Making a Reservation
Learn how to select facilities and items, and check out
Creating an Account
How to create an account and set up your profile
Editing Your Roster
How to import a roster, or edit specific people
Access Codes
How to add an access code to your reservation.
Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation

Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan is available during the "off-season" for your Scouting America Unit or pre-approved non-Scouting America group.

Use this camping reservation system to reserve cabins or tenting campsites.

  • CABINS:  Since we are located in the northern woods of Wisconsin, temperatures may dip below freezing for most of the off-season. These cabins sleep 6-8 and will have heat and electricity, but will not have water during your stay. Click on "Cabin 01," etc. to see pictures of each.
  • WEST CAMP LOOP CABINS: Each has two cots but no heat, electricity, or water.
  • GILWELL FIELD BUNGALOWS (part of Wabaningo): Each has two cots but no heat, electricity, or water.
  • TENTING:  Your unit is welcome to bring their own tents and either camp in one of our campsites, or in Wabaningo, the large open field near our horse ranch.
  • RESTROOMS:  Restroom facilities during the offseason are limited to the latrines around camp.  There are two heated latrines near the Welcome Center at the entrance to the camp. 
  • WEATHER: Check the current weather conditions and forecast here!

DEADLINES (No Exceptions): 

  • All reservations must be made at least 21 days in advance.
  • Fees must be paid online for reservations completed 21 days before the reservation starts. 

Non-Scout Groups: Non-Scouting America groups (i.e., Girl Scout Units, church groups, or other recognized organizations) may also want to consider utilizing our camps for their next retreat or camping adventure.  Contact Rory.Fencl@scouting.org for more information.

SUMMER GUEST CAMPING:  For families of Scouts and Adult Leaders attending our summer camp program, we offer tent (bring your own), small RV, and small pop-up trailer campsites in Wabaningo during the summer. Wabaningo is a 5-minute drive away from most camp facilities; it has showers and bathrooms within walking distance of the sites, and there are covered picnic tables in and around the Pavilion, for cooking and eating.  NOTE:  These reservations are completed during check-in at the Welcome Center (the main camp office), at which time you can also buy meal tickets.

SUMMERTIME IN WABANINGO FOR UNITS:  If you are a unit that will run your own program and provide your own food, you are also welcome to use Wabaningo during the summer.  Contact Debi.Geiger@scouting.org for more details about this reservation and the possibility of signing up for some of our "In-Camp High Adventure" activities: Trail Rides (horse and bike), Whitewater Rafting, Climbing Wall, and more!

SECURITY DEPOSITS: All Units are charged security deposits for campsite and building reservations. The security deposit will be refunded if your checkout goes well when leaving camp (you followed Leave No Trace policies). If it does not go well (messy or damaged campsite or building), your camp contacts will be provided details (always provide two) and the new refund amount, if any, or additional fees that have been added.

*A 3% Processing Fee will be assessed for all online Credit Card payments. **A 0.5% Processing Fee will be assessed for all online e-Check payments.

Directions to Camp

CLICK HERE for directions to Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation, W6500 Spring Lake Rd, Pearson, WI 54462.

W6500 Spring Lake Rd
Pearson, Wisconsin 54462

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Day
Check-In
09:00 AM
Check-Out
10:00 PM


Night
Check-In
05:00 PM
Check-Out
12:00 PM


MSR Cabins
West Loop Cabin
Gilwell Field Bungalow
Dining Hall
Campsite
West Camp

Camp Use Policy Back to Top

IMPORTANT:  As the person completing this reservation for your unit or group, it is your responsibility to share these rules and policies with everyone who will be participating in this reservation.  Failure to know and understand these rules and policies will not be accepted as an excuse for breaking them.

Failure to abide by the Northeast Illinois Council rules and policies may not only result in immediate expulsion from the campground of everyone in your unit or group, but may prohibit your unit or group from camping at any of our campgrounds, or using any of our facilities, in the future.

General Camp Rules 

  • Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including all meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth or female adult program participants.  
  • Discipline of each group is the responsibility of the adult leader in charge. Individuals should respect the camping areas of others and only enter with permission. 
  • BSA Guidelines for coed camping must be followed. 
  • Support the principles of “Leave No Trace”. 
  • Cooking fires and campfires are only permitted in established fire rings and fire scars; do not create your own fire pit or fire ring 
  • Outdoor fires must be supervised by an adult until extinguished.  
  • Please be respectful of all visitors by keeping all restrooms clean, even if the restroom is not in your campsite 
  • Fires must be reasonable (safe height) and be “dead” out at the time of departure. 
  • At least one adult must be present during check-out. 

