1-800-3SCOUTS [email protected] Survival 5 And requires overnight hike, bring survival kit materials from home. MERIT BADGE PRE-REQUISITES NOTES Climbing Older

1-800-3SCOUTS

[email protected]

“Effective for the 2018 BSA summer camp season, any adult accompanying a Boy Scout Troop to

a residence camp or other Scouting activity lasting 72 hours or more must be registered as a

leader, including completion of a Criminal Background Check and Youth Protection Training, even

if they are the parent of a youth on the trip.

Please Note: Although Youth Protection Training is strongly encouraged for adults attending any

overnight activity, at this time, the requirement applies only to events over 72 hours such as resident

camp.”

2018 Program Guide Bear Paw Scout Camp 3

Important Policy Update ................................................................................................................................. 2

Camp Program Schedule ............................................................................................................................... 7

Program Blocks .................................................................................................................................................. 7

Block A (9:00-10:00) Program Selections ................................................................................................... 8

Block B (10:00-11:00) Program Selections ................................................................................................. 9

Block C (11:00-12:00) Program Selections .............................................................................................. 10

Blocks A, B, & C (9:00-12:00) Program Selections .................................................................................. 10

Merit Badge Descriptions & Info.................................................................................................................. 11

Archaeology ................................................................................................................................................ 11

Archery ......................................................................................................................................................... 11

Architecture ................................................................................................................................................. 11

Art ................................................................................................................................................................. 11

Astronomy .................................................................................................................................................... 12

Basketry ....................................................................................................................................................... 12

Camping ...................................................................................................................................................... 12

Canoeing ..................................................................................................................................................... 12

Chemistry ..................................................................................................................................................... 12

Chess ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

Climbing ....................................................................................................................................................... 13

Communications .......................................................................................................................................... 13

Cooking ........................................................................................................................................................ 13

Cycling ......................................................................................................................................................... 13

Emergency Preparedness ......................................................................................................................... 14

Engineering .................................................................................................................................................. 14

Environmental Science ............................................................................................................................... 14

First Aid ........................................................................................................................................................ 14

Fishing ........................................................................................................................................................... 15

Fish & Wildlife ............................................................................................................................................ 15

Forestry ........................................................................................................................................................ 15

Gardening ................................................................................................................................................... 15

Geocaching ................................................................................................................................................. 16


Indian Lore ................................................................................................................................................... 16

Inventing ....................................................................................................................................................... 16

Kayaking ..................................................................................................................................................... 16

Leatherwork ................................................................................................................................................ 17

Lifesaving ..................................................................................................................................................... 17

Mammal Study ............................................................................................................................................ 17

Nature .......................................................................................................................................................... 17

Oceanography ........................................................................................................................................... 18

Plant Science ............................................................................................................................................... 18

Reptile & Amphibian Study ...................................................................................................................... 18

Rifle Shooting .............................................................................................................................................. 18

Rowing .......................................................................................................................................................... 18

Search & Rescue ......................................................................................................................................... 19

Shotgun Shooting ........................................................................................................................................ 19

Space Exploration ...................................................................................................................................... 19

Sustainability ............................................................................................................................................... 19

Swimming ..................................................................................................................................................... 19

Weather ...................................................................................................................................................... 20

Wilderness Survival ................................................................................................................................... 20

Woodcarving .............................................................................................................................................. 20

Independent Study Merit Badges ................................................................................................................ 21

Adventure .................................................................................................................................................... 21

Eagle Challenge ......................................................................................................................................... 21

Ecology & Conservation ............................................................................................................................ 21

Handicraft ................................................................................................................................................... 22

Mission Control ............................................................................................................................................ 22

Order of the Arrow ................................................................................................................................... 22

Outdoor Skills ............................................................................................................................................. 22

Sustainability ............................................................................................................................................... 22

Specialty Program Descriptions & Information ......................................................................................... 23

Ecology and Conservation ........................................................................................................................ 23

Handicraft ................................................................................................................................................... 23

Mission Control ............................................................................................................................................ 23

Outdoor Skills ............................................................................................................................................. 24


Shooting Sports ........................................................................................................................................... 24

Waterfront .................................................................................................................................................. 26

Sustainability ............................................................................................................................................... 26

Eagle Challenge (First-Year Camper Program) ................................................................................... 27

Adventure .................................................................................................................................................... 28

Climbing ....................................................................................................................................................... 28

Order of the Arrow ................................................................................................................................... 29

Adult Training .................................................................................................................................................. 30

Daily Camp Schedule .................................................................................................................................... 31

Signing Up for Program ................................................................................................................................ 32

Program Capacities ....................................................................................................................................... 32

Switching Merit Badges ................................................................................................................................. 32

Blue Cards ........................................................................................................................................................ 32


Let’s be real…

Program is where it is at. A camp without program is just another empty field or a quiet wooded

area. Program is what breathes life into a camp and is what causes Scouts and Scouters to drive

hours on end. Since 1946 we have been delivering exceptional opportunities to the youth and

adults that have come through our gates.

