Although we get around it’s just not possible for the leadership team at Camp Barstow to do troop visits everywhere. So on a Monday night in January of 2020 we decided to record the Camp Director doing a troop visit in Fort Mill, SC. The troop in this video is already signed up to come and the purpose of the talk was to get the Scouts and parents excited about registering and to answer questions. You will hear the talking points but here is a summary of some great reasons to choose Barstow in 2020.
HOUSING
9 troop campsites with shelters featuring Adirondack camping with electricity in each unit
Most sites have hammock shelters built onto the Adirondack to accommodate ½ dozen Scouts
Canvas wall tents are set up in each site (2) for changing rooms or storage
Wash stand /flush latrines shared between each site
Shower houses in both upper and lower camp with private stalls for adults
DINING
Air conditioned dining hall that seats nearly 300 people
Family style meals so the food is hot and ready when you enter (no long lines!)
Salad bar offered at lunch and dinner
Troop waiter system with staff totems so you can get to know the counselors
Song after EVERY meal with tons of Scout spirit
MERIT BADGE PROGRAMS
24 unique programs to choose from with merit badge bundles that fit together
Scouts pick any 2 programs to participate in during the week and work on 5-6 merit badges
59 different merit badges offered across the 2-dozen bundles
Programs are designed to appeal to Scouts at their level whether it’s 1st year or 2nd, 3rd, ++
All programs have a culminating activity matched to the content and requirements
Minimal transition time as Scouts spend 2 ½ days in the same program during the week
The Scout to counselor ratio is 8:1 or better in all programs
A program concept designed by educators that you won’t find in any other camp
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
4/5 days all merit badge programs end at 4 PM to allow an hour of free time activities including open swim & boating, free shoot, Eco boat tours, open handicraft and more.
Twilight activities designed around individual Scout interest including Barstowree, boat trips, troop swims, open shoot, pavilion party and our famous Bull Moose Hike
Barstow fleet including canoes, rowboats, kayaks, paddle boards, motor boats, and sailboats
Campfire programs on Sunday night and Friday night (OA Call Out)
Scoutmaster lounge with Wi-Fi and adult leader training opportunities & fun each day
Center of camp fun including gaga ball pit, tether ball, basketball, ping pong, cornhole and four square
