built in 1971-1972. This is an earthen dam that was constructed to create Lake Cross. It is named “The Stopper” because Chief Cross didn’t allow scouts to use “foul language.”

Below the main parking lot was a tannery and stables. It is now used by scouts for merit badge sessions.

There are various home site remains in camp. One is at Uncle John’s where the house foundation (rocks) can be seen. Another is in Adventure Valley where a chimney is still standing. Between Robber’s Roost and Boiling Springs, two home places can be detected. Another is located in the staff area.

Have you ever tried the water from the chiller in front of the trading post? It is claimed to be the coldest water in the county. The chiller was actually brought to Camp Sequoyah from Camp Arrowhead. Other than having a few parts replaced over the years, it is still the same chiller that operated at Camp Arrowhead. County workers used to stop by just to get a cold drink.

Another water story, the camp now has “city water,” but when the waterlines were being installed, the water company couldn’t understand why the scouts would want to give up their well water and the ecologically friendly septic systems for the city water. The well water was fed by a 122,500 gallon water tower. The water tower was built on-site in 1971. It was painted red (about the same color as the space shuttle external tank) and was visible for miles around. The road to the water tower ran through the current shooting range. Locals came by to find out what was being built.

Along the nature trail is a “bridge to nowhere.” It was built to allow scouts and scouters with physical challenges see the nature trail and the enjoy the surroundings. When it was being built, some local businessmen were wanting to do some volunteer work. They showed up and Mr. Merril had them help haul bags of concrete to build the footings. They worked hard one day and never showed up again.

These facts were developed during Wood Badge SR-115 by Assistant Scoutmaster for Logistics Charles Roberts. This was part of the orienteering course that was setup.