FAQs

Summer Camp FAQs.

The number one place for you to find the answers to many of your camp questions is in the current guidebook for the camp you are attending – Camps Independence, Liberty, and Freedom.

The Summer Camp page includes the link to these guidebooks as well as links to many of the forms referenced below under the “Summer Camp Supplies” section.

For questions that cannot be answered by the camp guidebook or in the list below, please contact the LHC Camping Department at 412-325-7921.

Registration.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE REGISTRATION SYSTEM?

The scoutingevent.com/247scouting.com online reservation platform was chosen over our previous platform, Doubleknot, because it is much more intuitive and easier to use.  That said, short tutorials are being prepared and will be added to lhcscouting.org/camping as soon as they are completed. Brief training will be offered at our pre-camp leader meetings in February. Otherwise, you are welcome to contact the LHC Camping Department at (412) 325-7921 for assistance. Several tutorials can be found on the Summer Camp page under the “Camp Supplies” section.

Summer Camp Registration System (Scoutingevent.com) Tutorials

WHEN IS THE REGISTRATION CUT-OFF?

We endeavor to support every Scout in attending camp. Late additions can be made to the unit roster up until one week prior to camp pending availability. See the Finance section below for information related to payment due dates.

CAN I REGISTER AFTER MY UNIT HAS PAID FOR CAMP?

We endeavor to support every Scout in attending camp. Late additions can be made to the unit roster up until one week prior to camp pending availability.

WHAT IF AN ADULT CAN’T ATTEND THE ENTIRE CAMP SESSION?

This is very common. We often see unit adults split weeks. For example, we see one adult come Sunday to Wednesday and another come Wednesday to Saturday.  Our new registration is set up with a “Part-Time Adult” registration option which will figure out prorated fees automatically when you register adults for the days they will be in camp.  If help is needed, contact the LHC Camping Department at 412-325-7921 and we can help you with the reservation.  Adult leadership is an important part of the Scout camp experience.  We will work with you to get your adults registered for camp.

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE ONLY HAVE ONE ADULT ABLE TO ATTEND CAMP?

From the Guide to Safe Scouting: Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth. Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age- and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.  

All adults accompanying a Scouting unit who are present at the activity for 72 total hours or more must be registered as leaders. The 72 hours need not be consecutive.  

In addition, for Cub/Webelos Scout programs, the BSA National Camping Standards require a ratio of at least one adult to four Scouts and every Cub/Webelos Scout must have an identified adult who is responsible for them. This adult need not be a parent/guardian as long as the adult knowingly takes responsibility for the other Scout prior to attending camp.  

If your unit will not be able to meet these adult leader requirements, please contact the LHC Camping Department at 412-325-7921 as soon as possible so we can either help connect you with another unit to share leadership or recruit an additional provisional leader for your unit.

CAN I ATTEND AT A DIFFERENT TIME THAN THE REST OF MY UNIT?

Absolutely. For Cub Scout programs, individual parent/Scout teams or parts of units may register for the session that best fits their schedule pending availability. Provisional opportunities for individual Cub/Webelos Scouts cannot be accommodated. For Scouts BSA and Venturing programs, individual Scouts or Venturers can join a provisional unit as a lone Scout. Give the LHC Camping Department a call at 412-325-7921 and we can help connect provisional campers with host units. For accurate reporting purposes, we ask that provisional attendees set up their own camp registration and are not included in the registration of a host unit. The LHC Camping Department can assist with this by calling 412-325-7921.

CAN LINKED MALE AND FEMALE SCOUTS BSA UNITS JUST REGISTER AS ONE BIG UNIT FOR CAMP?

No. Although linked and possibly sharing leadership, male and female Scouts BSA units are separate units. Separate registrations will need to be set up for each unit and both will need to pay the registration deposit. Linked units will be able to share a campsite if they wish pending space availability. It will be the responsibility of unit leadership to ensure youth protection guidelines are enforced within the campsite and behavior is monitored.  If both units will be sharing leadership, please list half of the adults on each registration so that adults are not double registered for camp.

