Scouts at Work
Scouts at Work Camp
CAMP potomac, oldtown, maryland
SAVE THE DATE FOR 2027: July 11 to July 17
Scouts at Work Camp is not your traditional summer camp. This Scouts BSA resident camp program places a strong emphasis on immersive, hands-on opportunities for Scouts to experience various trade occupations, professional, and STEM careers. Scouts have an opportunity to learn from and work with professionals and experts from more than 20 different occupations and fields, including archaeology, aviation, railroading, law, digital technology, engineering, carpentry, welding, electrical installation, firefighting, robotics, photography, journalism, surveying, space exploration, and more. Scouts have an opportunity fly in a small plane, ride on a scenic railroad, weld metal, search for artifacts at an archaeological site, attend a session of circuit court, do electrical wiring, and build an engineering project, model rocket, or robot.
In addition to our trades and occupation programming, Scouts at Work Camp also features many traditional elements of our Scouts BSA camp, including campfires, trading post, Scoutcraft skill challenges, songs, games, competitions, and great food. Come join us for this truly unique experience of camp and careers!
Who Can Attend?
Any registered member of a Scouts BSA Troop, Venturing Crew, or Sea Scout Ship may participate in the program.
Since this camp does not take place unitl the summer of 2025, currently registered Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts who will have crossed over into a Troop prior to camp will be able to register.
Even if a Scout’s home unit is not planning to attend, individual Scouts may register provisionally and will participate with a group that includes required adult supervision.
Tentative Program Offerings
Because the focus of Scouts at Work Camp is to give Scouts real, hands-on experience in various trades and careers, groups will be kept small and will be instructed by professionals working in the field.Â
The number of badges or workshops Scouts will be able to participate in during the week will be limited to help Scouts take a deep dive into their chosen programs.
The number of badges or workshops Scouts will be able to participate in during the week will be limited to help Scouts take a deep dive into their chosen programs.
Program Offerings
Archaeology
Aviation
Carpentry
Chess (New for 2026)
Crime Prevention (New for 2026)
Digital Technology
Electricity
Engineering
Firefighting and Fire Safety (New for 2026)
Forestry
Horsemanship
Journalism (New for 2026)
Law
Military Career Exploration (New for 2026)
Photography (New for 2026)
Plumbing
Radio
Railroading
Robotics
Signs, Signals, and Codes (New for 2026)
Space Exploration (New for 2026)
Surveying (New for 2026)
Welding
More to Come – Please check back
Fee Schedule
2026 Deposit Requirements
A non-refundable deposit of $300 per unit is required to secure your spot for the 2026 Scouts at Work program. There is no per-Scout deposit. This deposit will count toward the overall program fee, and final payment must be made by the stated deadline to retain your unit’s reservation.
| Youth (Youth) | ||
| Â Â Early discount price | Â Â $475.00 | Â Â (ends Sun 02-01-2026 11:59 PM) |
| Â Â Regular price | Â Â $500.00 | |
| Â Â Late registration price | Â Â $525.00 | Â Â (starts Sun 05-01-2026 12:00 AM) |
| Early discount pricing is applied if paid in full by Tue 04-01-2025 11:59 PM | ||
| Late fee is applied if not paid in full by Sun 06-01-2025 12:00 AM | ||
| Adult (Adult) | ||
| Â Â Regular price | Â Â $300.00 | |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Scouts at Work only offered every other year?
A: Scouts at Work Camp is offered every other year so that we can give Scouts the very best experience. The kids are there and the program leaders are ready, but our core volunteer staff asked for this adjustment to keep the program strong and sustainable. This schedule makes it more achievable and ensures the quality of the camp stays high.
Q: What is the maximum number of campers being accepted to Scouts at Work Camp and why?
A. Scouts At Work is small camp experience. Only 120 total camper spots are available.
Q: Why are the acceptance numbers so low?
A. Due to the complexities and immersive nature of our Scouts at Work program areas, it is important to have small groups. Scouts will be hands-on, so safety is our top priority.
Q: Why is there only one week of Scouts at Work camp?
A: Our camp staff, merit badge counselors, and off-site experts are 100% volunteers who are donating their personal and professional time for this special camp program.
Q: How many leaders can register?
A: We strive to have many spots for our youth with our small numbers. We have an adult ratio that is different from most resident camps. Troops can register 2 adults per every 8 youth. Each unit is required to have a minimum two registered adults in camp. Leaders can trade off throughout the week as long as they have completed Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) and bring properly completed Scouting America Part A, B, and C medical forms.
Q: What are the sleeping arrangements and are tents provided?
A: Campsites will be assigned by unit size. Canvas will NOT be provided. Some are adirondack sites that do not require tents. Others are tent sites that will require your own tents.
Q: Will my youth earn merit badges?
A: Yes, most of our programs are associated with merit badges; however, some are hands-on workshops that do not directly associate with a merit badge. Some program components will be offsite. Transportation will be provided in our vans. Several merit badges require Scouts to complete prerequisite requirements before coming to camp. This information will be provided in the Leader’s Guide.
Q: Will Vehicles be allowed in Camp?
A: Once the initial unload on arrival day is complete all vehicles must be parked in the parking lot. The gate will be closed throughout the week.
Q: Will Scouts at Work sell out fast?
A: We are expected to completely sell out by February 2026.
Q: Will there be a Trading Post?
A: Yes, the trading post will be open daily. The trading post will carry drinks, snacks, some camping supplies, and branded merchandise.
Q: Is swimming available at the lake?
A: No, swimming is not a component of Scouts at Work. However, the lake will be open for fishing. Friendship Lake is known for its large citation size fish caught regularly.
Q: My unit is not attending, but my Scout wants to attend.
A: Scouts do not need to attend with their troops. If your Scout wants to attend, we will be developing a provisional troop if there is enough interest. If you need this option, please contact the Staff Advisor or Camp Director.
Q: How will the Scouts sign up for what program they would like and is it guaranteed?
A: A designated leader for the unit will register each Scout online and sign them up for merit badges and programs in advance. We will make every attempt to place Scouts in their choice of programs; however, this is not guaranteed.
Q: Is there a minimum age requirement?
A: Some programs like carpentry have minimum age requirements. More details will be available in the Leader’s Guide.
Q: Is there a first-year camper program?
A: No.
Q: Will there be any additional paperwork required?
A: Some programs like Aviation and Horsemanship require liability waivers to be signed by a parent or guardian. These waivers will be provided in the Leader’s Guide and must be signed and submitted by the published due dates.
Q: Can I schedule a unit presentation about Scouts at Work camp or talk to someone about the program? A: Yes, you can contact Staff Advisor Andy Mackert at andy.mackert@scouting.org or Camp Director Janice Moore at janice.moore280@gmail.com.
