A Unique Opportunity for Older Scouts Nearing Eagle Scout

• Trying to figure out what you need to do to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout?
• Wonder about your motivation to become an Eagle Scout?
• Need some time to focus on your advancement requirements free of outside pressures while having fun with older Scouts at summer camp?

“Trail to Eagle” Camp at Hidden Valley June 17-23, 2012 will provide participants with opportunities in each of these areas.  Plus you gain valuable experience working with older Scouts from other troops who are similarly focused on earning the Eagle Scout rank.

“Trail to Eagle” is a week-long resident camp designed to help older Scouts working toward the Eagle Scout rank.  You form a Troop in camp with other like-minded Scouts led by experienced adult leaders provided by the council.  This program will not be a “merit badge factory” – counselors will be rigorously following all badge requirements.

“Trail to Eagle” Camp will also provide participants with guidance on Eagle service projects, and the process for properly completing the Eagle Scout Leadership Service Project workbook and Eagle Scout application, plus preparing for the Eagle Board of Review.

All Eagle-required merit badges will be offered during this special camp week, along with Climbing, Rifle Shooting, Archery, and Shotgun Shooting.  Participants will be responsible for completing all necessary merit badge pre-requisites (see below) before arriving at camp.

Important Pre-Requisites for “Trail to Eagle” Camp Merit Badges

The following  merit badge requirements MUST be completed at home prior to arrival at Hidden Valley and will not be covered at camp.  These requirements will be strictly enforced and will require Scouts do all listed pre-requisites prior to attending “Trail to Eagle” Camp.

• Camping – Provide own equipment for 7b, plus a note from your Scoutmaster that you have completed 9a, 9b, and 9c.
• Citizenship in the Community – 2a (bring a map of your town), 3a, 7a, 7b and 7c (bring Scoutmaster note that you have completed eight hours of community service).
• Citizenship in the Nation – 2, 3  and 6 (come prepared with the speech you will discuss), 8 (send letter to congressman, bring a copy to camp).
• Citizenship in the World – Read pages 1-25 in the merit badge booklet and be prepared to discuss 1-3 during the first class.  Complete 7 before coming to camp.
• Communications – 4, 5, if you choose 7b and 7c requires photos which you need to bring to camp or start the web page development to access from camp.  8 requires securing approval from your Troop’s Patrol Leaders’ Council.
• Cycling – All rides completed before camp, 8 and 9.
• Emergency Preparedness – 2c, 6c, 8a & 8c and First Aid merit badge, 9a and 9b (bring your plan to camp).
• Environmental Science – 3a-f and 4
• Family Life – 2, 3, 4 and 5.
• First Aid – 1, 2d bring your kit with you
• Hiking – All hikes done before camp, 5, 6 and 7.
• Lifesaving – 1a, you must already have Swimming Merit Badge.
• Personal Fitness – 6, 7, 8 complete  12-week plan.
• Personal Management – 1, 2, 8b, 8c  finish 13- week plan.
• Swimming – 3, be able to pass the swimmer’s test.

Here’s How To Sign Up

To Qualify: The week is limited to 150 Scouts, who have already completed First Class rank or higher and who will be at least 13 years old by June 1, 2012.  Interested Scouts should sign up early to ensure their space in the program.  Participants must also submit a fully-completed Annual Health and Medical Record.

To Register: Applications and Annual Health and Medical Record forms are available at both council service centers or can be downloaded at http://newbirthoffreedom.org/camps under the RESOURCES tab.

Cost: The “Trail to Eagle” camp fee is $305 per camper if paid on or before May 1, 2012.  The fee increases to $330 if paid after that date.  A non-refundable $100 deposit  is due at the time application is submitted.