CAN I SEE CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY ANYWHERE?

Yes. Campsite availability camp can be seen by looking at the Campsite Matrix found on the registration page of the camp you are interested in attending.

IF MY UNIT IS CAMPING AT CAMP LIBERTY OR FREEDOM AND WE HAVE SCOUTS THAT WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN DAY TREK, WILL WE HAVE TO MAKE A SEPARATE REGISTRATION FOR THEM LIKE PREVIOUS YEARS SO THEY CAN REGISTER FOR ACTIVITIES?

No. Due to a new feature in our registration system, it should no longer be necessary to set up a second registration for Day Trek participants for them to be able to select activities.  More information will be shared closer to the activity sign up date.

Administrative.

DO ADULTS WHO ATTEND CAMP NEED TO COMPLETE PA BACKGROUND CLEARANCES?

Yes. All adult PA residents who will be staying at camp overnight, whether registered with the BSA or not, will have to complete and submit required PA background clearances and the BSA’s Youth Protection Training. Please attach copies of clearance forms and youth protection training completion certificates to adult medical forms for check-in. This helps ensure that camp is in compliance with Pennsylvania law and helps ensure the highest level of protection for youth participants. Parents simply dropping off or picking up their children or visiting do not need clearances. Any adult who is not able to provide these clearances by 8:00 p.m. on check-in day will be asked to leave.

Volunteers from outside of Pennsylvania are exempt provided they do not work with youth in PA more than 30 days in the calendar year and meet background check requirements of their state of residence. All adults accompanying a Scouting unit who are present at the activity for 72 total hours or more must be registered as leaders. The 72 hours need not be consecutive.  

LHC camp background check policies and forms can be found at Summer Camp Page.

WHAT TRAINING DO ADULTS NEED TO HAVE TO GO TO CAMP?

All adults attending camp, regardless of BSA registration status, must complete the BSA’s Youth Protection Training and have current training through the entire term of attendance.  In addition, all registered adults must meet current training requirements for their position. This may vary depending upon the council in which they are registered. Youth protection training is available at my.scouting.org.

DO PARENTS/ADULTS HAVE TO BE REGISTERED SCOUTING AMERICA LEADERS TO ATTEND CAMP?

All adults accompanying a Scouting unit who are present at the activity for 72 total hours or more must be registered as leaders. The 72 hours need not be consecutive. Depending upon the council in which the individual is registered or the state in which they reside, there may be additional registration requirements such as training or background clearances. 

Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting activities, including meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female youth. Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age- and program-appropriate supervision must always be provided.

WHAT ARE THE PROCEDURES FOR PROBLEMS/EMERGENCIES?

Safety is everyone’s primary concern at all times during camp. Our staff leaders are trained at National Camping School in how to deal with problems and emergencies and extensive emergency procedures have been developed for each camp in coordination with emergency officials. The entire camp staff trains for possible emergencies during staff training. We also work closely with local authorities and emergency services as needed. If you become aware of an emergency while in camp, immediately report it to the nearest staff member and follow their directions.  Please do not directly call emergency response. Please follow all camp staff directions promptly and without question.

WHAT IF OUR UNIT DOES NOT FILL/OVERFLOWS THE CAMPSITE WE HAVE CHOSEN?

We understand that many units have a favorite campsite.  Campsite capacities are determined based on location, available equipment, an impact on the environment among other things.  It is important that we follow the set site capacities.  If a unit does not completely fill their chosen site, it must be understood that another unit may be placed in the same campsite so as many Scouts are given a camp opportunity as possible.  If a unit overflows their chosen campsite, they may be reassigned to a campsite that will fit their numbers, may have a portion of their unit moved into a nearby site with space, or, may have to provide their own camping equipment to set up additional tents in their chosen site.

DOES EVERY CUB/WEBELOS SCOUT HAVE TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY ONE OF THEIR PARENTS/GUARDIANS?

