Scoutmasters,

In service to our New Birth of Freedom Council, Troops 173 and 175 at Carlisle Barracks will host our annual Wilderness Survival Merit Badge event at Hidden Valley Scout Reservation from October 18-20, 2024. This is a fun two-night campout for your troop that focuses on valuable outdoor survival skills.

Event Overview

  • Registration: Reserve your campsite and register for the merit badge through Tentaroo – https://nbf.tentaroo.com.
  • Cost: $15 per Scout for the merit badge; $5 per adult for the event patch.
  • Check-in: Upon arrival Friday night, be sure to check in at the Administration Building.  After that, check in with Troop 173 Scoutmaster Lisa Hathcox at Kiwanis 2 (K2) campsite (next to the pool).

Saturday Schedule

  • 8:30-10:30 AM: Merit Badge classes in the dining hall.
  • 11:00 AM-12:30 PM:  Scouts return to campsites for lunch and to begin building shelters.
  • 12:45 PM:  Gather at the boat docks field for afternoon round-robin training stations.
  • 1:00-4:30 PM:  Wilderness skills training (six 30-minute stations).
  • After 4:30 PM:  Continue shelter building and prepare dinner at campsites. Scouts must sleep in their constructed shelters to fulfill the merit badge requirement.
  • 10:00 PM: Lights out.

Sunday Schedule

  • 7:00 AM:  Scouts wake up, dismantle shelters, and clean sweep area.
  • 8:00-9:00 AM:  Blue cards and patches are available at the K2 campsite after Scoutmasters confirm that the Scouts slept in their shelters.

Volunteer Opportunity

Scouts who have previously completed the Wilderness Survival merit badge can assist with skill stations. Please let SM Lisa know on Friday night. Volunteers will be assigned to one of the six stations and help on Saturday.

Before Arrival

  1. Gear Check:  Ensure Scouts have a sleeping bag, appropriate clothing, and materials for their shelter. Plan to sleep in groups of 2-4, bringing necessary items such as rope, poles, and tarps.
  2. Survival Kit:  Each Scout must bring a survival kit containing:
    – Instant body shelter (large trash bag or poncho)
    – Fire-starting material in a waterproof container
    – Water purification items
    – Signaling device (whistle, mirror, etc.)
    – First Aid Kit (basic items: band-aids, disinfectant, tape, cravat)
  3. Blue Cards:  Complete and sign blue cards before the event. Turn them in to Troop 173 at the dining hall on Friday night or Saturday morning.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Fred Gellert at (717) 701-5419 or email fredgellert@gmail.com. We look forward to a great weekend.

Thank you for your support in making this a memorable learning experience for the Scouts.

REgister Now