Bay-Lakes Council is chock full of exciting program elements and opportunities that both Scouts

and Scouters can take part in. From the exciting programs that our High Adventure base offers to

our ATV program and our outstanding merit badge offerings; Bay-Lakes Camp’s program is wide

ranging and is sure to deliver excitement to the youth and those adults young at heart.

With different high adventure programs, over 40 merit badges, adult training opportunities, &

evening program: Bear Paw Scout Camp is ready to deliver an exciting program to your unit this

summer in one of the most famous areas of our nation.

We’ll see you and your unit soon.

In Scouting,

Alex Catena Michael Alberts Brendan Martson

Camp Director Senior Experience Manager Vice President of Program


Bear Paw Scout Camp utilizes a block schedule for all its merit badges. Programs will either be

assigned one or multiple blocks.

For example; if a Scout chooses to take the Basketry merit badge in block A, he will attend his

class Monday through Thursday from 9:00AM-10:00AM. He can earn his merit badge, provided

all the pre-requisites are completed, in this time frame.

More experienced programs will span across two or more blocks; either blocks A&B, blocks B&C

or blocks A,B&C.

Some merit badges only occur for 2 days, either Mon-Tues or Wed-Thurs as specified.

BLOCK TIME SLOT

A 9:00AM-10:00AM

B 10:00AM-11:00AM

C 11:00AM-12:00PM


MERIT BADGE PRE-REQUISITES NOTES

Archery Extra cost (arrow pen kit in Trading

Post)

Architecture (Mon/Tues or Wed/Thurs)

Art (Wed/Thurs Only)

Basketry (Mon/Tues Only) Extra cost (basketry kits, $10 in

Trading Post)

Cooking 4, 5, & 6

Emergency Preparedness 1(First Aid MB), 2c, 7, &

8b

Engineering 1

Environmental Science (Covers Block A & B)

Recommend Req. 4 to be done at home

First Aid 1 & 2d

Fishing 9 & 10 (Bring rod/reel &

tackle)

Geocaching 7, 8, & 9

Indian Lore Extra cost (choker kit $5-$15 in

Trading Post)

Inventing

Kayaking BSA Swimmer

Leatherwork (Mon/Tues Only) Extra cost (leatherworking kit $5-

$10 in Trading Post)

Lifesaving (Covers Block A & B) BSA Swimmer, 1a, & CPR

training. Adult leader's note confirming CPR

training required.

Oceanography (Wed/Thurs Only)

Reptile & Amphibian Study 8

Rifle (8:30AM – 10:00AM) Rifle costs 1 token ($1 total) and

will give you 10 Rifle shots. Rowing BSA Swimmer

Shotgun (8:30AM – 10:00AM) Shot gun costs 2 tokens ($2 total)

and will give you 3 shots. Space Exploration

(Covers Block A & B)

Sustainability

2-water(a), 2-Food(a), 2-Energy(b) OR 2-

Energy(c), 2-Stuff(a). Prerequisites lengthy, get

started early.

Swimming (Covers Block A & B) BSA Swimmer

Weather (Mon/Tues Only) 9 (Recommend Req. 10 be done at home prior)

Woodcarving (Wed/Thurs Only) Bring a small pocket

knife Extra cost (woodcarving kit $5 in

Trading Post)



Archaeology


Post)

Art (Wed/Thurs Only)

Basketry (Mon/Tues Only) Extra cost (basketry kits, $10 in

Trading Post)

Camping 8d, 9a, & 9b. No hike required

Canoeing (Covers Block B & C) BSA Swimmer

Chemistry

Chess (Covers Block B & C)

Communication 5 & 7

Cooking 4, 5, & 6

Environmental Science (Covers Block B & C)

Recommend Req. 4 to be done at home.

Fish & Wildlife (Mon/Tues Only) 5

Fishing 9 & 10 (Bring rod/reel &

tackle.)

Forestry Recommend Req. 7 to be

done at home.


Leatherwork (Mon/Tues Only) Extra cost (leatherworking kit $5-

$10 in Trading Post)

Mammal Study (Wed/Thurs Only)

Swimming (Covers Block B & C) BSA Swimmer

Woodcarving (Wed/Thurs Only) Bring a small pocket knife Extra cost (woodcarving kit $5 in

Trading Post)




Post)

Architecture (Mon/Tues or Wed/Thurs)

Astronomy

Chemistry

Communication 5 & 7

Emergency Preparedness 1(First Aid MB), 2c, 7, &

8b

First Aid 1 & 2d (Required for E-

Prep)

Gardening 2a & 2b If requirement 2 is not pre-done

Scouts will be given seeds/seedlings to use at home.

Inventing


Nature One of the following:

4a, 4d, 4e, or 4f

Plant Science

Rifle (11AM – 12:30PM) Rifle costs 1 token ($1 total) and

will give you 10 Rifle shots.

Search & Rescue Recommended for older Scouts only.

Outside of class session required.

Shotgun (11AM – 12:30PM) Shot gun costs 2 tokens ($2 total)

and will give you 3 shots.

