Merit Badges Offered at Winnebago Scout Reservation

Archery	Insect Study
Astronomy	Leatherwork
Athletics	Life Saving
Basketry	Mammal Study
Bird Study	Metalwork
Camping	Nature
Canoeing	Orienteering
Cooking-very limited	Pioneering
Cycling	Reptile & Amphibian Study
Environmental Science	Rifle Shooting
Fingerprinting	Rowing
First Aid	Shotgun Shooting
Fish & Wildlife Management	Small Boat Sailing
Fishing	Soil & Water Conservation
Fly Fishing	Sports
Forestry	Swimming
Geology	Weather
Hiking	Wilderness Survival
Indian Lore	Wood carving
Emergency Preparedness	Space Exploration

           Some Handicraft and Shooting Sports Merit Badges have a cost involved.

               Shooting Sports Ammunition:   Shotgun:        5 Shots and Targets = $2.00

                                                                            Rifle:                No charge

 

                     Handicraft Kits:                   Leatherwork Kits  =         $3.50 to $6.00

                                                                    Basketry Kits (small) =    $5.50

                                                                                         (large)  =       $6.50

                                                                   Woodcarving Kits =        $5.00

 

         Ammunition is available from the Shooting Sports Director at the range. Prices subject to change.

 

         Handicraft kits can be purchased from the Trading Post.

Winnebago Frontier Challenges       

 

   Designed especially for the more seasoned Scout, the Winnebago Frontier Challenges are available to any Scout who is 13+ years old, First Class Rank, and a Swimmer.  All campers interested in the program must attend a brief orientation directly after breakfast on Monday in the Dining Hall.  You will receive a score sheet at that time.  Your accrued points for each challenge will be recorded in each area as you complete the challenges. Test your skills in the areas that address all three aims of  Scouting:  Character, Citizenship and Fitness

 

          Eligibility:            13+ Years Old

                                       First Class or above

                                       Physically fit (have the ability to hike 7-10 miles in one day)

                                       Swimmer

 

Aquatics Challenge:

          Construct a raft to be used in competition at the Water Carnival on Friday

                -   Form a team of 2 or 3 Scouts

                -   You may use twine, fallen trees, branches, brush and/or plastic.  Plastic and twine will

                        be  available at the waterfront.  A saw and axe will also be available to sign out at the

            waterfront, if needed.  The team may build the raft any time that the waterfront is open.

    -  Once the raft is complete, the Aquatics Staff must approve it to be used for the race that

             will be held at the end of the Water Carnival on Friday.  Be ready for some surprises

             during the race.

   -   You will earn points as a team for raft construction and during the race.  You will receive

              individual points for enthusiasm!

 

 Briar Patch Challenge

          SPL Shotgun competition.

 

 

Cross Country Challenge:         

             Cross Country Course through the little-used lands on the Reservation.  A test of your         orienteering and other Scout Skills.

           -     Form a team of 2 or 3 Scouts

           -     Report to the Program Director when you are ready.

           -     Follow the Directions to where ever the Challenge may take you. Allow 1 hour for

                you to complete your objectives. This is a timed event.  You will score points for the

                fastest time, objectives accomplished and enthusiasm.

 

Shooting Sports Challenge:  

          - Each Scout may attempt a challenge at one of our three ranges

          - See the Area Director during program hours for details

          - You will score points in one range only

 

Scoutcraft Challenge:    

        Show the Scoutcraft Staff your abilities with knot-tying!

          - Scouts report to the Scoutcraft Area during any open program time

          - Tie 15 knots as determined by the Staff

          - You will earn individual points for accuracy and the fastest times!

 

Spirit Challenge:  

          Know the “Code”.  Be prepared to give the code word any time you  hear the key word.  You will score individual points for spirit!

 

Experience Challenge:        

          Do you remember how excited you were when an older Scout listened to you?  Sign up for at least 30 minutes with the Dan Beard Director to help pass on your skills to younger Scouts.  You’ll be helping them advance their rank and you will be earning points toward your chance at being the Ultimate Frontiersman.

 

Indian Cliffs Challenge:      

         Trek to Indian Cliffs and camp overnight in Kit Carson.  This overnight is designed to give eligible Scouts an adventure in backpacking – to see what the world looks like from 1,100 feet above sea level (the height of Indian Cliffs).

            - Sign up for this challenge with the Program Director by  breakfast on Wednesday

            - The hike will leave after lunch on Thursday and return after breakfast on Friday.

            - This experience will introduce the novice and will refresh the advanced Scout in the skills

              of backpacking.  On the trek to our outpost, we will hone their skills with map and compass

  by taking sightings and determining our location along the route.

- When we reach our destination, the Scouts will be introduced to “Leave No Trace”        

   camping principles, water purification, how to set-up a wilderness campsite, and other topics

   as the opportunities arise.  Some of the areas we cover will meet requirements for a number

   of merit badges.

