The Montana Council has taken every consideration in determining how to move forward carefully, safely, and thoroughly regarding 2020 council summer camps. We are and continue to weigh health department recommendations, government protocols and financial responsibilities to create a plan for the summer. All of this is done with the health and safety of our Scouts, volunteers, Scouters, and staff as our utmost concern.
First and foremost, the state must be in Phase 2 of reopening. We recognize we must be flexible as new information and recommendations come to light. It is with that in mind that we move forward with the following plan.
We intend to move forward with camp at K-M Scout Ranch for in-state units. Because of travel restrictions and quarantine directives, we can’t host out-of-state Scouts at this time across any of our camps.
With the updated facility at K-M Scout Ranch and with employing additional staff, safety precautions and funds – including medical resources, close attention to health and safety guidelines, capacity changes, food service alterations, etc. – we are confident, as things stand, that we can provide an excellent, exciting and adventurous summer camp experience at K-M.
The way program is delivered at K-M this summer will look a little different. This, in no way, is diminishing our excitement. We plan to have many Adventure Quests where patrols of Scouts will have opportunities to work towards advancement with fun and adventure being the main objectives. This will be a truly unique and patrol-style agenda allowing Scouts and Scouters to enjoy an immersive summer camp experience while following the recommended health and safety guidelines.
In our planning for the summer, it became quickly apparent that we are not in a position to maintain four fully operational camps. Because of the extreme and difficult logistics of operating at Melita Island, we are unable to support camp there this summer. Considering food safety, moving people on and off the island, the necessity of single-use items, trash disposal, limiting the number of attendees, and out-of-state travel quarantine directives – among other issues – it simply isn’t feasible for us to move forward responsibly.
The silver lining is that we can focus energy on the other issues – such as the Melita Island Woodland Rehabilitation Project – to make 2021 an even better camp experience.
Montana Council is also closing Grizzly Base and the summer Webelos resident camps. We are extending invitations to dens to move their registration to K-M Webelos week or cancel and be refunded. Out-of-state and in-state units who qualify under the most recent health and safety guidelines can reserve a space at the facility. We will not be providing staff or facility support. Up-to-date quarantine rules and health regulations will be enforced.
Montana High Adventure Base (MOHAB) will not operate as a Scout camp in 2020 and will not be able to host out-of-state Scouts. In-state Scouts may be able to register for a MOHAB trek through the Boone and Crockett Club in Missoula.
Although we are unable to facilitate a fully operational camping season across the state, we are honored and prepared to move forward where we can to support an exciting experience for our Scouting youth and leaders.
The council is investing heavily in this experience to ensure we have adequate staff, resources, food services and medical services. The extra cost is not being passed along to you.
Mark your calendars! Montana Council will be holding two “virtual campfires in the coming weeks: one at K-M Scout Ranch in the new lodge, and the other at Camp Melita Island!
The Montana Council will be holding two sessions of National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) this Summer. Both courses will be held June 22-28, 2014, one at K-M Scout Ranch and one at Grizzly Base.
To participate in NYLT, a Scout must be at least 13 years of age or have completed seventh grade and not reached the age of 18 if a Boy Scout or 21 if a Venturing Scout. A Boy Scout must hold at least the rank of First Class, be currently registered in a Boy Scout troop or Venturing Unit and have the approval of his Scoutmaster/Coach. All participants should be a current or prospective leader within their scouting unit. Completion of Troop Leadership Training (BSA publication #34306A) conducted by his Scoutmaster, is a helpful start to youth leadership training.
Trained Youth Leaders make for more active and fun Scouting experiences for our Members. An application for for this year’s NYLT courses is attached!
The Montana Council, Boy Scouts of America is pleased to offer the following summer camping opportunities. Each youth participant must be a registered Cub Scout, Webelos, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Venturer, Sea Scout or Explorer Scout. The registration fee to become a Boy Scout is $12 and is available at the Boy Scout Service Center, 820 17th Ave. South, Great Falls, MT., 761-6000 or www.montanabsa.org. Camp scholarships are available.
CAMP NAME: Lewis and Clark District’s Cub Scout Day Camp
DESCRIPTION, ACTIVITIES: With a theme of “Space Cowboys,” Cub Scouts (boys going into grades 1st-5th in the Fall) will have fun with games, nature crafts, Scout skills, first aid, skits, archery and BB gun shooting.
PUT ON BY: Lewis and Clark District, Montana Council, Boy Scouts of America
SESSIONS: June 12-14
WHERE: Medicine River Scout Center, Central Ave. West, Great Falls, MT
COST: $50 includes T-shirt and patch; $20 for Tiger Cubs (Tiger Cubs are boys who will be1st graders in the fall. Tiger Cubs attend camp Thursday, June 14th only and must have an adult accompany the Tiger Cub.)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Late registrations may be accepted if the camp has openings. Contact Camp Director Catherine Korona, (406) 788-1016, mikencat2211@yahoo.com.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: lcmtbsa.org. Scout leaders and Cub Scouts’ parents, are encouraged to serve as volunteer counselors. Camp Aides ages 14-17 are also needed. Day Camp volunteers’ children (potty trained -11 years) may participate in free Tot Lot. Contact Director for details.
CAMP NAME: Webelos Scout Rendezvous
DESCRIPTION, ACTIVITIES: Boys going into 4th and 5th grades experience camping activities, participate in archery, shoot BB guns, and learn pioneering and map & compass skills.