Cub Scouting is a family program and it is always encouraged that Scouts and a parent/guardian come together and participate together to make lifetime memories.  That said, it is not required that every Cub/Webelos Scout is accompanied by their own parent/guardian.  As long as two-deep leadership and the one adult to four Scout ratio is met, another adult attending can assume responsibility for a Scout whose parent/guardian can not attend.  This must be coordinated prior to camp.  Scouts cannot simply be dropped off at camp.

WE HAVE ADULTS WHO MAY NEED TO STAY IN CONTACT WITH HOME/WORK. IS THERE CELL COVERAGE AND/OR INTERNET ACCESS AVAILABLE AT CAMP?

It is very common that we have adults attend camp who may need to be available to take care of home or work commitments.  At Heritage Reservation, cellular service depends on the specific camp.  At Camp Independence, cellular service is very poor.  Service is generally pretty good in Camp Liberty and Camp Freedom with AT&T tending to be a bit better than Verizon.  Internet access is available for adults at each camp’s Program Hall while open and  in the central administration Keystone Building from 8:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Medical / Insurance.

WHAT KIND OF MEDICAL FORM DO I NEED FOR EACH SESSION?

All campers must utilize the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record and LHC Supplemental Medical form both available on the Summer Camp page. All campers staying in  Camp Liberty, Camp Freedom, and Eagle Base must complete the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record parts A, B, and C plus the Supplemental form. This requires a doctor’s examination within 12 months of attendance.

At Camp Independence’s Cub Scout program, campers staying 72 hours or less must complete the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record parts A and B plus the Supplemental form.  Campers staying more than 72 hours (Camp Independence Webelos 4 day programs) must complete the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record parts A, B, and C and Supplemental form.

DO ADULTS NEED TO HAVE A MEDICAL FORM?

Yes.

HOW LONG ARE BSA ANNUAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RECORDS GOOD FOR?

BSA Annual Health and Medical Records must be updated annually.  Parts A and B should be reviewed and updated as needed.  Part C, which requires a doctor’s physical, is good for one year through the end of the month from when the form is dated.  As an example, if a physical was conducted and the form signed by your health care provider on May 10, 2019, it is valid until May 31, 2020.

CAN WE USE A DIFFERENT FORM FROM THE BSA ANNUAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RECORD?

No. Our medical staff deals with hundreds of BSA Annual Health and Medical Record forms each summer and know them very, very well.  In the event of an emergency, it is important that they be able to find the information they need as quickly as possible and not have to search for it on a form they are not familiar with.

IF A PARENT/LEADER IS ONLY COMING OVERNIGHT, DO THEY NEED TO BRING A MEDICAL?

Yes.  All overnight campers are required to have a BSA Annual Health and Medical Record on file with the camp. The form required is the same as for those attending the full camp session and must be turned in when the individual checks into camp.

WHAT IF A FAMILY HAS CHOSEN NOT TO HAVE THEIR CHILD IMMUNIZED, INCLUDING TETANUS WHICH IS REQUIRED BY THE BSA?

The family will need to complete the BSA’s Immunization Exemption form and attach it to the individual’s Annual Health and Medical Record. The Immunization Exemption form is available on the Summer Camp Page.

WHAT IF A FAMILY DOES NOT BELIEVE IN THE USE OF DOCTORS? HOW CAN THEY COMPLETE THE ANNUAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RECORD?

The family would need to complete Parts A & B of the Annual Health and Medical Record. They would also need to complete and attach the BSA’s Medical Care Exemption Request form which is available on the Summer Camp Page

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BSA HEALTH AND MEDICAL RECORD?

The BSA has a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Health and Medical Record available here.

I HAVE A SPECIAL DIETARY REQUEST/NECESSITY, HOW CAN THAT BE ACCOMMODATED?