 

Recognition: 

         Successfully complete 5 of the 7 challenges (you must complete the Indian Cliffs objective), and you will receive a limited edition Winnebago Frontier Challenge T-Shirt.

 

The participant who completes all 7 challenges and who has the most points will be presented with the Ultimate Winnebago Frontiersman Award.  This award will be presented on the Parade Field before our closing campfire.

 

Equipment Needed by Scouts for Frontier Challenge:

 

          G Hiking Boots

          G Backpack

          G Canteen or Half Gallon Water Bottle

          G Sleeping Bag

          G Ground Cloth

          G Mess Kit, Utensils, Cup

          G Flashlight

          G Pocket knife

          G Compass

          G Rain gear or poncho

          G Towel, soap, brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

          G 2-Man Tent (from home)

          G Extra Shoes and socks

          G Room in backpack for food and gear

          G Complete change of clean clothing

Camp-wide Programs and Services

 Vespers:

 

          Non-denominational services in the Chapel.  A Scout is Reverent. 

  

Winnebago Historian Contest:

 

          Ask the Program Director for details.  You must be over 18 to participate.

  

OA Cracker Barrel

 

          Thursday evening.  Firm details will be announced at Sunday’s Leaders’ Meeting.

  

Third Year Camper Cracker Barrel:

 

          A special event for Scouts who have come to camp for three or more years.  Monday evening, 8:00 PM in the “A” Building.

 

 

Mountain Man Cookout/Dutch Oven Main Meal Contest:

 

          In-site cooking for all Troops with optional participation in the Dutch Oven Contest.  See your Unit Leader’s Manual for details.  This event is offered only on Tuesday at dinnertime.

    The summer camp program at WSR has been in existence since 1941.  The staff provide a well rounded program for all scouts, regardless of age or experience.  The program receives enormous praise from both scouts and leaders, as well as national inspection teams.  Most importantly, the staff are dedicated to making sure everyone has FUN, while learning something new along the way.

 

View the Winnebago Scout Reservation Program Schedule

Program Areas:  The program areas at Winnebago are first class, run by directors who have a wealth of experience both working on camp staff, and in their particular area.

      Aquatics: Our waterfront is one of the most beautiful around.  It offers traditional swimming and boating activities as well as numerous other programs.  Small craft available include row boats, canoes, sail boats, paddle boats, funyaks, and sail boards.  Courses in Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat are available for adult leaders.  The staff also offer BSA Lifeguard training, 7AM Polar Bear Swim, and the preparation and completion of the Mile Swim.

Merit Badges:  Swimming, Lifesaving, Rowing, Canoeing, Small Boat Sailing

 

*BSA Lifeguard is a very long course, and requires extensive pre-camp work. Anyone interested in
this certification (youth and adult alike) should obtain an application at the Council Service Center or at www.scouting.org/forms/34435.pdf as soon as possible and review the requirements. CPR certification will, most likely, not be offered during camp. Prerequisites: 14+ years old, have First Aid merit badge or certification, current CPR certification and Rowing and Lifesaving merit badges, or equivalent.

**Mile Swim, BSA is a 5-day program.

      Dan Beard: Dan Beard is our new scout program.  It is designed for those scouts who have not yet reached First Class rank.  Sessions run both in the morning and afternoon.  Dozens of requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class can be completed at Dan Beard.  Scouts can earn their Totin' Chip cards at Dan Beard.  The scouts will also be introduced to merit badges such as First Aid.

Note:  The Dan Beard staff cannot sign the scouts' Handbooks, but will provide the troop leadership with a list of all the requirements that were taught during the week. 

 

      Ecology: The Ecology/Conservation area at WSR is a fabulous facility.  The area includes a turtle pen, large fish pond, and nearly a dozen tanks and aquariums which house various creatures found at camp.  Beneath the nature lodge is a 30' long fishing dock on Durham Pond.  WSR also maintains a relationship with the Morris Museum, and every year dozens of boxed exhibits and teaching materials are borrowed and on display in the Ecology Area.  Besides an wealth of merit badges, the area offers a Fish Fry, Mud Hike, Nature Trivia Contest, nightly stargazing, plus other demonstrations available upon request. 

Merit Badges:  Environmental Science, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Soil and Water Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Management, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Nature, Astronomy, Energy, Oceanography, Space Exploration, Bird Study, Insect Study, Forestry, Geology, Mammal Study, Weather

 

      Field Sports: The Field Sports Area is one of our most popular areas in camp.  The area has a large amount of sports equipment that can be borrowed by scouts free of charge.  The field sports staff regularly organize games on the parade field including soccer, football, dodgeball, frisbee, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes and more!  The area also has a supply of mountain bikes that can be used by scouts.  Treks of 5, 10, and 20 miles will be organized throughout the week based on interest level.  Helmets are required at all times (we have a limited supply to loan out) and scouts are allowed to bring their own bikes to camp! 

