Activities + Events
WHAT MAKES SCOUTING COME ALIVE.
Whether it’s a weekend camporee, a service project with the Order of the Arrow or repelling of a rock face, Scouting has the Activity for you. Want to learn how to pitch a tent, shoot a bow and arrow, catch a fish, or simply make new friends? You can find all these things and more in Scouting. We Own Adventure.
2022 Scout Ski Days at Seven Springs
Seven Springs Ski Days
For 2022, we have partnered with Seven Springs Mountain Resort to offer group skiing options and an entire mountain to explore. Seven Springs is about one hour from Heritage Reservation.
The group rate is open to all Scouts, their families and their friends!
- January 8, 2022
- January 22, 2022
- February 5, 2022
- February 26, 2022
- March 5, 2022
Seven Springs tickets must be purchased separately. The portal to purchase discounted lift tickets and ski/snowboard rentals direct from Seven Springs are live!
Please visit:
https://store.7springs.com/ecommerce_ssres/grpLogin2.aspx
Username: LHCBS
Password: ski2021
Seven Springs Purchase Instructions
(Once you’re logged into the group portal, click on the orange date bar at the top to select the date that you’re attending. This will bring up the pricing and enable you to purchase tickets)
Snow Tubing is not included. Individuals interested in tubing must purchase tickets separately from Seven Springs within two weeks of attendance while supplies last.
Please refer to the Guide to Safe Scouting for details regarding required helmet use during snow activities.
COPE/CLIMBING
The COPE and climbing programs offer two compatible yet different programs for your youth. COPE focuses on teamwork, leadership development and planning while climbing offers your youth a chance to climb and rappel.
COPE
Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience is a challenge course or ropes course activity operated for adults and youth comprised of group initiatives, team building, problem solving, and physical challenge. Although COPE uses some of the skills, techniques and tools of rock climbing, it is not a climbing course. Rather, it uses climbing situations as one of several means to achieve its goals, including the development of trust, communication, self-esteem, leadership, problem-solving, decision-making and teamwork.
WHAT TO BRING COPE/CLIMBING
- Long pants and long sleeve shirt
- Bandana
- Bug Spray
- Bag lunch with a drink
- Positive attitude and a smile
- Sturdy foot gear. No open shoes or sandals. Socks must be worn.
- Baseball type hat recommended
- Please no jewelry, watches or necklaces – This includes body pairings. Please remove them or cover them with a band aid.
- Rain gear
*No Cameras during Program
*Releases and Medical forms are all SIGNED and completed
The challenge course is located in a beautiful camp. Please don’t litter and respect the property.
The above gear will make your experience the best that it can be, so please take the time to prepare properly.
For more information on upcoming Cope and Climbing Events please visit the Council Calendar.
High Adventure
Participating in a National BSA High Adventure trip can be the pinnacle of a Scout’s journey. Life changing adventure awaits at each of the BSA’s four National High Adventure Bases.
If you have a group of between 7 and 12 Scouts and Adults interested in attending one of the bases, contact our Council High Adventure Committee will work with you to coordinate a trip (form is at the bottom of this page). Crew reservations must be made by September at least two years prior to desired attendance.
PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH
Philmont Scout Ranch is the BSA’s premier high adventure base serving over 25,000 Scouts annually. Located outside of Cimarron, NM, Philmont Scout Ranch offers miles of backpacking, rock climbing, mule treks, and much, much, much more.
LHC coordinated trips include two days of touring to get used to the elevation before arriving at Philmont for the adventure of a lifetime. Click the link below to learn more about Philmont!
2021 LHC PHILMONT CONTINGENT
The Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council 2021 Philmont Expedition is limited to a maximum of 27 youth and 9 adult participants.
Scouts/Venturers must be at least First Class (or equivalent) rank and age 14 by the beginning of the expedition and must not turn age 21 before the end of the expedition.
Adult spaces are limited. The LHC High Adventure Committee reserves the right to select adult participants based upon Philmont’s adult to youth participation ratio, Scouting background, and BSA policy. Co-ed crews must have a female adviser aged 21 years or older.
For more information about the 2021 Laurel Highlands Council contingent, please click the More Information button below.
FLORIDA SEA BASE
The Florida Sea Base is the BSA’s tropical home based in the Florida Keys. Program offerings include island camping, kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, fishing, and much, much more.
NORTHERN TIER HIGH ADVENTURE PROGRAM
Norther Tier High Adventure Program is the BSA’s crown jewel of the North and is made up of three separate bases. Headquartered in Ely, MN programs include canoeing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of the US and Canada and winter camping.
THE SUMMIT: BECHTEL FAMILY NATIONAL SCOUTING RESERVE
The Summit: Bechtel Family National Scouting Reserve, located in the mountains of Southern West Virginia, is the BSA’s fourth high adventure base. Construction of The Summit marks the largest project the BSA has ever undertaken. As of 2013, The Summit serves as the permanent home of the National Scout Jamboree and will host the World Scout Jamboree in 2019. The High Adventure base opened in 2014 with programs that include climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, shooting and much, much more.
HISTORIC FLAG CEREMONIES
For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation’s strength and unity. It’s been a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens. And the American Flag has been a prominent icon in our national history.
Laurel Highlands Council has the finest program facility for dramatically portraying “Duty to Country,” and presenting a truly inspirational, educational, and highlighting experience in the life of the members of your unit as they participate in a Historic Flag Ceremony.