PUT ON BY: Boy Scout Troop 4, Great Falls
SESSION: June 8, 9, and 10th
WHERE: Medicine River Scout Center, Central Ave. West, Great Falls, MT
COST: $15
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Contact the Boy Scout Office, 761-6000 for details.
DESCRIPTION, ACTIVITIES: Webelos Resident Camp is an adventuresome 4 days and 3 nights camping experience for Cub Scouts entering the 4th and 5th grades this fall. Scouts will enjoy campfires, hikes and working on Activity pin requirements. Highlights include swimming, canoeing, and other water events at our lake. Webelos may participate in BB gun shooting, archery, crafts, and games. Meals are provided in the dining hall.
PUT ON BY: Montana Council, Boy Scouts of America
SESSIONS: July 29-August 1; August1-4th
WHERE: K- M Scout Ranch, in the north Moccasin Mountains near Lewistown.
COST: Youth: $95
Adults: $55
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Until sessions are full. Early registration is recommended.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: A Webelos Scout and their adult partner may attend by themselves or with their Cub Scout Pack.
Boy Scout Camps for Boy Scouts entering 6th-12th grades this fall:
K-M Boy Scout Camp
DESCRIPTION, ACTIVITIES: K-M Scout Ranch is a 640 acre property located in the Moccasin Mountains, approximately 20 miles north of Lewistown. Facilities include program areas complete with archery, rifle, shotgun and black powder ranges; a small lake with a wide range of aquatic activities, including swimming, canoeing, rowing, lifesaving, Mile Swim, snorkeling, and fishing; a Nature Hut; a new 35-foot Climbing wall, for climbing and rappelling; and a Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience (COPE) course. Support facilities include the Flaming Arrow dining hall providing full food service, the Garrison fire-bowl, Harrison Lodge, trading post, first aid lodge, restrooms, and showers. An optional evening hike and campout to the ghost town of Kendall provides lasting memories.
PUT ON BY: Montana Council, Boy Scouts of America
Dates: July 9-15; July 15-21; July 22-28.
WHERE: K- M Scout Ranch, near Lewistown, MT.
COST: $215 for Scout, $75 for Adults. Fees include all dining hall meals.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Until sessions are full, but early registration is highly recommended.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Michelle Ferguson, Montana BSA Camp Registrar, 761-6000, mimalin@bsamail.org.
Kendall ghost camp again will be offered with a special ghost patch only for those that attend the overnighter. Spend the evening in Kendall and have a dusk hike to the cemetery.
The C.O.P.E. Course is composed of group initiative games, trust events, low elements (12 feet and under), and high elements (30 feet). Participants work on leadership, problem solving, communication, self confidence, trust, decision-making, and teamwork. Each element is carefully spotted or belayed to maximize safety while challenging the Scouts.
Camp Director Mike Carney is returning for his eighth year as K-M director.
CAMP NAME: Missouri River Trek
DESCRIPTION, ACTIVITIES: This high-adventure program is a 50-110 mile canoe trek through the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River. Campers will paddle through the Missouri River Breaks National Monument, which includes segments of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the Chief Joseph National Historic Trail and the Missouri Breaks National Backcountry Byway. Scouts may earn the Historic Trails and 50 miler patches, as well as the canoeing, fishing, and camping merit badges. Youth may attend individually, or with their Troop or Crew.
PUT ON BY: Montana Council, Boy Scouts of America
SESSIONS: July 9-15; July 15-21; July 22-28
WHERE: K- M Scout Ranch, in the north Moccasin Mountains near Lewistown.
COST: $350
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Spaces on the River Trek are limited, so early reservations are recommended.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: www.montanabsa.org. Low Impact Camping, Safe Swim Defense, and Safety Afloat are emphasized.
CAMP NAME: Melita Island
Melita Island Boy Scout Camp is a 64acre island with about2 miles of shoreline in Flathead Lake Traditional summer camp programs are offered, includingTrail to First Class, Scoutcraft, Nature and Field Sports. The major focus of Melita is its unique aquatics program, which includes swimming, canoeing, rowing, fishing, small boat sailing, lifesaving, water skiing, motor boating, mile swim, snorkeling, sail boarding, and BSA Lifeguard. Meals are served in the beautiful, historical Lodge. Other facilities include an amphitheatre, trading post, and showers. Older scouts 14-17 years old are challenged with the Advanced Campers Program featuring water sports, sailboarding, and snorkeling as well as a day’s excursion to Wild Horse Island.
Sponsored by: Montana Council, Boy Scouts of America
SESSIONS: July 8-14; July 15-21; July 22-28; July 29-August 4th.
WHERE: Melita Island, on Flathead Lake
COST: Scouts: $250. Fees include all dining hall meals.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Call 761-6000 to make a reservation for next summer.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: BSA Lifeguard Week is June 25-July 1st and costs $220.
CAMP NAME: Takachsin 2012
Throughout the six-day National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) course, the Takachsin participants will be taught the concept of what a leader must be, what he must know, and what he must do. These concepts will be taught in a troop and patrol outdoor setting with emphasis on immediate application of learning in a fun environment. The National Youth Leadership Training syllabus integrates the best of modern leadership theory with the traditional strengths of Scouting. Through activities, presentations, challenges, discussions, and audio/visual training, the NYLT participants will engage in a unified approach to leadership that gives them the skills and confidence to lead. Participants must be at least 13 years old, completed the 7th grade, and be a First Class Scout.
SESSIONS: June 24 – 30th
WHERE: Camp Arcola, next to the Pintler Wilderness, about 20 miles southwest of Anaconda, MT.
COST: Fee is $250 This includes all food, camping equipment (except tents), program and training materials.
