“Shadows of 1864” Camporee

Planning is in full swing for the “Shadows of 1864” Civil War-themed council-wide camporee, scheduled for September 26-28, 2025, just a quarter mile from the historic Gettysburg battlefield.

We’re excited to share key details to help your units prepare for this unforgettable experience:

• Registration is open in Tentaroo.  Full payment will be required for each anticipated participant when registering for the event.
• To accommodate new Scouts recruited in August and September who want to attend the event, we’ve modified registration and payment deadlines as follows:
  • Early Registration (through September 5, 2025) – Full-weekend campers may register at the discounted rate of $40 per person.
    • Day-only registration remains $20 per person.
  • Extended Registration (September 6–12, 2025) – Full-weekend camper registration will remain open during this period at the increased rate of $50 per person.
    • Day-only registration continues at $20 per person.
  • Weekend Camping Registration Closes September 13 – After this date, no additional weekend camping registrations will be accepted.
  • Day Registration Availability – Day-only registration will remain open in Tentaroo at $20 per person until Wednesday, September 24, 2025 (end of day).
  • Walk-In Day Registrations – Walk-in day registrations will be accepted at the event for $20 per person on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
• Fees: Full-weekend participants (youth and adults) can register for $40, while Saturday-only participants can register for $20. All participants will receive an event patch, and Scouts will be provided with a kepi (a military-style cap) to wear during the event.
• Staff Volunteers: A $20 registration fee will cover food costs.  Adult volunteers interested in serving on the event staff can register online.
• Camping:  Our event will occur at the historic Schroeder Farm, featuring a landmark barn built in 1860, three years before the Battle of Gettysburg. Scouting units will camp on-site in a designated Jamboree-style camping area. Separate camping areas will be allocated for Scouts BSA and Family Camping.
• Programs: Separate, age-appropriate activities will be available for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA, ensuring a meaningful experience for all.
• Mock Rifles: Scouts need a mock Springfield rifle for an authentic experience. Pre-cut wood replicas (5′ long) will be available for $10.  3′ long pre-cut wood replicas (intended for Cub Scout use) will be available for $8. All orders for pre-cut wood replicas must be received by July 1, 2025. Templates and instructions for those who wish to make their own from scratch are available below:
  • 3′ replica template
  • 5′ replica template
• Fireworks: The event will feature a spectacular fireworks show.

This event draws inspiration from the 2022 joint fall camporee hosted by Battlefield and Heritage Trails Districts at the same location. Nearly 900 Scouts attended the event, which was later highlighted in Scout Life magazine. For a glimpse of that event, watch the wrap-up video.

Event Theme

 The “Shadows of 1864” camporee is based on the Union Army’s desperate need for soldiers following the Battle of Gettysburg. In the spring of 1864, they launched a recruitment campaign, which serves as the backdrop for our theme.

Activities

• Scouts BSA and Older Scouts: Participants will be mustered into the Union Army and formed into Companies, engaging in hands-on activities and inter-unit competitions. Stations will cover various aspects of Civil War soldiering, including Cavalry, Medical, Music, Cannon Demonstration, Encampment Organization, 1860s Games, and Drill Instructions.
• Cub Scouts: A dedicated Cub Scout program will offer age-appropriate activities, such as candle making, period games, Civil War encampment exploration, music, cooking, soldier drill practice, and a cavalry competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.