Merit Badges:  Cycling, Athletics, Sports

 

      Handicraft: The Handicraft area is where scouts can go to make things with their hands.  We have a large, spacious work area with a variety of tools, paints, and other materials for scouts to use.  Handicraft is where troops can make their Troop Plaques, a commemoration of their week at camp that will be hung in the Dining Hall.  This is a long standing tradition at Winnebago and hundreds of plaques currently line the walls and ceiling of our Dining Hall.  Scouts are encourages to come to Handicraft during their free time to work on a project or take one of our merit badge sessions.

Merit Badges:  Basketry, Woodcarving, Leatherwork, Metalwork, Indian Lore, Fingerprinting, Model Design and Building, Art

**Basketry, Woodcarving, and Leatherwork merit badges require scouts to purchase kits from the trading post.  Specific prices will be included in the Leader's Guide.

 

      Scoutcraft: Scoutcraft is our outdoor skills area.  Scouts can learn knife and axe safety, how to tie basic and advanced knots, plus map and compass skills and more!  The area offers a variety of merit badges plus other activities such as pioneering projects, knot tying competitions, cooking demonstrations, and orienteering/GPS courses.

Merit Badges: Camping, Hiking, Emergency Preparedness, Cooking, Wilderness Survival, Orienteering, Pioneering

 

      Shooting Sports: Winnebago operates 3 shooting sports ranges including Archery, Rifle, and Shotgun.  Merit badge sessions are offered in each area.  Each range also hold open shooting times plus a variety of other activities such as Action Archery, Old Man of the Mountain competition (for adult leaders), Black Powder/Muzzleloader demonstration, and SPL Briar Patch Shotgun Challenge.  Troop or patrol shoots can also be arranged with the area directors.

Merit Badges: Archery, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting

 

OTHER IMPORTANT AREAS IN CAMP

     

      "A" Building: The Administration Building serves as the camp office.  Daily leaders meetings and other activities are held within the office.  Each site is given a mailbox located in the main room of the building.  Outgoing mail may be brought to the office and a phone is also available.  The camp phone number is 973-983-9075.

 

      Health Lodge: The camp health office is fully stocked with appropriate medical supplies, beds, and storage for all camper medication.  A health officer is on call 24 hours a day for the medical needs of all campers, adult leaders, and staff.  The health officer also facilitates CPR and First Aid certification required for all Aquatics merit badges plus the First Aid Merit Badge.

Merit Badges: First Aid

 

      Dining Hall: The Winnebago Dining Hall is very spacious and has a breathtaking view of Durham Pond from the front porch.  Inside, tables of eight people can accommodate approximately 250-300 people.  Meals at Winnebago are served "family style", with one scout serving a a waiter for his table each meal.  The kitchen staff always serves top quality food at three meals each day (breakfast at 8am, lunch at 12:30pm, and dinner at 6pm).  After the meal, prepare to be entertained as the staff lead you in a variety of songs and skits that are guaranteed to make you smile.

 

      All Faiths Chapel: The chapel is located just past the nature lodge and services are usually held twice each week, led by the camp chaplain.  The chapel has a stunning view of the lake and is the perfect place to go and relax or think. 

 

      Trading Post: The trading post is the camp store and will be open throughout the week.  Inside scouts can purchase snacks, drinks, candy, handicraft kits, camp t-shirts, souvenirs, and other items from the BSA supply catalogue.  The trading post's hours vary each week and will be posted on the trading post on Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Programs only at Winnebago - Special programs include Indian Lore and Fingerprinting.  Camp wide games often end up with a refreshing splash in Durham Pond.  A triathlon pits the best of individual troops in feats of fortitude, skill and daring.  The Camp Wild Event is an all day affair which features your Patrol flag and yell, individual costumes and lots of enthusiasmmmmmm!! which enhances the taste of the watermelon you can win.  The Winnebago Frontier Challenge is where Scouts complete challenges from the various program areas for special recognition.

    For Scouters:  There is safe swim afloat and youth protection training, fishing or even napping.  Come to camp and we will take care of the rest.  Make sure you take advantage of the Scoutmasters Lounge.

 Trail to Eagle Program:

• Have fun at summer camp while working towards Eagle
• This program is a small part for what you need for Eagle Scout, but will motivate you to go for it!
• Open to Scouts who are Star rank and 14 years old by June.
• Offered for 1 week during the summer
• A maximum of 36 Scouts will be registered on a first come, first serve basis.  This will be a sellout again this summer.

Check out the Trail to Eagle Guide.

Application to the Trail to Eagle Program can be found here.

Questions about the Trail to Eagle Program can be directed to the Camping Services Department at    973-765-9322.

        See the Camp Schedule for a schedule of the Dan Beard Program.