The Laurel Highlands Council is committed to accommodating reasonable requests.  To do this, we must know about any special diet requests at least two weeks ahead of camp attendance. There is an online form linked on the Summer Camp  Page to submit these requests. Our food service staff will follow up with each case to discuss specific needs. We will do everything we can to meet your health needs. In extreme cases, it may be necessary for you to provide your own food. Due to the large volume of campers, we cannot accommodate requests that are not due to health issues or religious requirements. Our food service staff has plans developed each year to address the most common special diet requests we receive such as gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian. It is also important for individuals who request special diets to personally identify themselves to the food service staff as part of the check-in process so the staff can properly connect requests with requestors.

WHAT ARE THE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR CAMP?

All camp attendees should be covered by Scouting’s sickness and accident insurance. Scouts, Scouters, and parents in Laurel Highlands Council units are covered by the council’s sickness and accident insurance and information will already be on-site at camp. Units from outside of Laurel Highlands Council should bring with them a copy of their council or unit’s sickness and accident insurance policy and claim form.  

Finance.

WHAT DOES THE CAMP FEE COVER? ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL FEES?

Camp fees cover all basic program supplies, meals, lodging, recognition items, staffing, and facility costs.  Eagle Base Day Trek programs are an additional $20 per day.

IF I CAN ONLY ATTEND FOR A PARTIAL SESSION, WHAT IS THE COST?

All youth fees are based on attending for the full session. Parents and leaders should share weeks to fill that space all week. Our new registration is set up with a “Part Time Adult” registration option which will figure out prorated fees automatically when you register adults for the days they will be in camp. If you have further questions, please contact the LHC Camping Department at 412-325-7921.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A CAMPERSHIP? WHEN WILL WE FIND OUT IF WE RECEIVED ONE? CAN THAT FEE BE TRANSFERRED TO SOMEONE ELSE? HOW MUCH WILL MY CAMPERSHIP BE?

Campership application forms are available online on the  Summer Camp Page. Applications are due by MARCH 1. Awards will be announced by the end of March. Camperships are not transferable and are dependent upon the available funds, the number of qualified applicants, and the length of stay. Camperships are awarded upon merit. Campership amounts are determined by a volunteer committee. From 2016-2021 almost all campership applicants received some amount of campership assistance.  This is not guaranteed. 

To aid in crediting campership awards to camp attendees, campership applicants should be entered into unit camp reservations by March 1.

You can also access the form by Clicking Here.

WHEN ARE CAMP FEES DUE?

Camp fees must be paid in full no later than two weeks prior to camp attendance.  To receive the lowest “Early Bird” rate, fees must be paid in full by April 1.  If paid in full between April 2 and June 1 you will pay the second tier “Regular” rate.  If paid in full June 2 or after you will pay the third tier “Late” rate. For camp fee, due date, and available discount information go to the Summer Camp Page.

DO WE STILL GET FREE ADULTS AND/OR DEN CHIEFS?

Yes. For every eight Scouts that you bring to Camp Liberty or Camp Freedom you will earn one free adult. For every eight Cub/Webelos Scouts you bring to Camp Independence during the same camp session you will earn one free adult. Each unit registration for Cub/Webelos camp entitles you to one free youth Den Chief. Free adults and den chiefs are calculated per unit per session. For camp fee, due date, and available discount information go to the Summer Camp Page.

ARE ADVANCEMENTS EARNED AT CAMP INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF CAMP?

Program materials to meet advancement requirements are included in the camp fee. Some of the actual awards can be purchased in our camp trading posts and all can be purchased at your local Scout Shop.

CAN I GET A DISCOUNT IF I AM GOING TO MORE THAN ONE CAMP SESSION?

Yes. LHC offers a 25% discount for individuals attending multiple camp sessions at LHC summer resident camps. This applies to youth and adult camp fees. Day camp, NYLT, or national high adventure base attendance does not qualify. For camp fee, due date, and available discount information go to the Summer Camp Page.

WHY ARE DAY TREK COSTS HIGHER? WHY DO DAY TREK ADULTS PAY THE BSAME AS YOUTH?

