Camping is a creative, educational experience in cooperative groups living outdoors.
It uses the natural surroundings to contribute significantly to physical, mental, spiritual, and social growth.
Camping benefits:
- Contributes to good health.
- Develops self-reliance and resourcefulness.
- Enhances spiritual growth.
- Contributes to social development.
- Trains Scouts to be good citizens.
Most Scouts BSA, Cub Scouts, and Venturing units make camping a fundamental part of their program, whether at Great Falls Council or other campsites. Unit fundraising and Camperships are used to make sure every Scout is able to camp!
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Scouts / Venturing
Cub Scouts – Learning to Camp
Cub Scouting offers overnight camping opportunities for Cub Scouts through long-term camps, Webelos (4th-grade Cub Scouts) den overnight campouts, council-organized short-term or family camps, and pack overnighters. Scouting America requires Cub Scout camping plans to meet specific safety and leadership training guidelines. It also requires approval from the Scout Executive whenever more than one chartered unit plans to camp together. If you have any questions about this policy please contact the Great Falls Council office.
Cub Scout Adventure Camp at Camp Gorton, Camp Scouthaven and Camp Sam Wood is a week-long camping experience open to all registered Cub Scout units. Activities include; swimming, fishing, hiking, games, BB Gun, archery, awards & electives. Learn how to plan for camp with your unit at the Cub Scout Adventure Camp page.
Cub Scout Day Camp is a week-long daily experience (generally 9am – 4:30pm) at several locations in the Council. Cub Scouts come for the day, participate in a variety of activities, and work on advancement.
Pack Overnight Site Appraisal Form This form is used to evaluate pack overnight family camping locations. It is kept on file in the council office for local unit reference and is periodically reviewed for accuracy.
See the current list of Approved Cub Camping Locations
Submit a site for approval: download the application, complete it, and submit it to the VP of Camping
Scouts BSA & Venturing
Outdoor adventure is the promise made to boys and girls when they join Scouting. Young people yearn for outdoor programs that stir their imagination and interest.
As a part of their year-round activities, Scouts BSA & Venturing Units plan day hikes, outdoor service activities such as park clean-up or trail maintenance, or weekend overnights. They may also attend Camporees (weekend campouts) or patrol activities with other units. Scouting America’s camping safety requirements are rigorously followed by Great Falls Council units. For more information on unit camping planning and requirements, visit our Unit Support page.
All Scouts BSA units are strongly encouraged to attend summer camp with their units or as a Provisional Scout. This is a signature experience of Scouting America and offers Scouts advancement opportunities, leadership training, and a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. Most units hold fundraisers to help pay for camp to make sure everyone can participate.
All Scouts BSA units are strongly encouraged to attend summer camp. This is a signature experience of Scouting America and offers Scouts advancement opportunities, leadership training, and a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. Most units hold fundraisers to help pay for camp to make sure everyone can participate. You can see details of unit planning for summer camp on the Scouts BSA Summer Camp page.
Camperships
Camperships, in addition to unit fundraising and family support, help ensure that all Scouts can participate in a Great Falls Council summer experience!
Scouts in need can receive 10%-50% of the Early Bird fee from the Council Campership Fund by applying during the registration process. A Scout must be registered for a camp session to be approved, and units must activate the Parent Portal. Parents can then log into their Scout’s registration and fill in the Campership application form.
If you would like to help support the Campership fund make a donation today!
Attending Camp without your Unit
Scouts BSA members can attend Scout Camp without their home unit as a “Provisional Scout” under the direction of a provisional Scoutmaster or as a part of another Troop. Welcoming Troops are specifically chosen to ensure your Scout will have a great week!
Individual Scouts BSA members may choose to come for additional weeks before or after their Troop attends camp. Any Scout may attend an additional week at Camp for a reduced fee. Scouts wishing to attend provisional camping experience should pay their fees individually. Provisional Scouts pay the same fees under the same timeline as Scouts attending camp with their Troop.
For Cub Scouts, it is strongly recommended that no Tiger, Wolf, or Bear attend without a Parent as a Provisional. Webelos and Arrow of Light can do so but it’s still better to have a parent. Provisional Cub Scouts and their parents will join campsites with other smaller units.
