Camps

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Program Planning
Planning for camp should begin long before summer arrives. For example, many
merit badges can only be completed at camp if certain requirements are fulfilled prior to or
after camp. In addition, troop programs at home can develop skills (and Scout interest) for
programs and activities done at camp. Prior knot and lashing instruction can lead to a
successful pioneering project at camp. Therefore, advance program planning is vital to
initially developing a Scout’s interest in summer camp and then making the most of his
experience while at camp. Check the list of merit badges to find out which ones have
pre or post camp requirements. As a troop Scoutmaster, it is your job to coordinate the
planning of the troop and camp programs to ensure a successful experience for your boys.
Even if you will not be at camp you must supply the camp leader with the troop program.
Listed below are the steps to follow in planning your program:
1) Discuss the program available at the Adirondack Scout Camps with your Scouts and
determine their interests. Refer to this guide if you have questions regarding specific
activities. Do not be afraid to create some of your own. The camp staff will do their
best to make it possible.
2) Plan your trail trip. A trail experience is a crucial part of the camp program. Do not
miss it. At Sabattis the actual scheduling of trips will occur at a leaders meeting on
Sunday Evening or Monday morning.
3) Determine the merit badges your boys want to work on. Remember to include any
other advancement needs or basic skills. Plan your home troop program so that
requirements which can’t be completed at camp are done before you go to camp
with an approved Merit Badge Counselor.
4) You can now plan your camp program. First, pencil in your trail trip. Second. Pencil
in those blocks of time when the majority of your troop is working on merit badges.
Third, fill in the remaining program items that interest your boys. The afternoon and
evening are available for troop and patrol programs, as well as individual instruction.
Exact times for these activities will be determined at a leaders meeting on the night
you arrive in camp. Remember, free time is important to your boys, be creative. The
staff will be as flexible as possible.
5) Finally, consider specialty programs for older boys who have been to camp for a few
years. They may want to participate in these programs on their own. As a boy grows
in Scouting so should his challenges!