Boy Scout Camping Information

Camp Tuscarora Camping Philosophy

Welcome to the 2008 camping season at Camp Tuscarora. This tremendous facility will allow for you and your unit to experience the best part of the Scouting program...summer camp! Many activities await you and your scouts at camp. From the thrill of experiencing the natural beauty, to taking part in the variety of special adventures and activities, we hope to accommodate you and your unit in any way that we can. The Tuscarora camp staff is 100% committed to providing the best possible program. Our goal is to be friendly and responsive to the needs of your unit and to set an excellent example to all those attending camp. The camp staff has been carefully selected and trained to assist you in your stay. They stand ready to help you at anytime.

There is a common thread in purpose and method, which runs through every part of the scout camping program. Our aim is to clearly define that thread so that the purpose of camping will unify our dedication to the highest ideals of scouting. Organized camping is a creative, educational experience utilizing the abundant resources of the natural surroundings to contribute to the physical, mental, spiritual, and social growth of our youth.

• Camping contributes to good health through supervised activity, positive experiences, and wholesome companionship.
• Camping aids in spiritual growth by helping campers recognize and appreciate the handiwork of God through nature.
• Camping contributes to social development by providing experiences in which campers learn to deal practically and effectively with their peers.
• Camping is an experience in citizenship training, providing a medium for democratic participation in decision-making and meaningful ceremonies at every level.
• Camping contributes to the development of self-reliance and resourcefulness by providing a learning experience in which campers acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to their well-being.

Trailblazers - First Year Campers Program

Trailblazer is a program designed for the first year camper. The program teaches new scouts the basics of outdoor skills that Cub Scouts does not. If your scout joined in September during the membership push and has been actively camping with your troop all winter then this program, is potentially not for him. However, if your newly crossed over Webelos are coming to camp for the first time; this is the recommended program for them. Trailblazer is an all day program that runs from just after breakfast until just before dinner. However, there is a free hour so that a trailblazer can take a merit badge during the independent study time in a separate area. Trailblazers are divided into patrols and are taught the patrol method. We try to keep scouts from the same troop together in a patrol and help them learn to work together. In a week's time we cover first aid, cooking, hiking, compass skills, map reading, Totin Chip, Fireman Chit, nature identification, as well as knots and lashings. We also spend time on the waterfront swimming, rowing and canoeing. Trailblazers also have a chance to earn their first merit badge during the program.

Scout Resident Camp

Our Scoutcraft program offers exciting Outdoor Skills opportunities. From learning to use knives, saws, and axes; to mastering the knots and lashings to build that great pioneering project, this area has a lot to offer. Our Merit Badge program includes Camping, Personal Fitness, Camping, Emergency Preparedness, First Aid (at the Health Lodge), Fishing, Athletics, Orienteering, Cooking as in Independent Study badge, and Pioneering. If that isn't enough, we also offer Troop Dutch Oven Cooking activities and Cooking demonstrations. You can also hone up on your map, compass, and GPS skills, as well as putting your skills to the test with your patrol or troop on the new "06" Orienteering course. Our Scoutcraft Area is located just off the Parade Field. Nearby we have a full volleyball court as well as supplies for field sports games. Our staff can give you advice on the best trails to take to get to that special place or where the fish are biting best that day.

High Adventure Programs

Camp Tuscarora offers a great selection of High Adventure and Specialty Programs for 2008. Our High Adventure programs are designed for more experienced scouts who are looking for more adventure than standard scout resident camp. The 2008 programs include White Water Programs, Wilderness Survival and Mountain Biking. For more information check out the Camp Tuscarora High Adventure Page.

National Youth Leadership Training

Hosted by the Baden-Powell Council Training Committee, Camp Tuscarora will be offering a two weekend program dedicated to the National Youth Leadership Training course. The program is geared to help build leadership skills for all scouts who are, or will be, in a leadership position in the unit, by offering the best in leadership skill development, troop program administration and overall camping skills. National Youth Leadership Training is open to all troop junior leaders (SPL, ASPL, PL, APL, etc.), and all prospective leaders. Dates are: June 28-30 and July 2-4, 2008 (both sessions are required to complete the course). Click here for a brochure or for more information and to sign up, contact the Council Office. Open to all Scouts and Venturers (In-Council/Out of Council) of First Class rank or higher, min. age 13 years, and Venturers should have outdoor skills equivalent to the First Class rank. Scoutmaster: John Udall.