Bear Camp is a Heart of American Council 2 day/1 night camp for all Bear Scouts going into the 3rd Grade (i.e. Wolf Scouts that are becoming Bears). Bear Camp is optional, but strongly recommended. It serves as the transition from family camping with a parent to group camping with the Webelos. The camp grounds are located at Theodore Naish Scout Reservation in Bonner Springs, Kansas. A parent is required to attend camp with each boy.

 

Fees for 2007 were $45 for each participant, parent or scout. The fees are all due prior to the online registration on March 1, 2007. Financial aid is available for scouts that qualify.; forms are available at registration.

 

The program at Bear Camp is a fun-filled 2 full days of camp experience that begins with check-in at camp on the first day at 8:00-8:30am and ends at 5:00pm the following day. In between participants will attend many programs, swim, have a camp fire and have a great time. The schedule is quite full and filled with program activities. One 1.5 - 2 hr block of free time plus short periods around meal times. Since each scout is accompanied by a parent, the responsibility for structuring what little free time there is doesn't rest solely on the Den Leader. During the larger block of free time, scouts may choose to visit the water park (during their den's time slot), visit the trading post, play catch, or relax in their tent. 

 

All participants will sleep on cots in 2-man perma-tents. All you will need to bring is a sleeping bag, clothing and personal items. The camp will provide and prepare all meals, served in a large dining shelter. Near the dining shelter is a bathroom/shower house, the trading post, and camp directors office. More latrines and water sources are located throughout the camp, near program activities.

 

An orientation for all parents and scouts will be given by the Bear Camp Leader before camp begins. Camp dates will be determined by an Bear Camp Draw on March 3, 2007. ***The Bear Camp Leaders will coordinate the drivers and will attend any informational meeting provided by the District.***

 

Spending Money:
The Bear Camp trading post will be open at posted times, during Bear Camp. It is suggested that Scouts bring
spending money to camp. Packs may wish to operate a “bank” to hold money for Scouts while at camp. Only
small bills 1’s, 5s & 10’s should be brought to camp. The Trading Post cannot easily make change for larger
bills.

 

All personal items and spending money should be kept in a secure camp box while at camp. Clothing should
be clearly marked with your full name and Pack number. Camp Naish is not responsible for securing or for
the loss of personal items. It is your responsibility to keep track of all personal valuable while at camp.
Below Items compiled from the online Bear Camp Leader Guide. See hoac-bsa.org for additional information.

 

What to Bring to Camp
Official Scout Uniform Including shirt, neckerchief w/slide, shorts, belt, socks

(Scouts arrive in full uniform and change into Bear Camp T-Shirt for camp group photo.)
Extra shirts, shorts underwear, socks, etc.
Sun Block
Raincoat/Poncho
Tennis Shoes/Boots (no sandals or Crocs)

Hat or Cap
Handkerchief or Kleenex
Soap/Toothpaste/Toothpaste/Comb
Bath Towels
Sleeping Bag or Blankets, Pillow
Flashlight, Extra Batteries
Bear Scout Handbook
Insect Repellant (Non-Aerosol)
Pajamas
Sweater or Light Jacket
Swimming Suit (1 piece suit for women)
Camera & Film
Trash Bags
Sunglasses
Water Bottle

Ear Plugs (The insects can be even louder than snoring tent mates) 

 

What Not to Bring to Camp
Knives (boys)
Saws
Personal Tents
Stove or Fueled Lanterns (Battery Operated Only)
Sheath Knives
Axes
Awnings or Rain Flys
Food in Campsite (Extra food or snacks MUST be kept in cars, away from campsite.)