Day Trek programs are coordinated with partner vendors who have set costs for their programs. Higher fees account for the program costs charged by these vendors. If an adult is recruited to Eagle Base staff to help meet two-deep leadership requirements for activities, that adult will not be charged for activity participation. Adults in addition to those needed to meet minimum leadership requirements do have to pay to participate in Day Trek activities.

Program.

DO ADULTS HAVE TO COMPLETE A CAMP SWIM TEST?

YES. Any and all campers, youth and adults, who wish to participate in any aquatics program while at camp must complete a swim test. Swim tests can be completed prior to camp or can be completed as part of check-in on arrival day at camp.

HOW DO I TAKE A PRE-CAMP SWIM TEST?

Pre-camp swim tests can usually be arranged at your local pool. Please follow the guidelines found on the Pre-Camp Swim Check form located on the Summer Camp page. Bring the form with you when you check in on arrival day and turn it in at the aquatics area. This is encouraged as it will save your unit valuable time during check-in. Our camp aquatics staff reserve the right to retest any individual if they have any concerns about their swimming ability.

WHEN WILL MERIT BADGE AND ACTIVITY SIGN-UPS BEGIN FOR THE SCOUTS, BSA PROGRAMS?

Merit badge, special activity, and Eagle Base activity sign-ups will open at 6:00 a.m. on April 15th. Sign-up is first come, first served.  Some badges and activities fill extremely quickly. We encourage you to be prepared ahead of time with a list of what each Scout wants to take and backups.  Forms to help you collect this information can be found on the Summer Camp page Directions are also available on that page.

WHAT DO WE DO IF A SCOUT RECEIVES A “PARTIAL” ON ONE OF THEIR CAMP MERIT BADGES? CAN WE CONTACT THE SUMMER CAMP COUNSELOR TO COMPLETE THE BADGE?

First of all, keep in mind that receiving a “partial” is not a failure on the part of the Scout. It just means that they have a bit more to do. “Partials” are good until a Scout turns 18. Please remind Scouts and parents of this.  Following the camp session, Scouts who receive “partials” should work with their unit leader to locate a local merit badge counselor with whom the Scout (and a buddy) can complete the badge. Districts and councils keep lists of approved merit badge counselors and there tend to be more counselors for summer camp and Eagle required badges than any other badges. Many of our summer camp merit badge counselors and instructors only serve in these positions during the summer camp season and many are away at college the rest of the year. Due to this, LHC does not give out contact information for summer camp merit badge counselors/instructors.

I BELIEVE ONE OF MY SCOUTS COMPLETED A BADGE WHILE AT CAMP, BUT THE CARD WAS NOT SIGNED OFF, WHAT DO WE DO?

Contact the LHC Camping Department at 412-325-7921 and we will look through the records kept during camp. The LHC Camping Department will follow the records, meaning that if a badge is not marked as complete in the camp records, we will not sign off on it after camp. In this case, a Scout will need to work with their unit leadership to locate a local merit badge counselor with whom to complete the badge.  

WE LOST A SUMMER CAMP MERIT BADGE BLUE CARD. WHAT DO WE DO?

Completed requirements will be recorded online and unit leaders can access those records through their summer camp registration.  Replacement blue cards can be printed directly from the registration system. If you are unable to access your registration, contact the LHC Camping Department at 412-325-7921 and we will look through the records kept during camp. The LHC Camping Department will follow the records, meaning that if a badge is not marked as complete in the camp records, we will not sign off on it after camp. Based on the available records, the LHC Camping Department will prepare a replacement blue card and mail it to you.  Current records are only available back to 2015.

MUST SCOUTS HAVE A CURRENT CPR CERTIFICATION TO MEET CPR RELATED BADGE REQUIREMENTS?

Unless a requirement specifically says that a Scout must be certified, the short answer is no, they do not have to have a current CPR certification. If a Scout is currently certified, however, and can share their current card (or a roster from the instructor clearly listing their completion status), it takes care of the CPR requirements for those badges with CPR requirements and the Scout will not have to participate in the CPR session when it is offered.

