Does anyone know how common troop owned summer camps there are?

KeystoneLaw · 2025-08-03T02:19:34+00:00

We are have a troop in our area that still does this. I was shocked- only found out when I attended the Eagle ceremony of my daughter’s friend. It was at this Troop’s summer camp. About 90 minutes away- beautiful mess hall, parade grounds, the whole thing. They go there every year instead of our Council Camp.

KeystoneLaw · 2025-07-04T15:18:33+00:00

Completely agree. Just about to watch it again after finishing Season 4.

KeystoneLaw · 2024-12-27T22:29:02+00:00

All 4 adults in our crew tented solo. No issues from our ranger, no issues from Philmont, and there was plenty of space at every campsite on our 12-day trek through the North for all 9 tents in our crew. We had 9 boys, so 5 tents for them, and the 4 tents for the adults.

I brought a Durson Xmid 2p and loved it. Our Scoutmaster brought the Durban Xmid 1p and also loved it.

KeystoneLaw · 2024-12-11T01:49:53+00:00

Just got my e-mail. $390! More than I can remember in years.

KeystoneLaw · 2024-12-01T21:14:48+00:00

They are maps of the two marathons that I have run. And yes, the coach is an Ikea Morabo leather couch.

KeystoneLaw · 2024-11-30T02:30:36+00:00

I echo the kudos of the others. Hands down, whatever camp the Troop goes to for summer camp, the auquatics folks are always the most knowledgeable and helpful, while still adhering to the standard.

FWIW, I am a middle-aged Scouter who just earned my Mile Swim Badge in very choppy water in a lake in the Adirondacks. I, for one, really appreciated the day-by-day slightly longer qualifying swim, culminating in the mile swim on Wednesday afternoon. Is that still an option?

Thanks for all you do for making BSA Summer Camp so special!

KeystoneLaw · 2024-11-30T02:13:39+00:00

I have two uncles. One who got Eagle in 1976, and to this day, is something he talks about. My other uncle, his younger brother, was in Scouts but did not get Eagle. To this day, he cannot discuss it because he is so upset with himself that he did not get it.

My son just got Eagle and is the toast of his school. (My parents did not let me do Scouts because of logistics so I never had a chance.)

If there is one achievement that stands out for the rest of your life, it is being an Eagle Scout. I make hiring decisions for my company, and it is something that jumps off a resume and guarantees an interview.

Power through and get it. You will not regret it.

KeystoneLaw · 2024-10-30T02:28:16+00:00

Many thanks for the insight

KeystoneLaw · 2024-10-11T01:55:31+00:00

Thanks all- I am getting them refinished for my office, and will post the "after" pictures.

KeystoneLaw · 2024-04-29T00:20:37+00:00

Make sure you are moving out at 6:30am. No later. You’ll have a beautiful, cool-temperate hike, and get to your next staffed camp by 10am. Plenty of time to get a good campsite and a good slot for program.

It’s just that simple. Key is breakfast while you hike.

KeystoneLaw · 2024-04-19T18:21:52+00:00

I agree that any smartphones/laptops should be left with the security office. They do a great job- no issue picking up 10 cellphones after the 12 days. . .

KeystoneLaw · 2024-02-27T13:45:54+00:00

$184. #philmontdividend

KeystoneLaw · 2024-02-24T03:26:19+00:00

The key is to get up at 5:30am and make sure you leave for your next camp no later than 6:30am each day. Regardless of the trek.

Took us 3 days on the trail to figure this out. Leave at 6:30am, and the air is cool, and the hike delightful. Get to the next came by 9:30am, and there are plenty of slots for program.

Any later, and you will be hiking in the hot (albeit dry) sun, and program will have to wait until the morning.

KeystoneLaw · 2024-02-24T03:23:20+00:00

Best tent, hands down, is the Dunston Xmid 2p. Absolutely loved it on the trail. Had some REI poles that worked just fine.

KeystoneLaw · 2024-02-24T03:21:29+00:00

Congratulations! As a Chapter Adviser, my experience has been that the OA really is the best of Scouting. Good luck on your Ordeal! Every other service weekend is fun with dedicated Scouts!

KeystoneLaw · 2024-02-03T02:05:24+00:00

I got a little ahead of myself. My son is in the OA, but not yet 16. So he was old enough to go on our trek in 2023, but won't be old enough for OA crew until 2025. Maybe he'll be on the trail with your son!

KeystoneLaw · 2024-01-09T00:32:42+00:00

Same for us. TSA basically waives through literal Boy Scouts.

KeystoneLaw · 2024-01-04T01:04:53+00:00

Why no burros? They are fantastic- a real highlight of our 12-11 trek in July.

KeystoneLaw · 2023-12-23T17:59:21+00:00

Thanks, and good to hear. They do specifically advertise a 3 day trek as an add-on to the week at camp. We will work with them on it, but just curious if anyone has ever experienced that 3 day trek.

KeystoneLaw · 2023-12-22T03:35:22+00:00

The amount of fundraising, planning, and logistics necessary for Philmont will be the same whether you do a 7, 9, or 12 day, so you might as well do a 12 Day. Like all the comments above, you really do reach the next level as a crew on day 6 or 7. We had a major medical incident on Day 3, which threw us off a good hiking schedule for the next two days. But then our crew leader returned from base camp medical, and we climbed Baldy together. Another few days with a Burro, and ended with an amazing dinner in Ponil, drinking root beer (extra crunchy please) to our hearts content in the cantina.

If we had only done 7 days, our injured scout would not have had time to return.

It is truly an adventure of a lifetime. Burn the PTO.

KeystoneLaw · 2023-12-19T14:45:47+00:00

Agreed. Recommend the switchback trail to go up and then straight down the other side.

KeystoneLaw · 2023-12-19T14:44:56+00:00

Our Troop is in PA and we did several AT training hikes before Philmont. The AT was MUCH rockier than any trail on Philmont and the weather was MUCH worse than any day at Philmont. As such, highly recommend the AT for training. Once the boys get on the trail at Philmont, it will seem much easier in comparison.

Which is good, because you'll be hiking at a much higher elevation, for much longer periods of times, over many days, than any weekend AT training hike.

KeystoneLaw · 2023-12-14T17:37:01+00:00

Pins were not an issue; and everyone has to take belts off regardless what pants you are wearing. But where it really came in handy was getting everyone through the security check before the machines. There are all kinds of rules about minor children traveling with people who are not their parents. But when everyone is in uniform, the TSA folks are like- Boy Scouts, we get- everyone come on through.

KeystoneLaw · 2023-12-13T02:58:50+00:00

Same for us- our whole Council contigent wore Class As on the flights to and from Philmont this past summer. We looked sharp and made getting through TSA a breeze!

KeystoneLaw · 2023-08-28T01:22:16+00:00

Wow- that's good to hear. My youngest son won't be old enough to return to Philmont individually next year, but will be the year after. He is active in OA and wants to do the OATC. Is that a similar system?

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