Standup Paddle Boarding Award BSA Swimmer (limited

class size)

Wilderness Survival 5 And requires overnight

hike, bring survival kit materials from home.


Climbing Older Scouts only. Long pants and

closed toed shoes required.

Cycling Extra time outside of session may

be required.

Eagle Challenge (First Year Camper Program)

N/A Teaches Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class requirements


Listed in this part of the guide are a description of all the merit badges. Full merit badge

requirements can be viewed by visiting http://www.scouting.org/meritbadges.aspx and scrolling

down and clicking on the merit badge that you want to view requirements on. Bear Paw Scout

Camp does not endorse the use of merit badge worksheets found on third-party websites.

These worksheets are not updated regularly and can cause issues at camp. Some merit badges

will have pre-requisites that should be completed prior to coming to camp. Some merit badges

will have post-requisites that would need to be completed after all other requirements are

completed and/or due to extended time of the requirements.

Archaeologists are detectives who study how people lived in the past. They figure out what

happened, when, how, and why. Using the clues that people left behind, they try to understand

how and why human culture has changed through time.

Offered During: B

Archery is a fun way for Scouts to exercise minds as well as bodies, developing a steady hand, a

good eye, and a disciplined mind. This merit badge can provide a thorough introduction to those

who are new to the bow and arrow - but even for the experienced archer, earning the badge

can help to increase the understanding and appreciation of archery.

Offered During: A, B, & C

Architecture is everywhere in life--from basic survival shelters to magnificent skyscrapers. In this

merit badge, campers will learn the basics of architecture and delve into the exciting world of

building.

Offered During: A: Mon/Tues or Wed/Thurs & B: Mon/Tues or Wed/Thurs

This merit badge concentrates on two-dimensional art, specifically drawing and painting in

various media, including an introduction to design applications in the fields of graphic arts and

industrial design, history and design principles, and how these fields relate to fine art.

Offered During: A: Wed/Thurs & B: Wed/Thurs


In learning about astronomy, Scouts study how activities in space affect our own planet and bear

witness to the wonders of the night sky: the nebulae, or giant clouds of gas and dust where new

stars are born; old stars dying and exploding; meteor showers and shooting stars; the moon,

planets, and a dazzling array of stars. And with luck, the Aurora Borealis.

Offered During: C

Basketry is a handy skill for a Scout. A basket can be a sturdy companion on campouts, carrying

clothes snugly and efficiently, holding potatoes and corn for roasting over a campfire, or carrying

the day's fishing catch back to camp for dinner. Baskets and basket-weaving projects also make

great gifts for family and friends.

Offered During: A: Mon/Tues & B: Mon/Tues

Camping is one of the best-known methods of the Scouting movement. When he founded the

Scouting movement in the early 1900s, Robert Baden-Powell encouraged every Scout to learn the

art of living out-of-doors. He believed a young person able to take care of himself while camping

would have the confidence to meet life's other challenges, too.

Prerequisites: 8d, 9a, 9b and a required 4-mile hike on Thursday

Offered During: B

For several centuries, the canoe was a primary method of travel for explorers and settlers.

Today, it remains an important part of the wilderness experience and an enjoyable leisure

activity that teaches communication, teamwork, and physical fitness. Swim suit required for all

sessions.

Prerequisites: BSA Swimmer Required. BSA Swimmer Required. Swim tests are required to be

taken in our lake due to the cold temperatures. No outside swim tests will be honored.

Offered During: Covers Blocks B & C

Understanding the world around us and the reactions different materials have helps us learn more

and create new materials for technology.

Offered During: B & C


Chess builds critical thinking, forward thinking, and proper sportsmanship in young people.

Offered During: Covers Blocks B & C

Nowhere to go but up? That’s how we feel in our Climbing area, featuring Climbing merit badge.

Using practice walls and our natural rockface, scouts will learn the skills needed to be a successful

climber and have the chance to practice those skills with our talented climbing director.

Offered During: Covers Blocks A, B, & C

This clear and concise definition comes from the U.S. Department of Education: "Communication

focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings within and across various contexts,

cultures, channels, and media. The field of communication promotes the effective and ethical

practice of human communication."

Prerequisites: 5 & 7

Offered During: B & C

Eagle required and everyone needs to and loves to eat. Learn the proper way to handle and

prepare food for safe consumption. Learn about good nutrition to keep you healthy and with

energy to keep going through your many adventures. You may even pick up a new favorite

recipe or two to prepare and share.

Prerequisites: 4, 5 & 6

Offered During: A & B

Since 1911, hundreds of thousands of Scouts have made the most of their two-wheel adventures

by earning the Cycling merit badge. Whether you just got your first bicycle or have been cycling

for years, you will learn more about your bike and what it can do by working on the requirements

for this badge.

Offered During: Covers Blocks A, B, & C


Scouts are often called upon to help because they know first aid and they know about the

discipline and planning needed to react to an emergency. Earning this merit badge helps a Scout

to be prepared by learning the actions that can be helpful and needed before, during, and after

an emergency.

