The Summer Resident Camp program offers Scouts a chance to have fun, learn new skills, work on merit badges and achieve personal as well as Patrol/Troop advancement. 

Our Outpost Camping, Dan Beard Program, Eagle's Nest, Brown Sea Adventure and Night Watch programs will challenge you. Our  C.O.P.E. and climbing programs are some of the best anywhere. There is something for everyone.  The staff at Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation is dedicated to make it all happen. Take a look at the Camp Somers program schedule for information on what is happening at camp.

We offer a wide variety of merit badges (including all Eagle required badges) and special programs.  Check back later for a list of badges and their prerequisites.  We also offer online signups for merit badges and some special programs. The online system will be available in the spring.  It is strongly suggested that all Scouts pre-register for classes at least two weeks before camp.  This helps us better manage staff and helps Scouts avoid disappointment with full classes.

Dan Beard The Dan Beard Program for first year Scouts teaches skills and builds confidence while allowing a first experience with Merit Badges. Scouts are assigned to patrols and work with their patrol as they learn, practice and develop Scouting skills.

C.O.P.E. Project C.O.P.E. is a weeklong program designed for Scouts who have been incamp for several summers and who wish to expand their program horizons. The fullprogram is open to Scouts who are at least 13 years of age and who have earned the rank of 1st Class. Project C.O.P.E. is an extensive, weeklong program and will use much of the participating Scout’s time. Even if a Scout has participated in in the past, they are encouraged to sign up again this year as the dynamics of the program are constantly changing! Scouts can sign up for Project C.O.P.E. on Sunday night. For Scouts who want a taste of C.O.P.E.,  selected high course elements are open every afternoon.   No signups are required for the open C.O.P.E. program.

Climbing / Rappelling The open Climbing/Rappelling program is offered Monday to Thursday evenings.. Scouts have the opportunity to learn to climb and rappel safely on some of New Jersey’s best natural rock  climbing areas. Equipment will be provided. In addition we also offer the Climbing Merit Badge.

Eagle's Nest New in 2009, our Eagle's Nest program gives you the opportunity to work on all of the merit badges required for the rank of Eagle Scout.  Many of these badges require extensive prerequisites.  If you are prepared, you may be able to earn some of the merit badges at camp. If not, get a head start and finish up at home, or you have the opportunity to return during a special fall weekend to complete some of the requirements.  

Ecology The Ecology lodge offers an array of merit badges as well as nature hikes and insights into the world around us.

Handicraft Lodge The Handicraft program features woodworking, metalworking, art, model building a and basketry in an environment designed for hands-on creativity. 

Health Lodge Our onsite Health Officer offers the First Aid Merit Badge at the health lodge.

Mountain Biking The Mountain Biking program is offered daily for both Scouts and Leaders. During this half day program Scouts will have the opportunity to learn simple bike maintenance as well as participate in a biking trek. Bike treks will be adjusted based on the level of experience of the group. Camp Somers’ Mountain Biking program offers treks that cater towards the beginner all the way to the experienced biker. Scouts can sign up for this program in the camp office.

Scoutcraft The Scoutcraft area is undoubtedly the Scoutiest area in Camp Somers. Scoutcraft offers Camping, Pioneering, and Wilderness Survival Merit Badges. If you’re not taking a Scoutcraft merit badge drop by for our afternoon open programs to eat Dutch Oven Donuts, tie a Monkey’s Fist knot, challenge the Knot King, and cross the Monkey Bridge..

Shooting Sports Everyone's favorite area!  Rifle, Shotgun and Archery merit badges for those on the advancement trail.  Take part in special events all week long.

Trading Post Offering snacks, drinks, camp souvenirs, merit badge pamphlets and basic camping equipment.

Aquatics Offers the traditional aquatics merit badges of swimming, lifesaving, canoeing, rowing, and small boat sailing.  Climb the 14 foot tall iceberg or try out our kayaks and funyaks.  We also offer other opportunities including BSA Lifeguard, Mile Swim BSA and Snorkeling BSA.

For Scouters There is Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat and Youth Protection Training.  Try your hand at fishing or even napping.  Come to camp and we will take care of the rest.  Make sure you take advantage of the Scoutmasters Lounge.

Special Programs offered at Camp Somers Once again Scouts can earn the MASR extreme Camper Award. The 2010 requirements are presented below and will be on your Passport to Adventure.  Area directors need to initial your passport as you complete each requirement. Return your completed Passport to Adventure to the program director in the camp office by 3:00pm on Friday.

Extreme Camper Award

• What camp did George Pantos work at as a teen? _____________________
• Discover how long Carl Zipper’s beard is in inches________________
• Find out how old Keith is without asking him _____________________
• Who is James Hitching’s favorite ruling British Monarch? _______________
• Attach a sketch of Dan Rapacki’s natural handprint for tracking reasons
• Write a poem for Lori
• Does Gary the ranger prefer standard or metric wrenches? ________________
• If Kevin Sedlak could be a backup guitarist for any pop star who would it be?_______________
• What song did Matt Grogaard sing the first night of camp? ______________________

Updated 2-11-2010