- Location: 33990 South Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043 (Monroe County)
- Website: https://sfcbsa.org/camps/camp-sawyer/
- Contact: Nicole Furman at 305-664-5616, FSB.Camp.Sawyer@scouting.org
- Area: 10 acres with four campsites.
STATUS UPDATES
In 2017 the camp was heavily damaged by the winds and waves of Hurricane Irma.
In April 2019 Troop 941 camped at Sawyer and the campsites were in great condition and pole barn shelters had power, benches and grills. Repairs on docks were under way at that time, and no swimming or boat tie-up was permitted. The nearest public pool we found is in Key Largo, but there’s a fantastic sand beach at Bahia Honda State Park nearby in Islamorada.
IN 2020 Camp Jackson Sawyer was transferred from management under South Florida Council to the BSA national organization and is now both a “Family Adventure Camp” and one of four national BSA High Adventure Bases. Scouts worldwide can apply to go sailing or diving.
FAMILY ADVENTURE CAMP
Sawyer is now a Family Adventure Camp with luxury “glamping” cabins offered for reservations.
BSA Family Adventure Camp is a one-of-a-kind vacation that takes “family time” to a whole new level. Camps are open to families, friends, and groups across the country (not just Scouts). Each location has its own unique programs, experiences, and landscapes. From lodging to activities, campers have the freedom to choose where they want to stay and what they want to do. At Family Adventure Camp, families will come together to make lasting memories as they have once-in-a-lifetime experiences and enjoy the great outdoors together.
DESCRIPTION
Camp Sawyer, at the Edward B. Knight Scout Reservation, is a nine-acre campsite located on Scout Key in the Florida Keys. Flanked between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Camp Sawyer offers tent camping opportunities for Scouting units and other qualified community, service, and youth organizations.
Scouts can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, and swimming. Important: Only Scouts BSA/those over 11 years old can swim at Camp Sawyer and properly trained leadership is required.
Camp Sawyer shares the island of “Scout Key” with Camp Wesumkee of the Girl Scouts. The Camp is now part of the larger Edward B. Knight Scout Reservation, named for a philanthropist and Rotarian by that name. Scout Key is on Big Pine Key.
Troop 941 Notes on Camp Sawyer: There is almost always a stiff tradewind associated with camping on the beach area here, and tents should be firmly staked down with longer than usual stakes.
LINKS
NEARBY
- Nearest hospital: Fishermen’s Community Hospital (Baptist Health), 3301 Overseas Hwy, Marathon. (19 miles)
- Nearest Grocery: Winn-Dixie, 251 Key Deer Blvd, Big Pine Key, (8 min. north)
- Public Pool: Jacobs Aquatic Center (at Key Largo Community Park & Pool/YMCA), 320 Laguna Avenue, Key Largo FL. Tel. 305-453-7946.