Prerequisites: Must have already earned First Aid merit badge. Requirements 1, 2c, 7, & 8b.

Scouts must bring paperwork from prerequisites for the instructor to sign off.

Offered During: A & C

Engineers use both science and technology to turn ideas into reality. From drawing plans to

creating a prototype and even a finished product, scouts will learn how engineers work and why

they are important in today’s life.

Prerequisites: 1

Offered During: A

While earning the Environmental Science merit badge, Scouts will get a taste of what it is like to

be an environmental scientist, making observations and carrying out experiments to investigate

the natural world.

Prerequisites: Recommend 4 to be done at home.

Offered During: Covers Blocks A & B or Covers Blocks B & C

First aid - caring for injured or ill persons until they can receive professional medical care - is an

important skill for every Scout. With some knowledge of first aid, a Scout can provide immediate

care and help to someone who is hurt or who becomes ill. First aid can help prevent infection and

serious loss of blood. It could even save a limb or a life.

Prerequisites: 1 & 2d.



In Scouting for Boys, Baden-Powell offers this advice: "Every Scout ought to be able to fish to get

food for himself. A tenderfoot [beginner] who starved on the bank of a river full of fish would

look very silly, yet it might happen to one who had never learned to catch fish."

Prerequisites: 1 & 2d

Offered During: A & B

Scouts will be able to get a feel for the life of a wildlife specialist by learning about things that

threaten fish and other wildlife in their environment and determining ways they can help the

wildlife.

Prerequisites: 5

Offered During: B: Mon/Tues

In working through the Forestry merit badge requirements, Scouts will explore the remarkable

complexity of a forest and identify many species of trees and plants and the roles they play in a

forest's life cycle. They will also discover some of the resources forests provide to humans and

come to understand that people have a very large part to play in sustaining the health of forests.

Prerequisites: Recommended that 7 be done at home

Offered During: B

Not only can growing your own food be an enjoyable pastime, but it is also an eco-friendly

alternative to buying produce at the store (in fact, the salads at camp use our garden lettuce!

Scouts will learn the basics of maintaining a garden and the importance of gardening.

Prerequisites: 2a & 2b

Offered During: C


The word geocache is a combination of "geo," which means "earth," and "cache," which means "a

hiding place." Geocaching describes a hiding place on planet Earth - a hiding place you can find

using a GPS unit. A GPS (Global Positioning System) unit is an electronic tool that shows you where

to go based on information it gets from satellites in space. And of course you get to hide a cache

too (provided it’s on earth).

Prerequisites: Requirements 7, 8, & 9 Set up account at www.geocaching.com & notes of

completion

Offered During: A

Far different from the stereotypes or common images that are portrayed on film, on television,

and in many books and stories, American Indians have many different cultures, languages,

religions, styles of dress and ways of life. To learn about these different groups is to take an

exciting journey of discovery in which you will meet some of America's most fascinating peoples.

Offered During: A

Scouts will be able to test their problem solving skills. They will learn what it take to be an

inventor and understand idea and model patents.They will collaborate in brainstorming and work

individually to put their ideas in action. Not only will they make a model, they will be able to ask

others for their thoughts on the product.


What a great place to be – on the water. Learn the basics of kayaking. A great versatile

watercraft for shallow waters, deep waters, fast waters, slow waters and even narrow waters.

Easily portable. Learn how to exit when a kayak capsizes. Swim suit required for all sessions.

Prerequisites: BSA Swimmer Required. Swim tests are required to be taken in our lake due to the

cold temperatures. No outside swim tests will be honored.

Offered During: A, B, & C

http://www.geocaching.com/


Scouts who complete the requirements to earn the Leatherwork merit badge will explore leather's

history and its endless uses. They will learn to make a useful leather item using the same types of

raw materials that our ancestors used; be challenged to master skills like hand stitching, lacing,

and braiding.; and learn how to preserve and protect leather items so they will last a lifetime

and beyond.

Offered During: A: Mon/Tues & B: Mon/Tues

No Boy Scout will ignore a plea for help. However, the desire to help is of little use unless one

knows how to give the proper aid. The main purpose of the Lifesaving merit badge is to prepare

Scouts to assist those involved in water accidents, teaching them the basic knowledge of rescue

techniques, the skills to perform them, and the judgment to know when and how to act so that they

can be prepared for emergencies. Swim suit required for all sessions.


cold temperatures. No outside swim tests will be honored. ***Must have completed first class

requirements 1a & CPR training with Adult leader’s note confirming CPR Training.***

Offered During: A-B

A mammal may weigh as little as 1/12 ounce, as do some shrews, or as much as 150 tons, like the

blue whale. It may spring, waddle, swim, or even fly. But if it has milk for its young, has hair of

some kind, is relatively intelligent, and has warm blood, then it is a mammal.

Offered During: B: Wed/Thurs

There is a very close connection between the soil, the plants, and all animal life, including people.

Understanding this connection, and the impact we have on it is important to preserving the

wilderness, as well as to our own well-being as members of the web of nature.