With its five stately flag poles towering to 80 feet, Flag Plaza, is an extraordinary sight. Here fly twenty-four hours a day, the 50-star American Flag, the banner of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the crest of the City of Pittsburgh, the ensign of the Boy Scouts of America, and one of the historic forerunners of Old Glory.
We invite your pack, troop or crew to participate in a Historic Flag Ceremony.
DURING YOUR VISIT TO FLAG PLAZA YOU WILL:
- Raise one of the 12×18 foot flags
- Climb the beautiful Eagle Trail Staircase
- View the original works of flag art depicting one of the forerunners of Old Glory.
- See the “You Are The Flag” mural created by noted cartoonist, Milton Caniff.
- Hear the story of our national banner in the “You Are The Flag” video.
- See 13 original works of art, in addition to the inspiring painting, “One Hundred Years Ago,” from our Nation’s Centennial celebration.
Visit the Milton Caniff Gallery containing a collection of his original personal comments in pen and brush, plus July 4, 1976 salutes of great American cartoonists.
SCOUTING FOR FOOD
Each year, Laurel Highlands Council, in conjunction with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Animal Friends, hosts the Annual Scouting for Food Campaign. This relationship began as a Good Turn for Scouts to refill the food banks in the month of April as many were nearing the end of their fiscal year with low supplies of food. Each year, the annual Scouting for Food Campaign takes place in April and again in November. In 2021, Scouts, families, community members, and organizations from across the Laurel Highlands Council region collected over 70,000 pounds of food and supplies for humans and pets in need.
Thank you for helping the hungry in your neighborhood.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
STEP 1: REGISTER!
Register yourself, Scouting Family, Scouting Unit, or Company for the 2021 Scouting for Food Campaign.
STEP 2: PROMOTE!
Distribute door hangers and flyers in your local community and neighborhood to remind people that you are collecting for the Scouting for Food Campaign.
STEP 3: COLLECT!
Be sure to return to each home where you left a door hanger or flyer to pick up any food or other contributions.
STEP 4: DONATE!
Take all of your food and non-perishable items to a food bank or food pantry from the list below. If you know of another pantry, church, or community center that is accepting donations, please take your collections there. Or simply make a monetary donation by clicking here.
STEP 5: REPORT!
Be sure to weigh or count the number of Scouting for Food boxes that you contribute. Once calculated, report your numbers and donation location by clicking here!
WHERE TO DONATE
Please select a location from this list or another food bank or food pantry near you to deliver your Scouting for Food collections. If you already deliver your food contributions to a specific location, please continue to do so!
Laurel Highlands Council Collection Day
A collection day will take place on Saturday, April 30th. Units and organizations are encouraged to drop of the food contributions at a local participating food pantry.
If you are unable to participate in the collection day, please be sure to have all food contributions delivered to your selected location and reported by May 1st.
Please be sure to call and make donation arrangements if necessary.
ANIMAL FRIENDS, PITTSBURGH
412-536-3885
Please call to arrange a drop-off time.
BEDFORD FOOD OUTREACH, BEDFORD
814-623-4888
Please call to arrange a drop-off time one week in advance.
CORNER CUPBOARD FOOD BANK, WAYNESBURG
724-627-9784
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please call at least one day in advance.
FOOD FOR FAMILIES, JOHNSTOWN
814-535-3315
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Please call at least two day in advance.
GREATER PITTSBURGH COMMUNITY FOOD BANK, DUQUESNE
412-745-3863
Please call to arrange a drop-off time.
GREATER WASHINGTON COUNTY FOOD BANK, BROWNSVILLE
724-632-2190
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Drop off anytime, but calls in advance are appreciated.
INDIANA COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION FOODBANK, INDIANA
724-463-7440
Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Please call in advance.
NORTH HILLS COMMUNITY OUTREACH
412-487-6316 x3144
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please call in advance if evening or weekend drop-off are needed.
SALVATION ARMY FOODBANK, BEAVER FALLS
724-891-3605
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Please call one day in advance.
WESTERN MARYLAND FOOD BANK
410-737-8282
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
It is recommended that you call in advance.
WESTMORELAND COUNTY FOOD BANK, DELMONT
724-468-8660
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Please call one day in advance.
SPONSORS
A very special thank you goes out to our annual Scouting for Food Box Sponsor, Menasha!
Menasha has worked with our local Laurel Highlands Council for many years, and we are grateful for their continued support.
Ready to make a monetary contribution, click the button below.
SHOOTING SPORTS
LHC adheres to the Boy Scouts of America’s longstanding policy of teaching its youth and adult members the safe, responsible, intelligent handling, care, and use of firearms, air rifles, BB guns, and archery equipment in planned, carefully managed, and supervised programs.
From Cub Scouting to Venturing, all program divisions use responsible outdoor activities to promote character development and values-based leadership training. Shooting sports have the ability to attract and retain youth in the movement. Millions of young people participate in one or more of the sports annually — archery, rifle shooting, shotgun activities, etc. — guided by adult volunteers who have the skills and knowledge to provide quality programs in a safe and effective way.
Go Camping
Enjoy the great outdoors at one of our many campsites.
WE served
youth in 2020
Support Scouting.
Scouting is a rewarding program where youth can learn, lead, grow and participate in a world of exciting outdoor activities.
Why Join Us?
Working at summer camp is a real job. Camp Staff members get the opportunity to develop 21st century skills in high demand by employers. Some of these skills include:

