In our group , camping begins at the Beaver level (Ages 5-7) with parent/son
camps. These camps are more of an indoor sleep-over but we try to create the
camp atmosphere to the best of our ability. If the sleep-over is held in a localgymnasium, we bring along our electric campfire and campfire blankets and let
the kids experience the fun of songs and skits. Where it's possible, we set up
dome tents indoors and let the boys get used to sleeping in groups. The indoor
camps can be held at any time of the year, ours generally run in January. Our
prime guideline is that each Beaver is accompanied by a parent. When this isn't
possible, we attempt to match the boy with a Scout (Ages 11-14) or Venturer
(Ages 15-17) who acts as a big brother for the event.
This past fall, we held a Link Camp at a local outdoor recreation facility. The
Beavers and Cubs camped indoors while the Scout and Venturer sections of our
group camped outdoors. This gave the kids an excellent opportunity to see what
the other sections do and what type of activities they can look forward to.
Our way of thinking is that by introducing the younger boys to the advanced
sections, they build a desire to continue in Scouting.
The Cub section (Ages 8-10) usually has two outdoor camps each year
, but we always choose a site that has a cabin or house in case the weather
turns bad. The Cubs operate from a base camp, the joy of backpacking
is something to look forward to in Scouts.
By having the boys start camping in Beavers, we can start them on the right
foot. They are responsible for their corner of the tent, and for carrying
their dirty dishes to the dish pan. I've been a Troop Scouter before, and
its easier to get a Beaver to slowly learn camp etiquette than it is to try
and impress the same thing on a world-wise, semi independent 11 year old Scout.
By the time our kids get to Scouts, living outside is still big magic but
they know that if the camp chores are shared willingly, they all have more
time for enjoying the outdoors.(Don't get me wrong, they still grumble about
the chores,but they do know that it's better to grumble while doing)
Sorry for rambling, I posted without reading the FAQ so please shake your heads