Prerequisites: One of the following: 4a, 4d, 4e, or 4f

Offered During: C


The ocean has many amazing qualities that many people don’t know about. By earning

oceanography, scouts will be able to learn about the wonderful wildlife and properties of the

ocean along with different ways scientists study the ocean’s deep unknown.

Offered During: A: Wed/Thurs

Plant scientists use their curiosity and knowledge to develop questions about the world of plants.

Then they try to answer those questions with further observations and experiments in the

laboratory and in the field. To earn this merit badge, Scouts will explore three of the most

important plant science specialties: agronomy, horticulture, and field botany.

Offered During: C

Reptiles and Amphibians are important parts of the ecosystem. After earning this merit badge

scouts will be able to distinguish the differences between them and learn important safety rules

for when they are around them.

Prerequisites: 8

Offered During: A

Unless a rifle is handled incorrectly or recklessly, it is not dangerous. A rifle, like any other

precision instrument, is manufactured to perform a specific task and can do so at no risk to the

user or others. By earning this badge, Scouts can develop their shooting skills while learning safe

practices.

Offered During: A: 8:30am-10am & C: 11am-12:30pm

The stability of a row boat over a canoe is very comforting to many, plus you have more room for

gear and/or friends on your trip. Skills needed to row a boat are different from those of a

canoe or kayak. Advance your knowledge of operating the different types of watercraft and

you will be even more prepared. Swim suit required for all sessions.



Offered During: A


Learn tips on how not to be the subject of a search and rescue. Identify the types of search and

rescue teams. Learn about how the conduct operations. Using UTM coordinates and GPS, identify

your location on scaled maps. Perhaps become part of a search and rescue operation

(hypothetical of course).

Offered During: C

A shotgun is a precision instrument, designed to shoot a shot charge in a specific pattern to cover

a designated area at a certain distance. Unlike a rifle, the bore of the shotgun is not rifled, so the

shot emerging from the muzzle is not spinning.

Offered During: A: 8:30am-10am & C: 11am-12:30pm

Space is mysterious. We explore space for many reasons, not least because we don't know what

is out there, it is vast, and humans are full of curiosity. Each time we send explorers into space, we

learn something we didn't know before. We discover a little more of what is there.

Offered During: Covers Blocks A & B

Looking forward towards a more environmentally sustainable future is an important part of being

a Boy Scout. In this Eagle required merit badge, scouts will learn about how to lead a more

sustainable life at home and what we do at camp to promote environmental awareness.

Prerequisites: 2-water(a), 2-Food(a), 2-Energy(b) OR 2-Energy(c), 2-Stuff(a)

Offered During: A

Swimming is a leisure activity, a competitive sport, and a basic survival skill. Scouts who earn this

badge will learn about safety when swimming and diving, how swimming can contribute to overall

fitness and health, and gain some basic competitive swimming skills. Swim suit required for all

sessions.



Offered During: A-B & B-C


Weather Meteorology is the study of Earth's atmosphere and its weather and the ways in which

temperature, the wind, and moisture act together in the environment. In addition to learning how

everyday weather is predicted, Scouts can learn about extreme weather such as thunderstorms,

tornadoes, and hurricanes, and how to stay safe.

Prerequisites: 9

Offered During: A: Mon/Tues

In their outdoor activities, Scouts learn to bring the clothing and gear they need, to make good

plans and do their best to manage any risks. But now and then, something unexpected happens.

When things go wrong, the skills of wilderness survival can help make everything right again.

Prerequisites: 5 and requires overnight hike (bring survival kit materials from home)

Offered During: C

As with any art, wood carving involves learning the basics of design, along with material selection

and tools and techniques, as well as wood-carving safety. The requirements of the Wood Carving

merit badge introduce Scouts to an enjoyable hobby and that can become a lifetime activity.

Prerequisites: 2 Must have totin chip and present it to the instructor and pocket knife required

Offered During: A: Mon/Tues & C: Wed/Thurs


All areas, except Aquatics and Shooting Sports, offer Independent Study merit badges

during afternoons Monday-Thursday from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. This is a more

informal, small group setting for scouts to earn merit badges at camp.

Sign up for a session in advance by talking to the Area Director that offers the badge.

You can also drop in for a session at D block (2pm), E block (3pm) or F block (4pm).

Each area can teach 1-2 badges each block, and will schedule a future time to meet if

they are already full when a scout drops in.

If all prerequisites have not been completed, we can still help the scout complete as

many requirements as possible and send him home with a partial completion.

• Geocaching

• Cycling

• Backpacking

• Hiking

• Fingerprinting

• Scouting Heritage

• Mammal Study

• Insect Study

• Environmental Science

• Weather

• Geology

• Forestry

• Reptile & Amphibian Study

• Bird Study

• Oceanography

• Fish & Wildlife Management

• Soil & Water Conservation

• Plant Science

• Nature


• Art

• Basketry

• Inventing

• Leatherwork

• Woodcarving

• Collections

• Communication

• Aviation

• Engineering

• Medicine

• Chess

• Digital Technology

• Chemistry

• Astronomy

• Space Exploration

• Architecture

• Indian Lore

• Archaeology

• Camping

• Fishing

• Cooking

• Pioneering

• Search & Rescue

• Wilderness Survival,

• Emergency Preparedness

• First Aid, Orienteering

• Gardening

• Sustainability

• Energy


Below, we’ve outlined each program area with some information pertaining to the department

and the various activities that will be offered throughout the week.