Practical, applied leadership skills learned through supervising others, engaging in decision-making, managing behavior, and living ethics and values.

Communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity skills.
Beyond hands-on experience, camp staff positions also provide:

A paycheck

Room and board

Networking opportunities

Training & certifications in a variety of skill areas.

Ongoing professional development
Camp staff opportunities may also be eligible for college credit in some cases or be able to be used as an independent study, practicum, or internship experience.
HERITAGE RESERVATION - FARMINGTON, PA.
You can change a life! Did you know that the Laurel Highlands Council operates three Scout camps at Heritage Reservation including one for Cub Scouts and their families (elementary aged), two for Scouts BSA members (middle and high school aged), an outdoor adventure program (high school aged), as well as winter programs for Cub Scouts?
Each of these offers opportunities for a variety of summer camp staff jobs. Most Scout camp counselors are at least 16 years of age, but the Scouts BSA and Cub Scout camps have a limited number of jobs for 15 year olds with previous Counselor in Training experience. The high adventure program employs young people who are at least 18 years of age.
Summer positions at Heritage Reservation run seasonally from June to August. Winter positions run January to March. Meals and on-site housing is provided.
Available Positions
Updated Job Descriptions Coming Soon
Medics (min. age 18, hold current certification as an EMT or higher)
Business Managers (min. age 18)
Outdoor Marketing Director (min. age 18)
ATV Safety Program Director (min. age 21)
ATV Safety Program Staff (min. age 18)
Aquatics Directors (min. age 21, hold current lifeguard certification with 2 years experience)
Lifeguards (min. age 16)
Ski Boat Drivers (min. age 18)
Climbing & Challenge Course Director (min. age 21)
Climbing & Challenge Course Staff (min. age 18)
Skill Area Instructors (shooting sports, ecology, crafts, outdoor skills) (min. age 15)
Trek Leaders (min. age 18)
Camp Store Managers (min. age 18)
Camp Store Clerks (min. age 15)
Counselors in Training (14 y.o. Must be 1st Class Scout or Venturing Discovery Rank)
Use the button below to express interest in working on our staff in 2023.
Individuals who recommend a new staff member who is hired and works the full season will receive $100 in camp trading post credit.
CAMP GUYASUTA - SHARPSBURG, PA.
Camp Guyasuta offers hourly positions from March through November with additional opportunities from June through August when STEM Day Camp runs. Available positions include asst. rangers, lifeguards, challenge course facilitators, program counselors, and jr. counselors. To learn more about Camp Guyasuta's available positions and to apply click the button below.
PHEAA STATE WORK STUDY PROGRAM.
Certain Pennsylvania college students may qualify for the Pennsylvania High Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) State Work Study Program. The State Work Study Program can be used to supplement your camp staff salary for the summer.
How does PHEAA STSP Work?
For program information, to find out if you qualify, and to get the application click here.
If you qualify, complete Section 1 of the application and either scan and email it to [email protected]ing.org or mail it to:
BSA Laurel Highlands Council
Attn: Camping Department
