At Camp Melita Island and K-M Scout Ranch, Summer 2026 brought new challenges, new opportunities, and countless memories. Across both camps – including a week of Cub Scout camp at K-M – nearly 2,000 youth and adults experienced a summer of adventure in Montana.
As the 2026 season closes, we asked the camp directors to reflect on their summers. For Nick Chavarria, it was his first summer leading K-M Scout Ranch and his introduction to Montana’s Scouting community. For Ashley Jerome, it was her fifth and final summer as Camp Director at Camp Melita Island – a summer that brought both pride in her staff and the emotions of saying goodbye.
Their letters offer a personal look at what made Summer 2026 special.
A First Summer at K-M Scout Ranch
A letter from Nick Chavarria, 2026 Camp Director
As I look back on my first summer at K-M Scout Ranch, I am incredibly grateful for the way I was welcomed into the Montana Scouting community. From staff and volunteers to Scouts and leaders, so many people made K-M feel like home from the very beginning.
K-M welcomed troops from Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, California, Washington, Texas, and North Carolina this summer. That same nationwide feel was reflected in our staff, with team members representing 13 different states who came together in Montana to create an outstanding summer for our campers.
Program continued to grow this year, with more merit badge opportunities and a redesigned Cub Scout program offering greater flexibility. A highlight of each Scouts BSA week was the K-M Camp Cup, a spirited, game show-style competition between troops that brought plenty of energy, laughs, and unit pride. The competition brought plenty of energy, unit pride, and laughs before the winning troop was crowned at the end of each session.
Most of all, I want to thank our incredible 2026 camp staff.
They took on new challenges, helped expand the program offerings, adapted when plans changed, and brought enthusiasm and energy to camp every single day. Through long days, changing weather, and all the little challenges that come with a summer at camp, they continued to put Scouts first.
Our staff is a shining examples of what Scouting should be: cheerful service, leadership, friendship, resilience, and a commitment to helping others grow. I could not be prouder of what they accomplished this summer.
I am excited to return to K-M next year and continue building on everything we accomplished in 2026. There is a lot to be proud of this summer and even more to look forward to as we continue growing the K-M experience together.
Thank you to everyone who made my first summer in Montana such a memorable one. I can’t wait to see what 2027 brings.
Yours in Scouting,
Nick Chavarria
Camp Director, K-M Scout Ranch
A Final Summer At Camp Melita Island
A letter from Ashley Jerome, 2026 Camp Director
My fifth and final summer at Camp Melita Island has come to an end, and I cannot say it any more clearly: I am so proud of the 2026 Melita Island staff.
When you bring together people from across the country and beyond, you never know how things will click. This summer started with several days of rain, teaching us an important lesson from the beginning: be flexible. As the summer progressed, our staff continued to adapt, working hard to provide the best program possible and create memories that will last a lifetime. Melita Island is a home away from home for our staff, and we wanted it to feel that way for our campers, too.
This summer, Camp Melita Island completed five weeks of Scouts BSA long-term summer camp, welcoming troops from Montana, Colorado, Washington, California, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, and North Dakota. Our staff came from 15 states and Mexico, bringing a truly national—and international—spirit to the island. Our food service team was also top-tier, thanks to our partners at Upper Crust Food Services.
We focused on expanding open program opportunities while creating a safe and fun environment for everyone. We fine-tuned our offerings to provide a balance of water- and land-based activities. But the real gem of the Melita Island staff is their “why” – their common purpose. Every staff member strives to give back, make a difference, and create a ripple effect. I can proudly say that this summer, they did just that.
As my time at Melita comes to an end, I am proud of the culture this staff has built. My 14 years on camp staff have taught me that camp is a safe place to fail, learn, and become better. Our staff worked hard all summer to spread the spirit of Scouting, and they left Melita Island better because of their efforts.
I know this 64-acre island on Flathead Lake will always hold a special place in my heart. I am grateful for every camper, leader, staff member, challenge, laugh, long day, and unforgettable memory. Most of all, I am grateful to have played a small part in something that has made such a difference in so many lives.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as Camp Director at Camp Melita Island.
Yours in Scouting,
Ashley Jerome
2026 Camp Melita Island Camp Director
