This Page will be for FAQ

When we arrive at the camp we will be assigned to our camp site and get settled in. Everyone then heads out to the main camp for Medical Form checks, Swim Checks, and a Camp tour. We will then head back to the camp site to get ready for dinner and plan our merit badges. Dinner will be in the dining hall and following dinner we head down to the Council Ring for some general information on the camp.

What do we do every day?

Daily activities depends on the merit badges each scout signs up for.

New Scouts will be taking the Pioneer Program either in the morning OR the afternoon session; all 205 Scouts will usually be together. This program provides a real jump start on the lower ranks (Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class). In addition, the Pioneer Scouts also take the Swimming Merit Badge. The Afternoon is free for other Merit Badges like Archery, Leather Work, Basketry, Cannoning, etc.

Older Scouts will go to Merit Badge sessions as per the Merit Badges they are taking. Typically each session is 1 hour and there are 3 sessions in the morning and 3 in the afternoon, depending on the specific merit badges. Merit badge selection will begin in May.

‘Free-time’ is scheduled each day id a Scout wants to go swimming, sailing, or just relax in the camp site. Scouts are encouraged to take as many merit badges as possible.

We will have the daily schedule posted in the camp site so we (adults) know where everyone is at all times.

What/where do we eat?

The camp has a main dining hall where we will be assigned several tables for troop. We will be eating all meals in the dining hall (unless we decide to eat in the site). Each table will have a "waiter" for each meal. The waiters are responsible to set the table, get the food (when called) and clear the table. Each Scout will have waiter duty on average 3 times during the week. By the way the food is pretty good in camp. There is a Chef to plan and prepare each meal.

Can parents visit the camp?

Yes! In fact the camp has a night especially for this. Wednesday there is a Family BBQ in lieu of eating in the dining hall. That is the best time to visit the camp. However, parents can visit at any time, but MUST report to the camp office to check-in before going to see their son.

Do we need an money in camp?

The camp has a trading post where they can buy drinks, Ice Cream, gummy bears, etc. The Trading Post also sells hats, tee shirts etc. I recommend they have $50-$75 dollars with them for the week. I let them manage their own money as it is just easier all around, but they must be able to lock in up in their foot locker. In addition, they will need $15 for lunch on the way home.

Where do we sleep?

This depends on the site we are given. If we have a tent site, then there are 2 Scouts in each tent. The camp provides the tents and cots. If we are in a lean-to site, then there will be 4 Scouts per lean-to. The lean-to sites are the way to go. They have a concrete floor and four bunks. They are more comfortable then tents. We have been in a tent site for the past few years, and will likely be in tents this year (this depends on the number of troops attending and the number of scouts from Troop 205). Scouts should plan on who the tent/lean-to mates will be before we get to camp.

When do we head home?

We will be coming home on Saturday August 10th. We try to leave between 9 and 10 AM. This depends on how fast we can get packed up and ready for checkout. Arrival home depends on the traffic, we usually arrive by 3 PM. We will stop for lunch on a Thruway rest area so the Scouts need to have lunch money ($15).

Where can I find more information?

Right here on the Troop WEB page, there is a large amount on information about summer camp. Click here to go to the Summer Camp Information Pages.

What is a Merit Badge?

A Merit Badge is an additional form of advancement. This is similar to the Webelos pins which were earned towards the Webelos and Arrow Of Light ranks in the Cub Scouts.

Why do I Need them?

In order to advance beyond First Class, you must earn Merit Badges. for the Rank of Star you need 6 Merit Badges of the 6, 4 are "Required". For the Rank of Life you must earn an additional 5 Merit Badges, of which 3 are "Required", for a total of 11. For the Rank of Eagle you must earn an additional 10 Merit Badges of which 5 are "Required", for a total of 21.

What is a "Required" Merit Badge?

A "Required" Merit Badge is one which you must earn in order to reach the Rank of Eagle. There are 15 "Required" Merits Badges but you only have to earn 12. For 2 Merit Badges, alternates are allowed. For the Swimming MB, Hiking, and Cycling are alternates. For the Life Saving MB, Emergency Preparedness is the alternate.

How do I earn them?

Each Merit Badge has a different set of requirements, but the basic procedure is the same.

Choose a MB that you want to do.

See if you can get a buddy to do it with you. It's more fun to have a friend along and this conforms with the Safe Scouting Policy of the BSA.

Ask a Leader for the Merit Badge Counselor list and pick a counselor. If the Troop has a counselor for that MB then I would recommend going to them, but of course you can go to any counselor.

Contact the counselor and arrange an appointment to see them before starting on a MB. The Counselor may provide specific instructions for you to start on before actually going to see him/her.

Fill out a "Blue Card", that is an "Application for Merit Badge". The Scoutmaster, or assistants, and the Advancement Chairman should be able to provide them.

Obtain the Merit Badge Handbook for that Merit Badge. This Handbook lists the requirements and provides information on how to complete them. The Troop has a library of books and you can also get them from the Library or at the Scout Store. The MB Counselor may also lend you one.

When you meet the MB Counselor, remember you must be in full Class - A uniform (unless they tell you otherwise) and bring your Blue Card.

Once you have completed the MB and the Counselor has signed the card return the card to the Advancement Chairman

Which ones should I earn at Summer Camp?

This is a question which comes up every year and there is no stock answer. In general you will want to earn any "Required" MB that you can in summer camp. Summer camp is the best place to earn Swimming, Camping, Life Saving, and Environmental Science. Of course you wont be able to earn all of them in one year so plan on Summer Camp for several years. For new Scouts going into the Pioneer Program at Wakpominee, the Swimming MB is part of the program.

How many Merit Badges can I earn at Summer Camp?

This mostly depends on the Merit Badges you take. On average 3-5 is a good number. If you are taking the more difficult Badges, like Environmental Science, then the number will be on the low end. However there are some which are very short like Art and Basket Weaving. The last couple of years, Mammal Study was done with the Pioneer4 Program. I suspect this will be the same. Also, it is highly recommended to take the swimming MB.

Where can I find a list of Merit Badges and the requirements for each one?

There are many sources. The Troop leaders have a current copy of the BSA Requirements Handbook. Also, there is a WEB page (See Links & Forms) which provides a complete list of Merit Badges and their requirements. Not all MBs are offered. Go to the Twin Rivers WEB sight to see a complete list of the MBs offered at camp.