Edible Glacier: Learn about the amazing properties of glaciers through a simulation. Afterwards

scouts will get a taste of the glacier.

Nature Hikes: Take a hike guided by one of the nature staff on request or take a self-guided

hike using one of the nature trail pamphlets and learn about the plants and animals around

Bear Paw.

Tea Time: There are many types of plants that wonderful tea can be made from. Learn how to

prepare the plants for the tea process and some benefits of making tea out of them while trying

them out for yourself.

Photography: Scouts can explore camp life through a camera lens as they learn different ways

to alter photos, observe animals, and capture memories of their week.

Nightly Crafts: Each night in Handicraft, there will be a different craft that allows scouts and

adults to let their creative side run wild as they look at everyday materials in a different light,

while creating something useful in the process.

The World of VR: This program explores the exciting new frontier of Virtual Reality and its

endless possibilities! Scouts will have the chance to learn about the new technology and try it

for themselves. This program will run from 2-5 pm on Monday.

Chain Reactions: This exciting program shows several chemical reactions that occur in the

Natural World. This program will begin at 3:00 pm on Tuesday.

Lego Engineering: Join us for the opportunity to build anything that comes to your mind.

Whether you are inspired by the creations you made as a child, or want to try making new

innovations, you’ll love Lego Engineering! This program will occur on Fridays until the start of

the Water Carnival.

Star Hikes: The beautiful night sky at Bear Paw can be enjoyed even more by attending one of

our amazing star hikes, which will teach spectators about different constellations and myths

from various cultures. Star Hikes will begin at 10:00 pm Monday-Thursday.


Totin’ Chip: will teach you the proper usage and safety procedures for using knives, axes, and

saws. Offered on Tuesday and Thursday (about a 30-minute session)

Firem’n Chit: teaches fire building and control skills and proper safety associated. Offered on

Tuesday and Thursday (about a 30-minute session)

Paul Bunyan Woodsman Award: is offered on Wednesday Afternoon starting at 2:00. This

award is available to experienced campers who are willing to assist in instructing a Totin’ Chip

session and participate in a 2-hour conservation project. It is a nationally recognized award that

comes with a pocket certificate.

Dutch Oven Cooking: is offered to teach every afternoon starting at 3:00. It teaches techniques,

safety, and nutrition of different foods all while enjoying delicious food and desserts.

Monkey Bridge, 9-Square, and more…: are all lashed structures built for scouts and adults to

enjoy and to show off the many uses for lashings.

Water Balloon Slingshots: (Splash Attack) is on Tuesday afternoon for scouts to group up and

lash structures to mount a massive slingshot onto. Then they can launch water balloons at

other structures.

Fishing Competition: is a for scouts and adults. They can fish all week and the largest fish

caught (with picture proof) wins a prize at the end of the week.

Shooting Sports consists of the Archery, Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, and Action Archery Ranges. All ranges are supervised and operated by NRA Certified and BSA National Camp School Trained personnel. Scouts can learn the fundamentals of safe shooting, as well as proper handling procedures concerning all types of firearms and bows.

Which Shooting Sports Merit Badge should I take?

● Shooting Sports Merit Badges are not recommended for first year Scouts. First year Scouts are encouraged to get shooting sports experience by taking part in the NRA medal program offered at camp.

● Archery and Shotgun Shooting Merit Badges require a more physically mature Scout due to the arm strength and stamina required to successfully complete the shooting requirement.

● It is recommended to only take one Shooting Sports Merit Badge at a time. All three merit badges require very different skills and it can become increasingly difficult for Scouts to switch their fundamentals between merit badges so drastically.


● Most weeks Scouts will need extra time open in the afternoon to help them complete their shooting requirements, especially if they do not shoot well during the first part of the week.

Other important things in Shooting Sports

Hours 9:00 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.: Merit Badge Instruction Only 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Open Shoot 1:15 p.m - 2:00 p.m.: Troop Shoots (Advance Sign Up Required)

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Special Activities/Open Shoot ● Open Shoot: occurs in the afternoon on all of the ranges. Scouts in Shooting Sports

Merit Badges are encouraged to come in and work on finishing their shooting requirements. To participate in Open Shoot, purchase either rifle or shotgun tickets at the Trading Post, and then come to the ranges during Open Shoot times. Archery and Action Archery are both free, unless you lose an arrow for which there is a nominal replacement charge. Cost for open rifle and shotgun shots are to be determined.

● Marksmanship Awards: encourages many different levels of advancement and continuing marksmanship opportunities. We offer the NRA/Winchester marksmanship program and certificates are awarded when the Troop leaves on Saturday. Medals may be purchased at the Trading Post once they have been earned. This program operates during Open Shoot and is a valuable way for Scouts of all ages and skill levels to become better marksmen.

