Outback Rangers

The Outback Ranger program is designed for those Scouts who are at least 14 years of age or older and in at least their third year of summer camping. Outback Ranger participants will have a special week-long program ? activities may include: teambuilding games and challenge course; shooting black powder rifles and throwing tomahawks; cooking; blacksmithing; practicing old-style fire-building; trying a sweat lodge; over-night canoeing and sailing excursions; and other high adventure activities like natural-face rock climbing and rappelling, fishing and swimming.

The goal of this program is to offer older Scouts an alternative to traditional summer camp while giving them 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. Troops are encouraged to provide two-deep adult leadership for each Crew, but our staff is available to provide leadership where needed. 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.

Crews will backpack throughout the camp property, living live in outpost camps in the backwoods of Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation and selected undeveloped shorefront property on Lake of the Ozarks. Participants should plan on carrying all equipment necessary for survival and walking or paddling everyday. Camping will be in shelters constructed by the Scouts (many use hammocks and tarps) and meals will be Philmont-style backpacking food.