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June 27th - July 5th, 2025
The Gem of Bach's Bay
The Gem of Bach's Bay
Overview
Overview
Troop 888 travelled to the beautiful council-owned Cache Lake Camp in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.
Activities during the week included boating, fishing, waterskiing, tubing, games, and so much more.
Upon arrival we learned that the scenery and wildlife viewing was worth the trip alone!
Where is Cache Lake?
Where is Cache Lake?
Cache Lake is located in Ontario, Canada. The boat launch is approximately a 10-hour drive north from Dunlap. We rented boat motors before traveling 2 hours by water to our final destination. The map below highlights our trip from Handberg's Marina on Crane Lake through the King Williams Narrows to the Canadian Customs Port of Entry. After a quick check-in, we continued on past Sand Point Lodge, located on the other side of the Harrison Narrows. The last bit was approximately 30 minutes through beautiful Clearwater Lake and into Bach's Bay. A picture of our open-mile swimmers shows the signage and bay entrance below.
Boats, Boats, Boats!
Boats, Boats, Boats!
One of our primary goals at Cache Lake was to spend as much time in or on the water as possible. We think we did pretty well in achieving that goal.
From sailboats, to kayaks, fishing boats to a ski boat, we did it all and had a blast!
Everyone who attended Cache Lake completed an in-depth boater safety education course taught by our expert on everything on water and air, Mr. Gene Olson.
Those who were old enough received their Boating License, while others will get it upon their 13th birthday.
Fishing for Bass, Walleye, and Pike
Fishing for Bass, Walleye, and Pike
Whether on a boat or just off the dock, plenty of fish were caught during the course of the week. Our ranger instructed us on where to try our luck as well as how to make our own Lindy rigs.
We finished the week with enough fish to try our hand at a fish fry. What a great way to end the trip!
Duty Rosters and Camp Life
Duty Rosters and Camp Life
A Scout is ...
A Scout is ...
The cabin kitchen was the heart of our campsite. Just inside, a corkboard hung that contained all the info we needed. We divided the crew into three patrols: The Wacky Walleye, the Crazy Catfish, and the Picky Pike.
Each morning and evening, we held flags. Since we were in Canada, the Canadian flag was hoisted first and flown the highest. A cool twist was that we happened to be there for both Canada Day and the 4th of July! We celebrated both holidays with reverence and some yummy food.
A final highlight was the daily Leave No Trace talks given by the Scouts.
Best Quartermaster EVER
Best Quartermaster EVER
A Week of Delicious Food
A Week of Delicious Food
Mrs. Emily spent the weeks prior to the campout creating a detailed binder with all of our meals, their recipes, and even integrated ways to incorporate any left overs into meals later in the week.
She had EVERYTHING so well planned we never went hungry and stayed below budget!
Crafts, Puzzles, Artwork and More
Crafts, Puzzles, Artwork and More
A Space for the Creative Side
A Space for the Creative Side
Our crew was a creative and talented group... and they were always up to something. It didn't take long for our cabin to be adorned with drawings and festive crafts!
Itinerary
Itinerary
June 27 Met at Northminster for departure @ 8:00 AM
Stayed in Duluth, MN for the nightJune 28 Arrived at Handberg’s Marine, Crane Lake, MN at 1 PM
Loaded our boats and headed out for CanadaJune 29 Scouts enjoyed swimming and making Lindy rigs
July 30 Fish and water ski
July 1 Open Water Mile Swim
July 2 Boats, boats, boats!
July 4 Independence Day Food/Activities and Service Projects
July 5 Depart Cache Lake for Handberg’s Marina
Arrive back at Northminster at 5:00 PM
Sand Point Marina
Sand Point Marina
Each day, one lucky group of scouts would get to head to Sand Point Lodge for water patrol. There, they would fill up the boat with gas and our water containers from the outside hose. We were extremely thankful for the help from Cindy Hall, the owner.
Not that it could get much better than an ice cream or cold soda, but one day she had puppies!!!
Needless to say, the ladies got as many snuggles and puppy kisses as they could manage.
We encourage you to check out the Sand Point Lodge website. They have places you can rent if you want your own Cache Lake adventure outside of Scouting America.
Camp Tour
Camp Tour
Front of Main Cabin
Front of Main Cabin
Troops have left many games behind for us to play. We also had binoculars and a telescope at our disposal.
Front of Cabin
Scout Law
Front Dining Area
Games
Kitchen Area
Kitchen Area
Kitchen Dining Area
Service Counter
All Stocked for the Week
Giant Stove
Supplies
Dishes
Cookware
Three Refrigerators
Back of Cabin
Back of Cabin
Cabin Cleanin Supplies
Clean Water Jugs
Bathroom Cleaning Supplies
Giant Grill
Around Camp
Around Camp
Tool Shed
PFD Stand
Fish Shack/ Fire Pit
Outhouse
Fish Cleaning Room
Flags
Watercraft
Clothesline
Bunkhouse
Bunkhouse
Entrance
Porch
Sleeping Quarters (1 of 4)
Storage
Basic Equipment Checklist
Basic Equipment Checklist
Each scout was limited to one duffel and one daypack. Everything HAD TO pack inside one of those two bags. Duffels must fit inside a large black trash bag (to keep dry on boat ride to camp).
With no cell service after we crossed the border, leaders had specialized emergency radios.
On Your Body
On Your Body
Scout uniform
Closed-toed shoes and socks
An inexpensive wrist watch
Identification
In Your Daypack
In Your Daypack
Water bottle
Rain gear (be prepared)
Medicine (if listed on med form)
Non-aerosol bug spray (25% DEET recommended) and sunscreen
Pocket knife
Headlamp (preferred) and/or flashlight
Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush and a hair tie (if applicable)
Spending money
Scout Handbook
In Your Duffel
In Your Duffel
Sleeping bag, fitted sheet, and pillow
Camp provides mattresses but no sheets, etc.
It will get cool at night.
Fishing tackle (we’ll cover in a meeting in March)
Clothing for a week:
5 Troop t-shirts
10 pairs of sock/underwear
4 pairs of shorts
1 pair of Scout pants or similar
A Coast Guard approved life jacket in good condition that meets your size/ weight requirements. Check with Mrs. Hartman before buying.
Swimsuit (choose one that will cover you in all activities), goggles, and rash guard (recommended)
Washcloth and towel
Biodegradable soap/shampoo
Additional Forms
Additional Forms
Camp History
Camp History
Cache Lake Camp is a Scout camp owned by the W. D. Boyce Council, located in Ontario, Canada. The camp is located 670 miles north of Bloomington, Illinois, approximately 8 miles via water, northeast of Crane Lake, Minnesota. This camping opportunity was started in 1963 – with all of the start-up and annual maintenance work conducted by dedicated volunteers.
Click here to read the history of Cache Lake Camp.
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