● Tomahawk Throwing: is open to anyone during Open Shoot. Test your skills throwing

tomahawks at targets down range!

● Muzzle loading Open Shoot: Monday and Wednesday afternoon, 3:00p.m.- 4:30p.m. Free on Monday, $1 for 2 shots on Wednesday.

● Action Archery: consists of several different types of dynamic targets such as deer,

rabbits, bear, geese, and even targets that move. It is located next to the Oasis shower hours in between the Shotgun Range and Handicraft. The range is open any time during the afternoon to groups of two or more.

● Cowboy Shoot Program: is new at Bear Paw, and held Monday, Tuesday and Thursday,

7-8pm. Come try shooting a break action shotgun, lever action rifle and Colt revolver straight from the Wild West! Scouts must be 14, or 13 if they have completed 8th grade, and they must have a signed parental permission form to participate, no exceptions. The form is found at the end of this Guide and can also be filled out at camp.


● Venturing Pistol Program is offered to all participants that are currently registered members of a Venture Crew. The pistol range will be open on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 3pm. A special training is required, so those interested must be there directly at 3pm. Late arrivals cannot shoot.

Mile Swim: Participants must complete both ¼ and ½ mile preliminary swims. Preliminaries are

Monday and Tuesday evenings at 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Once the preliminaries have been

completed, participants can come down during afternoon/evening open boating with 2 rowers

who are both Swimmers to try. Participants must depart at least 1 hour before area closure. For

more information, consult the Aquatics Director.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding: Learn how to properly use a stand-up paddle board and enjoy the

lake in an entirely new way! Earn your stand-up paddle board certificate! Talk to the Aquatics

Director at the Sunday Night Cracker Barrel to sign up.

Unit Swim: This is a great opportunity for Units to practice the 8 points of the Safe Swim

Defense. Units provide all lifeguards and at least one adult must be certified in Safe Swim

Defense. Please sign up with the Aquatics Director in advance.

Float Lunches: Your Unit can sign up for a lunch time cruise on Bear Paw Lake. A trail lunch and

BSA lifeguard supervision will be provided. This is a great opportunity for a Unit to practice all 9

points of Safety Afloat. One adult leader must be certified in Safety Afloat. Please sign up with

the Aquatics Director in advance.

Garden Tour: On Monday during open programming, come tour the garden, so we can show

you what we’re growing. If you come by later, enjoy some freshly made salsa!

The Bee’s Knees: On Tuesday during open programming, we will be having demonstrations

where everyone can come learn about bees. Weather permitting, we will open our hives to see

the bees in their natural habitat.

Tea Time: Visit us on Wednesday during open programming when we join forces with Eco-Con

to make some herbal tea made from fresh bear paw “weeds.”


Mushroom Tour: On Thursday, come visit our new bear paw mushroom garden where we can

teach and show how the process works and how easy it really is.

Upcycling: On Friday, we’ll be making some rope from recycled liter soda bottles. We will also

be melting down some aluminum cans and casting

Tenderfoot Advancement: Eagle Challenge will offer Tenderfoot requirements 1c, 2c, 3a-d, 4 a-

d, 5a-c, 7a-b, 8, and 9.

Second Class Advancement: Eagle Challenge will offer Second Class requirements 1c, 2a-d, 2f-g,

3a-d, 4, 5a-d, 6a-e, 8b, and 9a-b.

First Class Advancement: Eagle Challenge will offer First Class requirements 3a-d, 4b, 5a-d, 6a-

e, 7a-f, and 9a

Totin’ Chip: will teach you the proper usage and safety procedures for using knives, axes, and

saws. This is offered on Monday and Wednesday (about a 30-minute session)

Firem’n Chit: teaches fire building and control skills and proper safety associated. This is offered

on Monday and Wednesday (about a 30-minute session)

5 Mile Hike: this will satisfy requirement 3b for Second Class rank or for anyone who wants to

come along. This is a 5-mile hike to lost mountain and back. This will only be offered on Friday.

Scouts and Leaders must sign up before Friday with an Eagle Challenge staff member.

Fingerprinting Merit Badge: this is a quick and easy merit badge for scouts looking to go above

and beyond (about 30 minutes). This is an independent study merit badge and is offered during

open area.

Scouting Heritage Merit Badge: this is a little more difficult merit badge for those looking for an

extra merit badge or want to learn more about the history of the BSA. It will require some time

to complete. This is an independent study merit badge offered during open area.


Half-Day Trips-Afternoon: Whitewater Tubing, Chute Pond Excursion, Flat-water Canoeing &

Kayaking, Sailing, Mountain Bike Treks, and Single-track Riding

Single Overnight Trips: Lost Mountain, Peshtigo River Canoe Trip, Butler Rock, and you can try

to dream something up; we will do our best to get you out for a night!

