Camp; it's not just a place for merit badges...

Over the past few years, more than 60 percent of all merit badges earned by Scouts in our council have been earned at camp. That's a lot of advancement for one week and not enough for the other 51 weeks of the year.

Camp should not be a merit badge mill. It offers great opportunities to earn merit badges that lend themselves to the outdoors, but it offers more than just merit badges. It offers opportunities for adventure, hiking, teamwork and fishing. Guide Scouts to set goals that are achievable not to chase badges.

The patrol method is also an important part of the experience because of the leadership opportunities available to the troop. Don't forget, camp is a place to have fun!

Summer camp deadlines are approaching fast and we want to make sure no one is left out of the plans. There are a limited number of camperships available for Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers and Explorers attending a Great River Council camp this year.

Our goal is to make our summer camp experience available to all youth members. In order to best serve the needs of our membership, we have developed an application process. Below, you will find general guidelines to help Scouts who are needing financial assistance:

There's No Reason Why a Scout Shouldn't go to Camp!

• Camperships are available for any Great Rivers Council summer camping experience.
• Applications should be made by the Scouts leader after all other means of assistance are exhausted. You may request an application form by calling the council service center at 1-800-SCOUT-LAW or by downloading the form.
• Camperships are awarded for up to one-half of the total camp fee (not the camper savings fee).
• Camperships are awarded after May 1, which is the camper savings date. Do not pay the summer camp fee for a Scout who has a pending request for a campership until you receive verification of financial assistance. Scouts who are awarded camperships do not qualify for the Camper Savings discount.
• We recommend that campership requests be received by May 1. Requests where the Scout has personally worked to raise a portion of his own camp fee are looked upon most favorably.
• To qualify, the Scout must be attending a Great Rivers Council camp. Please work with your unit committee to first explore ways of finding sources for funds from your community for camping programs.

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