For 2021, there was an update to the language for requirement 16b of Lifesaving Merit Badge to say that a Scout must “demonstrate CPR knowledge and skills…under the guidance of a current CPR/AED instructor trained by a nationally certified provider.” So far the other badges do not include that language of it having to be with a “current CPR/AED instructor trained by a nationally certified provider.” Due to this language change, if an instructor who meets this specific requirement is not available, we will be able to review CPR basics with the Scouts but not sign off on requirement 16b of Lifesaving Merit Badge.

BSA Lifeguard Candidates must “show evidence of current training in American Red Cross First Aid and American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional rescuer or equivalent” before they can be certified as a BSA lifeguard and receive their certification card.

WILL CUB AND WEBELOS SCOUT PROGRAMS INCLUDE ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES?

Yes. Where possible we build completion of Adventure requirements into camp activities.  Entire adventures, however, may not be completed while at camp. Information on requirements covered will be provided to an adult in each group during check out.

Meals.

CAN WE REVIEW THE CAMP MENUS BEFORE ARRIVING AT CAMP?

Yes.  As soon as menus are available, they will be posted on the Summer Camp page. For various reasons, sometimes planned meals are changed.  Current menus will be posted at camp.  Menus are approved by a registered dietician annually.

WHO PREPARES THE FOOD? DO YOU HAVE A FOOD SERVICE MANAGEMENT COMPANY?

The Laurel Highlands Council does employ a Food Service Management Company due to the large scale of the food service operation at Heritage Reservation. Beginning in 2021, Aramark will serve as our summer food service vendor.

WHAT IF MY SCOUT/I DO NOT LIKE WHAT IS ON THE MENU?

Due to the large number of individuals being served at camp, it is extremely difficult to offer a number of different options at each meal.  Substitutions will only be made for those with documented medical needs who make a special diet request at least two weeks prior to attendance. Fruit and materials to make SunButter and Jelly sandwiches will be available at all meals.  Cereal will be available at breakfast.  Additional options will be available through the camp trading posts.

I HAVE A SPECIAL DIETARY REQUEST/NECESSITY, HOW CAN THAT BE ACCOMMODATED?

The Laurel Highlands Council is committed to accommodating reasonable requests.  To do this, we must know about any special diet requests at least two weeks ahead of camp attendance. There is an online form linked on the Summer Camp page to submit these requests. Our food service staff will follow up with each case to discuss specific needs. We will do everything we can to meet your health needs. In extreme cases, it may be necessary for you to provide your own food. Due to the large volume of campers, we cannot accommodate requests that are not due to health issues or religious requirements. Our food service staff has plans developed each year to address the most common special diet requests we receive such as gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian. It is also important for individuals who request special diets to personally identify themselves to the food service staff as part of the check-in process so the staff can properly connect requests with requestors.

WHAT IS SUNBUTTER? WHY NOT PEANUT BUTTER?

In 2016, all peanut and tree nut products were eliminated from the dining facilities and meal plans at Heritage Reservation for camper safety. Some allergies can be extreme and this was done to keep everyone safe.  Sun Butter is a safe, sunflower seed based alternative that looks, smells, and tastes almost exactly like peanut butter.  Please do not bring any products that include peanuts or tree nuts into our dining facilities at Heritage Reservation.

Camp trading posts may contain products that do contain peanuts or other allergens.

HOW WILL MEALS BE SERVED?

Meals are served differently depending on which camp you attend.  At Camp Independence, meals are served cafeteria style in a dining hall.  At Camp Freedom, meals will be served family style in the camp dining hall.  At Camp Liberty, campers will pick up their food from the camp commissary and cook it themselves, patrol style in their campsite.

EAGLE BASE DAY TREK – SCOUTS, BSA & VENTURER HIGH ADVENTURE.

WHAT IS EAGLE BASE?