Prohibited Behaviors and Items 

  • Firearms, fireworks, or large hunting knives may not be brought to camp. A knife must fold. 
  • No chain saws in camp. 
  • Alcohol is prohibited in camp. Violation of this policy will result in your group/unit being asked to leave camp and forfeit all fees. 
  • No smoking in ANY camp building or in view of any youth. 
  • No tampering with smoke detectors, exit signs, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide alarms, or any other life safety device. 
  • Swimming is not permitted in any pond or stream. 
  • No motorcycles or ATV’s 
  • Pets are not allowed in camp. 
  • Cutting trees is not permitted. 
  • No gambling permitted 
Check In Procedure Back to Top

Check in with Rory Fencl, our camp ranger.  He will contact you with details.

Check-in Times: 

FRIDAY 5 PM (or later)
SATURDAY 9 AM (or later)
SUNDAY 9 AM (or later, for daytime only reservations)

Check-in Procedures:  

  • Check in with the Ranger before going to your reserved cabin or campsite.  
  • Complete the Check-In inspection and record all cleanliness and/or physical damage observations on the Check-In form, as applicable. Sign the form. 
  • Turn in Unit Roster. 
  • Do not pick or change sites without verifying their availability; they might be reserved for another group arriving later than you.
Check Out Procedure Back to Top

Check out with Rory Fencl, our camp ranger.  He will contact you with details.

Check-Out Procedure

  • Check-Out with the Ranger. Complete the Check-Out inspection and record all cleanliness and or/physical damage observations on the Check-Out form. Sign the form.
  • Check-out time is 12 PM, unless preapproved by the council's program assistant.  Email Debi.Geiger@scouting.org if an extension is needed.
Cancellation Policy Back to Top

Northeast Illinois Council, BSA

Refund Policy for Camp Reservations

When a reservation is made at our camp facilities, that same space is no longer available to be used on that date by another party.
The purpose of the refund structure is to help support our camp's facilities by protecting them against a sudden loss of participation and revenue, which is necessary to maintain our facilities. It also keeps our rental availability fair as spaces are limited, and there is no guarantee there is enough time or interest on short notice for another party to take your place after a cancellation is made.​

Payments will be reimbursed following these guidelines:

If you cancel a reservation:

  • Within seven days of completing the reservation, a full refund will be given
  • More than 30 days before your reservation's arrival date and time, a full refund will be given
  • Between 8 and 30 days before your reservation's arrival date and time, a 50% refund will be given
  • Within seven days of your reservation's arrival date and time, NO refund will be given
  • By not showing up (do not notify us at all), NO refund will be given
  • Due to an emergency, refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Be prepared to provide details and documentation.

For events with limited participant capacity, no refund will be issued for requests made less than 30 days before the event unless a waitlisted or new unit (or registrants) fills the reserved spot.

Cleaning Policy Back to Top

Northeast Illinois Council Cleaning Policies

A Scout is Clean. Please take note of our cleaning policies below to avoid the forfeiture of your security deposit.

Check out with the on-duty Camp Master or Caretaker before departing Camp Oakarro or Camp Crown. They will ensure you have followed these policies so you will receive your security deposit back. The Caretaker's home is the first building you pass when entering the property.

Ask the on-duty Campmaster or Caretaker if you need any keys to access cleaning supplies.

Campsites

  • Leave No Trace policies apply to all campsite upkeep.
  • Ensure any campfires are out completely before leaving and the fire ring or scar has been cleaned out for the next unit.
  • Failure to leave your campsite and fire ring in a clean and acceptable manner will result in the loss of your security deposit.

Buildings

Camp Crown

  • Cleaning supplies can be found in the Miller Cabin's metal cabinet or the storage closet between the Women's bathroom and shower room in the Jadel Center.
    Ask the on-duty Campmaster or Caretaker if you need a key.
  • Make sure all picnic tables are clean and organized.
  • If the Jadel Center or Miller Cabin kitchen was used, ensure all surfaces, utensils, and appliances are cleaned thoroughly.
    • Do not leave any food in the kitchens as they will attract wildlife. 
  • Sweep the floor. 
  • If the Jadel Center fireplace was used, ensure your fire is out cold to the touch. Clean out all ash. Stack leftover firewood neatly.
  • Ensure any campfires are out completely before leaving and the fire ring or scar is cleaned for the next unit.
  • Close all doors

Camp Oakarro

  • Make sure all picnic tables are clean and organized
  • If the fireplace was used, ensure your fire is out cold to the touch. Clean out all ash. Stack leftover firewood neatly.
  • Make sure any campfires are out completely before leaving and the fire ring or scar has been cleaned out for the next unit.
  • Sweep out any dirt or leaves.
  • Close all doors

Cleaning of Outhouses/Latrines

  • Outhouses (that your unit used) should be swept before departure. Be respectful of the building and toiletry supplies you have been provided.

Garbage and Recycling Handling

Camp Crown

  • Garbage and recyclable items should be separated.
  • Garbage should be placed in the dumpster behind the Jadel Training Center.
  • Recyclables should be placed in the recycling dumpster behind the Jadel Training Center.

Camp Oakarro

  • Place all garbage and recycling in the dumpsters by the parking lot.