FOR NEW PARENTS

The Fun Part: Camping and Activities

 

---

 

Most people think of Scouting as being centered on outdoor activities. Although outdoor adventure is more a vehicle than a destination, the fact is that Scouts spend a great deal of their time in the outdoors.

Your child will have frequent camping opportunities. Camps may be large-scale affairs organized by the Great Smoky Mountain Council that bring together hundreds of Scouts for several days to a week. They also may be smaller-scale outings organized at the district level or even the unit level.

Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to join their Cub Scouts on camping excursions. Scouts BSA and Venturing, on the other hand, typically with their patrols or troops and the adult leaders of their unit. Family members and guardians are always welcome to visit camps for the day or overnight.

In addition to camping, Scouts at all levels engage in a wide variety of outings and activities, ranging from community service to skills training to mentoring to day hikes.

Beyond the council, Scouts BSA and Venturing may plan expeditions at one of four high adventure bases in North America, attend national or even international events like the National Scout Jamboree or World Scout Jamboree, or even plan their own independent excursion or trek.