The Scouter Digest Staff

The Importance of Summer Resident Camp in the Scouting Experience, as told by an Assistant Scoutmaster.

Summer resident camp is more than just a fun escape into the outdoors—it’s a vital part of the Scouting experience that tests the skills, values, and character traits developed over a year of meetings and weekend adventures. It pushes Scouts beyond their comfort zones and gives them opportunities to lead, serve, and grow in ways that aren’t always possible in shorter or more structured settings.

This summer, I had the privilege of attending three different camps: Camp Snyder with my Wolf Cub, Pipsico with my Scouts BSA son, and Camp Ross at Goshen with my Webelos. Each offered its own unique challenges and rewards, and together they reminded me why resident camp is such a powerful part of the Scouting journey.

At Camp Snyder, my youngest learned the importance of being part of a den outside the familiar structure of our regular Thursday meetings. He got his first taste of independence—making choices, following schedules, and participating in his favorite activities like BB shooting, archery, and building. Most importantly, he learned to encourage his fellow Cub Scouts and show Scout spirit, even when he was tired or frustrated.

Camp Ross was a major step up for my Webelos. There, the Scouts were encouraged to take more ownership of their experience—navigating to activities on their own, helping lead flag ceremonies, and completing service projects. Severe weather rolled through camp one night, and I watched as Scouts calmly executed the emergency protocols they had learned. They stayed calm under pressure, made smart decisions, and looked out for one another. It was a clear example of how camp puts Scouting values into action. Even more personally, I saw growth when my picky eater decided to try unfamiliar camp meals. Outside of his comfort zone, he learned that adventure sometimes starts at the dinner table.

At Pipsico, my older Scout dove into the high adventure atmosphere. He earned merit badges, worked with Scouts from other troops, and took on leadership roles within his patrol. The week challenged him physically and mentally, and he came home with a renewed sense of purpose—and a whole lot of stories.

Across all three camps, the same core values shone through: service, resilience, leadership, and Scout spirit. Resident camp gives Scouts a full immersion into the Scout Oath and Law—not just reciting them, but living them every day. Whether cleaning a campsite, helping a nervous camper, or adapting to sudden weather changes, Scouts grow through experience.

In the end, summer camp is not just a tradition or a reward—it’s an essential, transformative experience that helps shape our Scouts into capable, confident, and compassionate leaders. It’s where the lessons of Scouting come to life.