Multi-Night Trips: 3-day bike outing

Bear Paw Triathlon – A Bear Paw Tradition

● 0.38-mile swim, 2.4-mile bike ride, and .9-mile run. ● Can be run by individual or team of 3. Adults can also form teams or compete

individually. ● Some of our fastest times in previous years came from adult leaders. So, if you think you

might be able to finish, join in the fun! Disc Golfing Open all week on our nine-hole course. Bring your own discs if you have them. We have discs available but limited on availability.

Natural rock faces are used for both the Merit Badge and Recreational Climbing. We prepare in camp, but we climb on two rock faces out of camp in the Nicolet National Forest. A 35-foot rock face is used for most climbing and rappelling, but we also use a 70-foot rock face for those who want a bigger challenge and have a little bit more time.

● Climbing and rappelling opportunities are available for Scouts and adults of all experience levels - including, “None!” Training can be done before leaving camp, even days ahead of time. Adults are always welcome as observers and photographers, helmet required.

● Recreational climbing can be scheduled as a special activity for your troop at a time that fits your troop’s schedule. Most afternoons and evenings are available.

● Open climbing is for individual Scout sign-up with Friday morning, 9:00 until noon, specifically reserved. Additional open climbing will be offered on a week by week basis.

Please note: Because of safety preparations, set-up time, and travel distances involved, very

short climbing sessions aren’t likely.


The Order of the Arrow, O.A., is Scouting’s official honor camping society. The Lodge associated

with the Bay-Lakes Council is the Kon Wapos Lodge. Two separate ceremonies are held during

each week at camp to recognize members of various levels within the Order.

Call-Out Ceremony

Held on Wednesday evening, this ceremony is the public recognition of those youth who have

been elected and adults who have been nominated for membership into the Order of the

Arrow. Unit leaders should have a copy of the elections results available for review. Scouts who

are O.A. members are welcome to participate in the ceremony. Contact the OA Summer Chief

at camp for more information.

Brotherhood Ceremony

Ordeal members wishing to seal their membership in the Order of the Arrow will have an

opportunity to become Brotherhood members at camp. The Brotherhood interviews will take

place on Wednesday, with the Brotherhood Ceremony taking place Thursday evening. There is

no additional cost.

Out-of-Council Units

Arrowmen from Councils other than Bay-Lakes Council, are invited to attend all OA ceremonies

while at camp, depending on their level of membership. Ordeal candidates may take part in the

call-out ceremony at camp. Their election results must be accompanied by a letter from their

Scout Executive or Lodge Advisor, granting permission to participate in the call-out at camp.

Order of the Arrow Logistics Services

Help from Arrowmen is needed behind the scenes in every area from setting pot torches to fire

building. If you've got some time and can give the Lodge a hand, talk to us at the cracker barrel

on Sunday or catch one of our staff around camp.


The camp is just not for the kids; adults are going to have plenty of opportunities to have fun at

camp as well. From participating in our high adventure programs to some of our evening

activities, there are a plethora of options out there to take advantage of during their stay at

camp. However, many adults participate in our training program. We hire a dedicated Training

Director to help train the adult leaders attending camp. We want your unit to leave camp

stronger and more prepared than when they arrived.

Below is a list of training offered at camp. Please note that we may add additional training

throughout the year if resources become available.

● Youth Protection Training

● Scoutmaster / Asst. Scoutmaster Specifics

● Safe Swim Defense

● Safety Afloat

● Climb on Safety

● Trek Safely

● Leave No Trace

● Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)

● Troop Committee Training


General Program Schedule

7:00AM Reveille

7:30AM Flag Raising Ceremony

7:45AM Breakfast

9:00AM – 12:00PM Morning Merit Badges (Monday – Thursday)

12:30PM Lunch

2:00PM – 5:00PM Open Programming in All Areas

5:40PM Flag Lowering Ceremony

6:00PM Dinner

7:00PM – 8:00PM Evening Program

10:00PM Quiet Time


Scouts can sign-up for merit badges as soon as the Unit registers them online.

Please be aware that only the registration contact for your unit will be able to access the online

registration system.

Merit badge changes can only be done until 2 weeks before you arrive at camp.

Each merit badge and program have a capacity per class. Slots will be reserved on a first come,

first serve basis. Capacities are determined based on equipment, staff, and program demands

and limitations. Under no circumstance will Bay-Lakes authorize the expansion of capacities. If

capacities are expanded, it will negatively affect the program quality for other Scouts. Please

“be prepared” and plan to ensure your unit does not end up in a “last minute” situation.

Up until 2 weeks before your Unit arrives, Scouts can switch merit badges, space permitting, as

much as they want.

After arriving at camp, Scoutmasters may come to the Camp Office to switch merit badges for

their Scouts after the opening campfire on Sunday night. Please be aware that merit badge

availability is limited due to capacities, staffing requirements, supplies, and other variables. It is

for this reason, that Scouts will have a limited choice on what merit badges they may switch to.

Units are responsible for providing blue cards for Scouts. Camp has a limited supply of blue cards

on hand.

Documents

1-800-3SCOUTS [email protected] Survival 5 And requires overnight hike, bring survival kit materials from home. MERIT BADGE PRE-REQUISITES NOTES Climbing Older