The summer camp program at WSR has been in existence since 1941!  The staff provide a well rounded program for all scouts, regardless of age or experience.  The program receives enormous praise from both scouts and leaders, as well as national inspection teams.  Most importantly, the staff are dedicated to making sure everyone has FUN, while learning something new along the way.

The Program Areas  

The program areas at Winnebago are first class, run by directors who have a wealth of experience both working on camp staff, and in their particular area. Scouts earn their merit badges. THERE ARE NO GIVE AWAYS! Merit Badges in italics are Eagle required.

View the DAILY MERIT BADGE SCHEDULE

AQUATICS

Our waterfront is one of the most beautiful around.  It offers traditional swimming and boating activities as well as numerous other programs.  Small craft available include row boats, canoes, sail boats, paddle boats, funyaks, and sail boards.  Courses in Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat are available for adult leaders.  The staff also offer BSA Lifeguard training, 7AM Polar Bear Swim, and the preparation and completion of the Mile Swim.

Merit Badges:  Swimming, Lifesaving, Rowing, Canoeing, Small Boat Sailing

*BSA Lifeguard is a very long course, and requires extensive pre-camp work. Anyone interested in this certification (youth and adult alike) should obtain an application at the Council Service Center or at www.scouting.org/forms/34435.pdf as soon as possible and review the requirements. CPR certification will, most likely, not be offered during camp. Prerequisites: 14+ years old, have First Aid merit badge or certification, current CPR certification and Rowing and Lifesaving merit badges, or equivalent.

**Mile Swim, BSA is a 5-day program.

 

DAN BEARD

Dan Beard is our new scout program.  It is designed for those scouts who have not yet reached First Class rank.  Sessions run both in the morning and afternoon.  Dozens of requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class can be completed at Dan Beard.  Scouts can earn their Totin' Chip cards at Dan Beard.  The scouts will also be introduced to merit badges such as First Aid.

All Dan Beard scouts also have the opportunity to go on an overnight outpost to the south end of camp to gain more useful camping and cooking skills.

Note:  The Dan Beard staff cannot sign the scouts' Handbooks, but will provide the troop leadership with a list of all the requirements that were taught during the week.  The troop leaders should review the requirements with the scouts, and when satisfied they have completed them, sign the scouts' handbooks.

ECOLOGY

The Ecology/Conservation area at WSR is a fabulous facility.  The area includes a turtle pen, large fish pond, and nearly a dozen tanks and aquariums which house various creatures found at camp.  Beneath the nature lodge is a 30' long fishing dock on Durham Pond.  WSR also maintains a relationship with the Morris Museum, and every year dozens of boxed exhibits and teaching materials are borrowed and on display in the Ecology Area.  Besides an wealth of merit badges, the area offers a Fish Fry, Mud Hike, Nature Trivia Contest, nightly stargazing, plus other demonstrations available upon request. 

Merit Badges:  Environmental Science, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Soil and Water Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Management, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Nature, Astronomy, Energy, Oceanography, Space Exploration, Bird Study, Insect Study, Forestry, Geology, Mammal Study, Weather

FIELD SPORTS

The Field Sports Area is one of the most popular areas in camp.  The area has a large amount of sports equipment that can be borrowed by scouts free of charge.  The field sports staff regularly organize games on the parade field including soccer, football, dodgeball, frisbee, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes and more!  The area also has a supply of mountain bikes that can be used by scouts.  Treks of 5, 10, and 20 miles will be organized throughout the week based on interest level.  Helmets are required at all times (we have a limited supply to loan out) and scouts are encouraged to bring their own bikes to camp! 

New for 2007 - Try out the new CHALLENGE COURSE including rope swing and cargo net!

Merit Badges:  Cycling, Personal Fitness, Athletics, Sports, Music

HANDICRAFT

The Handicraft area is where scouts can go to make things with their hands.  We have a large, spacious work area with a variety of tools, paints, and other materials for scouts to use.  Handicraft is where troops can make their Troop Plaques, a commemoration of their week at camp that will be hung in the Dining Hall.  This is a long standing tradition at Winnebago and hundreds of plaques currently line the walls and ceiling of our Dining Hall.  Scouts are encourages to come to Handicraft during their free time to work on a project or take one of our merit badge sessions.

Merit Badges:  Basketry, Woodcarving, Leatherwork, Metalwork, Indian Lore, Fingerprinting, Model Design and Building, Art

**Basketry, Woodcarving, and Leatherwork merit badges require scouts to purchase kits from the trading post.  Specific prices will be included in the Leader's Guide.

HANDICRAFT RENOVATION UPDATE - The Handicraft Lodge has undergone a major renovation project for 2007 and is now complete! Come see it for yourself!

SCOUTCRAFT

Scoutcraft is our outdoor skills area.  Scouts can learn knife and axe safety, how to tie basic and advanced knots, plus map and compass skills and more!  The area offers a variety of merit badges plus other activities such as pioneering projects, knot tying competitions, cooking demonstrations, and orienteering/GPS courses.

OUTPOST: Our outpost department offers various treks to the south end of camp, our own fronteir camp on the other side of the lake, Split Rock Resevoir, and breathtaking Indian Cliffs! Treks can easily be customized based on your troops own schedule and ambitions.

Merit Badges: Camping, Hiking, Emergency Preparedness, Cooking, Wilderness Survival, Orienteering, Pioneering

SHOOTING SPORTS

Winnebago operates 3 shooting sports ranges including Archery, Rifle, and Shotgun.  Merit badge sessions are offered in each area.  Each range also holds daily open shooting plus a variety of other activities such as Action Archery, Old Man of the Mountain competition (for adult leaders), Black Powder/Muzzleloader demonstration, "Card Cutting" at the Rifle Range and the SPL Briar Patch Shotgun Challenge.  Scouts can also work on their NRA Marksmen classifications at the Rifle Range. The respective patches, pins, and medals are available once the requirements have been completed. Troop or patrol shoots are always available. See the appropriate area director if interested.

Merit Badges: Archery, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting