The Outback Ranger Program

The Outback Ranger program is designed for those Scouts who are at least 13 years old or older and in their third year of summer camp.  Participants must be in good physical condition, looking for fun, adventure, and challenges in the rugged hills, scenic valleys, and pristine coves of Hohn Scout Reservation at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Scouts participating in the Outback Ranger program will leave camp on Sunday afternoon and not return until Friday afternoon.

Program highlights include group initiative games and challenge course to build teamwork; mountain man activities including black powder rifle shooting, tomahawk throwing, cooking and crafts; Native American activities such as a sweat lodge, games, and crafts; early American skills such as blacksmithing and lumberjacking; aquatic activities like canoeing, sailing, and other high adventure activities like rock climbing and rappelling, backpacking, fishing and swimming.  

The goal of this program is to offer the older Scouts an alternative to traditional summer camp while giving him the opportunity to learn and practice group dynamics, leadership, self –reliance and personal achievement.  Merit badges or specific awards will not be offered but many activities will fulfill certain merit badge requirements.  The staff will serve as advisors rather than directors; the degree of enjoyment and enrichment gained by the Scouts depends on their own attitudes and desires.

Scouts will live in outpost camps in the backwoods of Hohn Scout Reservation and selected undeveloped shorefront property on Lake of the Ozarks.  Scouts should plan on carrying all equipment necessary for survival and walking or paddling everyday.  Camping will be in shelters constructed by the Scouts and fires will be built using only flint and steel.  Some cooking will be on backpacking stoves, the rest on open fires.

This program will be offered during all four sessions at Hohn Scout Reservation.  A Scout may attend at the same time his unit is in camp or he may attend the Outback Ranger program on his own without his troop.  Adults are welcome and encouraged to attend.  Please sign up early. Spaces are limited to 20 reservations each week.