1275 Bedford Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Once received, the LHC Camping Department will complete Section 2 and submit the application to the state. If your application is approved by the state, you will be notified by mail. This notification will include the maximum amount that you may receive (not necessarily the amount you will receive which is dependent upon actual time worked)
HERITAGE RESERVATION CAMP STAFF ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.
The purpose of the Heritage Reservation Camp Staff Alumni Association is to provide a social environment to unite past camp staff of Laurel Highlands Council, BSA and maintain these connections well past the camp staff experience.
The HRSAA also encourages service to and promotion of the Laurel Highlands Council, BSA's camps and camping programs. The HRSAA does this through social and service events.
Become a Scout
Join our scouts and start your adventure today!
Navigate our toolkit.
Welcome to the Laurel Highlands Council Resources page. Here you will find recruitment tools and forms to make your recruitment season an easy, but a successful one! If you have questions about any of the tools or forms on this page, please contact your District Executive.
Council forms
Below is a list of forms that are specific to the Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council:
- Allegheny County Parks Foundation Eagle Scout Project Award Program
- Annual Health and Medical Record Parts ABC
- Annual Health and Medical Record Parts AB
- Beaver Service Patch
- BSA Specialty License Plate Application
- Council/District First Aid Log (pdf)
- Criminal Background Check & Additional Disclosures Authorization & Form
- District Award of Merit Nomination Form
- Eagle Scout Palm Application
- Eagle Scout Service Project Tracking Report
- Eagle Scout Legacy Walkway
- Family Cub Scout Pack Camping Site Approval Form
- Guide to Unit Money Earning Projects
- Historic Flag Request Form
- Incident Reporting
- Incident Report (Youth Protection/Membership)
- Learn How To Camp
- Learn How To Camp- Appendix
- LHC Event Expectations and Standards
- LHC Event Approval and Close Out Checklist
- LHC Event Budget and Backdater Template
- Materials Request
- Membership Assistance Form
- Merit Badge Counselor Agreement
- NCAP Site Appraisal Form
- NCAP Local Council Authorization and Assessment Declaration Form
- NCAP Short-Term Camp Planning Flowchart
- National Short-Term Camp Resource Page
- PA Forestry Conservation Award
- PA Fish and Boat Commission Conservation Award
- PA Game Commissioner Wildlife Conservation Award
- Pre-Camp Swim Classification
- Recommendation for Lifesaving or Meritorious Action Award
- Request for Alternative Rank Requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class
- Shooting Sports Resource Form
- Silver Beaver Nomination Form
- Social Media Guidelines (BSA)
- Unit Money-Earning Application
- Veterans Application
- World Conservation Award - Cub Scout
- World Conservation Award - Boy Scout
- 2022 NCAP Standards
- 2022 Short-Term Camp Standards at a Glance – Not available yet
Insurance Forms
CUB SCOUTS & RECRUITING
CUB SCOUT FAMILY GUIDE
WAYS FOR CUB SCOUTS TO MEET!
MEMBERSHIP PLANNING
RECRUITMENT IDEAS
RECRUITMENT VIDEOS
SCOUTS BSA & RECRUITING
EXPLORING & RECRUITING
RECRUITMENT IDEAS
VENTURING & RECRUITING
RECRUITMENT IDEAS
Popcorn
The Laurel Highlands Council and Trail's End thank all the units and Scout families that participate in the annual popcorn fundraiser. Your efforts help maintain our beautiful camps, fund Scout outreach programs, and send hundreds of Scouts to camp each year who would not be able to afford Scouting otherwise.
View Our calendar
Join us for a number of events throughout the year!