Watchung Programs

Here is a sample of some of the exciting programs offered at
Watchung Day Camp each summer!

Watchung Day Camp offers some great programs for all of our Cub Scouts.  Take a look at some of the things the boys will be doing at camp. If you are going into 5th grade, scroll down to the bottom for information on additional features of our Buckskin Program for Webelos II Scouts.

Opening Ceremony - In this important activity, Scouts get to actually participate in raising the American Flag and the New Jersey State Flag on our camp’s flagpoles.  Scouts recite the Cub Scout Promise and yell the Cub Scout Motto-- Do Your Best!!

BB Guns - This is always one of the favorite program for the boys. Scouts are instructed on the parts of the gun as well as how to safely load and fire a gun. The BB Gun range teaches proper and safe gun use and safety. Safety goggles are worn at all times and Scouts are overseen by a certified range officer. All the boys get get plenty of time to shoot at paper targets and other themed targets too.  At the end of the week Scouts will have successfully fulfilled the requirements for the BB belt loop.

Boating - Watchung Day Camp sits on the 25 acre Lake Surprise. All Cub Scouts have the opportunity to to go row boating on the lake.  They learn about water safety, PFDs, the buddy system, and proper rowing techniques.   Non swimmers are accompanied by staff.  Canoes are also available for Webelos.  Webelos who are swimmers, are taught Canoe safety and paddling techniques before they take to the water. Everyone must wear a life jacket at the lake.  The lake area is supervised by certified lifeguards.

Fishing - As an alternative to row boats and canoes, each day Scouts can choose to go fishing.  We provide bamboo poles, bait and barbless hooks so don't bring your own.  Every week we have a fishing derby and conduct other fun activities using this great lake!!! 

Archery - Archery is probably our second most popular activity, after the BB Range.  At the Archery Range, our nationally certified staff teaches proper archery safety and proper shooting technique.  Scouts shoot against both round and square targets and against varied targets in our Action Archery range.  This popular part of the archery program allows Scouts to moving and noise making themed targets.

Lunch - Scouts return to their den tables under our wooden pavilion and have a nationally mandated hour rest period to eat lunch together.  Following lunch, we set up a trading post that sells candy after Scouts are finished eating lunch. Nok Hockey is a favorite past time during the lunch period.

Waterslide - Everyone gets to use our huge inflatable waterslide.  It has two slides, two pools and built in water guns to get every Scout cooled down when it gets too hot outside.  Don't forget your bathing suit and a towel. We are excited about brining the slide back for a fourth year!!!

Sports - Sports is a very important part of the Cub Scouting Program.  It is also important at Watchung Day Camp. The boys get to play a variety of games each week,  Earning the Sports belt loop and having a great time doing it, make our sports area another favorite! 

Swimming Pool - Each week our Scouts are taken by bus to the nearby Warrenbrook Swim Club for a half day of swimming fun.. Wolves and Bears ( going into second or third grade) go on Thursdays and all Webelos (going into fourth or fifth grade) go on Friday.  They leave at about 11:00 am and return about 3:30 pm.  At the pool, the boys are grouped by ability and the buddy system is strictly enforced.  Scouts have plenty of time for free swim and many like to try the pools large slide. The boys also have the opportunity to purchase lunch from the pool's snack bar.

Climbing Wall - Our 30ft high rock climbing wall will be back again in 2010.  Cub Scouts get a chance to challenge themselves on a wall that is great for beginners an intermediate climbers as well. The wall uses a hydraulic auto belay system which provides a very safe environment for Cub Scout aged boys.  We supply all the equipment, instruction and encouragement for the boys to do their best.

Snack - Once a day Scouts come back to their den table under our large wooden pavilion and rest for ten minutes.  The cam provides the snack and a drink.

Nature - The Watchung Reservation allows Scouts to study nature and the world around them like no other place!  With almost two dozen miles of hiking trails, Scouts take nature hikes, explore rock formations, and view erosion problems on the reservation. They also have the chance to catch and observe butterflies, insects and amphibians.  These are returned back to their native habitat at the end of the period.

Trailside Nature and Science Center - Scouts get a weekly visit to this recently renovated Museum.  There is so much to do at this interactive and fun learning experience! Things to do include viewing Natural History exhibits; visiting the Discovery Room; studying live reptiles and fish; and seeing phosphorescent minerals in the dark.

Cubmobiles - Cubs race each other in gravity powered go-karts on a wooden track.  Scouts love the feel of the breeze against their faces as they compete against each other to be named the fastest racer!

Scoutcraft - A day at camp is not complete without a visit to the Scoutcraft area.  Here, Scouts learn such skills as proper knife safety, first aid, knots and outdoor cooking.

Crafts - The craft area is a great place for the boys to show their creative side.  The Cubs get to make several projects each week.  Most are related to the summer's theme. Completed projects are taken home with the boys.

Closing Ceremony - Each day we have a closing ceremony. The Cubs retire the colors, learn to fold the American Flag properly, and get ready to go home to rest up for another great day at Camp!

---

Buckskin Program - This is a special program for the Webelos II Scouts going into 5th grade only. Your Webelos II Scout will be placed in this program automatically when you register for camp. This program is designed to teach the Webelos II Scout skills needed for their future career as Boy Scouts.  It also provides a great capstone experience for their last year as Cub Scouts!  Here is typical outline of this program:

Monday:  Webelos II Scouts get taken out of normal activities to learn basic map reading skills, compass skills, and advanced wilderness first aid skills that they would not normally receive as part of the Cub Scouting program.  Scouts earn the Map and Compass Belt Loop and Pin during this session.

Tuesday:  After taking a refresher course in whittling chip, campers will carve their own hiking stick in preparation for the rest of the week’s activities. 

Wednesday:  Campers leave camp at approximately 9:00am for a half day hike into the Watchung Reservation.  The destination will be the Deserted Village of Feltville, about 1.5 miles away from our main camp.  The village has a one mile guided tour which campers will complete before returning to camp at approximately 1:15pm to resume the remainder of their regular camp schedule.  Scouts eat lunch on the trail and get to play in two different streams along the way.

Webelos II Cub Scouts who come to camp for more than one week, go on a separate trip and explore more of the Watchung Reservation than any Scout has before!!! Each week, Scouts who return from a previous week at camp will hike (or canoe) a similar distance to another location where they will also have a chance to cook lunch.

Sample trips include:

• Hike to Sky Top Picnic Area
• Canoe trip down Lake Surprise to the Old Scout Camporee Field and the Corn Field
• Hike and Fishing trip to Seeley's Pond
• Canoe trip down Lake Surprise to Far Eastern Boundary of Watchung Reservation
• Hike to Drake Farm Site, Hermit's Pond and fishing trip to Seeley's Pond

Thursday and Friday:  Scouts participate in the regular Day Camp program but they work on special awards only for Webelos II such as their BB, Archery, and Soccer Pins..

Buckskin Overnight - All Webelos II Scouts who attend Day Camp in 2010 are invited back to attend a special overnight outing with the Watchung Camp Staff!!  Webelos will get to tent with their friends and share a great evening of their favorite camp activities including:  BB Guns, Fishing, Canoeing and Archery.  Webelos will learn how to foil cook steak, chicken and more.  They will bake cakes in their very own box ovens that they will make themselves!  A big campfire complete with skits and songs is the highlight of the evening.  The 2010 Webelos II Overnight will be held on Friday, August 6. Cost is $30.  This program does not include parents or siblings.