Why we camp! 

Organized camping is a creative, educational experience in cooperative groups living in the outdoors. It uses the natural surroundings to contribute significantly to physical, mental, spiritual, and social growth.

• Camping contributes to good health.

• Camping helps campers develop self-reliance and resourcefulness.

• Camping enhances spiritual growth.

• Camping contributes to social development.

• Camping is an experience in citizenship training. 

The Cub Scout Outdoor Program

Cub Scout Packs may conduct overnight camping opportunities for Cub Scouts at Council approved locations. The Great Trail Council sponsors short term camping opportunities which allow a Pack to camp for two nights, and multiday long Day Camps and Resident camps for Webelos. Please visit our Cub Scout Camping Page for current policy. 

Cub Scout Day Camp

Cub Scout Day Camp introduces Cub Scouts to camping and helps them develop outdoor skills at an age-appropriate level that will later be applied more thoroughly as a Scout. 

The Scouts BSA Outdoor Program

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. 

For additional resources for Scouts BSA Program consider – The Adventure Plan (TAP) now available on tap.scouting.org which provides Unit leaders a digital tool kit of all resources useful in planning and conducting outdoor adventures. 

Scout Outdoor Awards

There are several awards related to the Outdoor Programs of the BSA that can supplement your Scout BSA experience. Click here to learn about these awards and recognition. 

Historic Trails

• Historic Trails Specifications

• Historic Trails Renewal Application

• List of Historic Trails 

Short-Term Camp

A short-term camp is any council-organized overnight camping program, whether one-time or continuing, that is one, two or three nights in length where the council or its agents provide the staffing and may provide program and food services, and includes camps conducted off council properties. National training courses are subject to the short-term camp requirements, regardless of format or duration. 

For national information and resources on short-term camp, click here.

Long-Term Camp

A long-term camp is a council-organized camp of four nights or more that operates under council-retained leadership.

For national information and resources as a camp director, click here.

From: https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/camping/