About Camp Merz
Welcome to Camp Merz, a cherished haven nestled on the shores of the stunning Lake Chautauqua in Mayville, New York. With a rich history spanning 90 years, Camp Merz has become an iconic destination for Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts seeking adventure, personal growth, and unforgettable memories.
Our camp is renowned for its exceptional summer camp programs, designed to inspire and empower young Scouts. With over 50 Merit Badges to choose from, our mission is to provide a safe and enriching environment for Scouts to develop valuable skills and build lifelong friendships.
At Camp Merz, we take pride in our seasoned and experienced staff, many of whom have dedicated 10+ years of service to our camp. Their passion for Scouting shines through in every activity and interaction, ensuring that your time here is not only memorable but also transformative.
Located on the shores of the magnificent 19-mile-long Chautauqua Lake, Camp Merz boasts an impressive 1500 feet of private waterfront, where Scouts can learn watercraft skills, swim, and engage in lakeside adventures while appreciating the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Nestled within a sprawling 350-acre hardwood forest, our camp offers a perfect backdrop for Scouting adventures. Most of our wooded campsites are equipped with pavilions and electric hookups, making it easier for Scouts to immerse themselves in the outdoor experience.
Our diverse range of programs caters to Scouts of all ages and interests. Whether your young Scout is embarking on their first year with our "Polaris" First Year Program, honing their marksmanship skills at the Rifle & Shotgun Range, or exploring the Trail to Eagle Center, there's something to excite and challenge every Scout.
Nature enthusiasts and creative spirits will find solace in our Nature and Handicraft Programs, while those seeking adventure can earn "Rangercraft" Trade Merit Badges and embark on Cross-Lake Overnight Outposts. For tech-savvy Scouts, our Technology Center provides exciting opportunities to learn and grow.
Camp life at Merz is not complete without the unforgettable Cantina Karaoke Night, where Scouts can showcase their talents and dance the night away with a DJ spinning their favorite tunes. And be sure not to miss the region's best Water Carnival, a highlight of the summer season.
Lastly, we take pride in our outstanding culinary offerings. Camp Merz is renowned for its food, ensuring that every meal is a delightful experience for your Scouts' taste buds.
As you embark on your Scouting journey at Camp Merz, we invite you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Chautauqua, the tranquility of our hardwood forest, and the camaraderie of fellow Scouts. Here, Scouting traditions are born, lifelong friendships are forged, and cherished memories are etched into the very fabric of our storied camp.
Welcome to Camp Merz, where adventure, community, and the Scouting spirit await Scouts BSA and Cub Scouts alike!
Camp Merz History
Camp Merz was so named in honor of Frank Merz's generous donation to the council and the Boy Scouts of Chautauqua County.
Banker Frank Merz (1857 - 1939) funded and donated Camp Merz, located in Mayville, New York, to Boy Scouts of America in 1933. The foremost banker of his era in Jamestown, New York, Merz held the position of President of the Union Trust Company, then one of the soundest banks of Western New York. Providing funds necessary to purchase a 300-acre parcel of ground that fronts on Chautauqua Lake,
Merz aspired to do for young boys what was not done for him in his youth. Merz made the property suitable for camping, constructing a well for drinking water, a dining hall, and an administration building.