Eagle Base is the high adventure program at Heritage Reservation.  Beginning in 2020, there will no longer be a stand alone resident camper option for Eagle Base. All individuals/units interested in participating in Eagle Base programing will need to register through Camp Liberty or Camp Freedom and select the Day Trek option.  Day Trek participants register with their unit in Camp Liberty and Freedom, sleep and eat with the unit in that camp, and participate in on and off-reservation high adventure activities during the day.  Various options for evening older Scout programs will also be available.

WHERE CAN I GET A DETAILED SCHEDULE OF THE ACTIVITIES OFFERED?

A full schedule of activities offered through Eagle Base can be found in the current camp guidebook available on the Summer Camp page.

IS THERE SOMETHING WE SHOULD DO IN PREPARATION FOR OUR EAGLE BASE ADVENTURE?

Yes. Eagle Base programs are high adventure in nature and are physically demanding.  Make sure all participants from your group are in good physical shape, meet the height and weight guidelines found in the current camp guidebook, and come prepared with any required personal items and waivers listed in the current camp guidebook. Additional preparation information can be found in the current camp guidebook available on the Summer Camp page.

CAN WE STILL PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAMS AT CAMP LIBERTY AND FREEDOM?

Day time Eagle Base/Day Trek programs are separate and most times off-site from Camps Liberty and Freedom. Day Trek participants will generally be out of camp from just after breakfast until just before dinner and then will be able to participate in Camp Liberty or Freedom’s evening programs with their home troops or in scheduled older Scout programs.

Beginning in 2022, Scouts aged 13 and over will have the option to mix and match Day Trek activities and merit badges based on the new block schedule program format.

WHERE DO WE SLEEP AND EAT?

Beginning in 2020, all Eagle Base/Day Trek participants will camp and eat in Camp Liberty or Camp Freedom. There will no longer be a separate Eagle Base resident camper option.

ARE THERE ANY AGE OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HIGH ADVENTURES?

Yes, participants must be 13 years old and a registered Venturer or Scouts, BSA member. Also, participants must be able to complete the BSA Swimmer Test. Experience in boating is encouraged. Other activity specific requirements can be found in the current camp leader guide available on the Summer Camp page.

ARE THERE SEPARATED ACCOMMODATIONS FOR MALE AND FEMALE LEADERS?

Following the BSA’s youth protection guidelines, adults must sleep in separate tents from youth. Males will sleep in separate tents from females. Outside of the Cub Scout program, adults and youth are not permitted to share tents.

CAN OUR UNIT TAKE ALL THE SPOTS IN A GIVEN WEEK?

Yes, pending availability and meeting adult leadership requirements.

I’M AN ADULT LEADER WITH SCOUTS PARTICIPATING IN DAY TREK. CAN I TAG ALONG?

Yes. Adults wishing to participate with their Day Trek participants will be allowed to do so and will be charged by the day for participation. If an adult wants to participate just in one day, they will be charged the balance due for that day’s activities. Activity and transportation space is limited, and youth are always given preference.

At times, adults may need to be recruited by Eagle Base staff to ensure two-deep leadership requirements are met on treks. In this case, adults recruited to meet minimum leadership requirements will not be charged to participate.

IF MY UNIT IS CAMPING AT CAMP LIBERTY OR FREEDOM AND WE HAVE SCOUTS THAT WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN DAY TREK, WILL WE HAVE TO MAKE A SEPARATE REGISTRATION FOR THEM LIKE PREVIOUS YEARS SO THEY CAN REGISTER FOR ACTIVITIES?

No. Due to a new feature in our registration system, it should no longer be necessary to set up a second registration for Day Trek participants for them to be able to select activities.  More information will be shared closer to the activity sign up date.

CAMP LIBERTY AND CAMP FREEDOM – SCOUTS, BSA RESIDENT CAMP.

HOW WILL THE NEW BLOCK SCHEDULE WORK?

Based on feedback from 2021 summer participants, the block schedule for 2022 is being updated and revised. Once available, the schedule will be posted to the Summer Camp page.

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