15-year-old camp counselor disappears and drowns in lake, Michigan officials say

A 15-year-old Scouting America counselor drowned at a Michigan camp, officials say.

The teen disappeared from the Owasippe Scout Reservation in Muskegon County around 3 p.m. July 16, according to WZZM and WOOD.

Authorities told the publications the 15-year-old was found dead in Big Blue Lake. It’s unclear how the teen ended up in the lake.

Owasippe Scout Reservation is operated by Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America. In a statement, the organization said the teen, who was a Counselor in Training, appeared to have drowned.

“No other campers or staff were involved or were in danger at any time,” Scouting America said. “Emergency protocols were followed, law enforcement (was) called to the scene and council leadership and camp staff are cooperating in the ongoing investigation.”

The reservation is in the town of Twin Lake, about a 50-mile drive northwest from Grand Rapids. It was hosting Camp Blackhawk, which offers various camp activities during the summer and opportunities for scouts to earn merit badges.

Other camps and organizations offered their condolences to Camp Blackhawk scouts in messages posted on Facebook.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of this young person and with Owasippe’s staff and campers. I cannot imagine what they must be going through,” said the operators of Camp Lor-Ray, just 6 miles away from the Owasippe Scout Reservation.

“The Michigan Crossroads Council offers it deepest condolences to our neighboring Pathway to Adventure Council located in Chicago and Owasippe Scout Reservation campers and staff on the recent tragic loss of a Jr. Staff member,” the Michigan Crossroads Council of Scouting America said.

This story was originally published July 17, 2025 at 1:29 PM with the headline "15-year-old camp counselor disappears and drowns in lake, Michigan officials say."