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Home»Camping

Camping Program Overview

Council camping programs are provided for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers. Please click on the links in the left column for information. 

The outdoor program makes a major contribution to the development of leadership skills, self-reliance, a sense of responsibility and a fit mind and body. An appreciation of our natural world is another benefit of the outdoor program. The outdoor program supports units by operating facilities and programs and by planning, promoting and operating multi-unit events and programs that supplement -- but do not take the place of -- unit program.
 
BEAR SCOUTS AT CAMPOREES
We received many inquiries concerning the policy pertaining to Bear Cub Scouts attending camporees. 

Under the National Council's "Guide to Safe Scouting" it states:
  • Overnight camping by Tiger, Wolf, and Bear Cub Scout dens as dens is not approved and certificates of liability insurance will not be provided by the Boy Scouts of America.
  • Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts may participate in a resident overnight camping program operating under BSA National Camping School-trained leadership and managed by the council.
  • A Webelos Scout may participate in overnight den camping when supervised by an adult. In most cases, the Webelos Scout will be under the supervision of his parent or guardian. It is essential that each Webelos Scout be under the supervision of a parent-approved adult. Joint Webelos den-troop campouts including the parents of the Webelos Scouts are encouraged to strengthen ties between the pack and troop. Den leaders, pack leaders, and parents are expected to accompany the boys on approved trips.

    Here are some frequently asked questions about the policies:

    Q:     Aren't camporees a council event?
    A: No, they are district events and not managed by the council.

    Q: Since the spring camporee is in April or May, isn't that close enough to the graduation of Bears to Webelos?
    A: No. The BSA classifies a Webelos Scout as a boy who completed the third grade but not completed the fifth grade, or be age 10 but not 11 1/2.

    Our policies provide for healthy and safe activities that are age appropriate for youth members. While this might eliminate a weekend camping experience, it can be replaced by another  outdoor experience under BSA guidelines. I understand this change might evoke some emotional reactions. I also know that hundreds of dedicated adult volunteers will understand how this change must take place with the best interest of our Cub Scouts as our primary focus.