Summer Camp

Boy Scout summer camps are week-long programs that offer Scouts a variety of activities and experiences to help them develop skills, make friends, and advance in their ranks. 

Some activities that Scouts may participate in at summer camp include:

merit badge classes, troop competitions, swimming, flag ceremonies, campfires, and outdoor activities. 

Some benefits of attending Boy Scout summer camp include:

• Learning new skills

• Developing leadership skills

• Working with others to achieve goals

• Serving others

• Living in a wholesome environment

• Having meaningful spiritual experiences 

High Adventure trip

For older scouts age 14 and up and go farther away from our homebase.  Plan to happens every other year.  

Coming up Summer 2026 Philmont Trek, New Mexico

General information (emailed for summer camp 2024*)

For families that are new to camp, the boys will be staying in canvas tents similar to old army tents, see a typical picture below:  The packing list recommends a footlocker, with some additional explanation about footlockers.  Another item that is recommended is a bed mosquito net.  Some older Scouts and adults at camp don't use them, but it does provide some protection against the mosquitos and could provide some reassurance to younger scouts also.  They are commonly available on Amazon and at the store at the camp if a Scout decides they want one during the week.

There is also a packing list attached to this email including some additional I added to the document provided by the camp.  See some items of note below"

• Most boys end up using a footlocker to store their stuff for the week.  The packing list has links to suggested footlockers from Amazon, Target or Walmart.  The most important thing is to not pick a foot locker too tall, anything under 15" should fit under the cots at camp.  

  • A foot locker is not required, but is convenient during the week.  The tents the boys will be staying in are pretty robust, but the footlocker provides some additional weather protection in the event of some torrential rain.  The solid footlockers are also convenient to slide in and out of under the Scout's bed as they'll need to keep the aisle between the beds free so they and their tent mate can walk in/out of the tent

  • Duffel bags and/or backpacks also work, don't feel a need to go buy a footlocker if you don't want to.  Although, older scout parents will also tell you the footlockers make a good place for the scouts to throw their camping gear for the rest of the year to keep backpacks, mess kits, water bottles, and other personal gear all in one place.  

• Bug Spray

  • I don't remember the mosquitos being any worse than my own back yard in Hopkinton, but each person's tolerance for mosquitos is different.

  • I personally found deet bug spray to work myself at camp last year.  

  • Some scouts prefer Picaridin based bug repellent for health or environmental reasons.

  • If your Scout is particularly finicky about mosquitos, and or highly reactive there are also commercial sprays for clothes and hats.  Permethrin can be applied to clothes in advance, but it does need at least a day to dry before you wear it.  I've bought this myself and will bring my own bottle to camp if anyone wants to spray a hat or hoodie for themselves on the first day of camp.