So much can be learned and discovered in just one week of camp verses a whole year of meetings. A scout can develop and practice their leadership, character, service, environmental stewardship, and advancement all within one week of great fun. If you are considering a camp to attend this summer, look no further than Custaloga Town Scout Reservation (CTSR).
Experience True Adventure
Scouts Summer Camp
Unleash the Spirit of Scouting
CTSRTREK
We are excited to offer a high adventure program for our older scouts. This program will be offered Week 1 and 3 for Scouts BSA. This is for scouts age 14 and older, at least 2nd class, and the rank of swimmer. Scouts will arrive to camp with their unit and go through the normal check in procedures including opening campfire. Scouts leave Monday morning for kayaking on Oil Creek, then a day of hiking, biking and horseback riding. Scouts will stay at Wild Cat Hollow at Oil Creek State Park. TREK participants return to CTSR on Friday and participate in the ATV program.
Gill Grilling
We are so excited to be partnering with Gill Grilling this summer to provide a dining experience like no other!
Explore Our Program Offerings
Custaloga Town Summer Camp provides programs to excite, challenge, and inspire Scouts at all skill levels. From action-packed activities like Aquatics, Archery, and Climbing to creative expressions in Handicraft and innovative learning in SciTech, there is something for every interest. From the exploration of the natural world to the development of outdoor skills in Scoutcraft and honing precision in Shooting Sports, each program fosters growth, leadership, and unforgettable experiences.
Aquatics Program
The Aquatics Program is one of the most popular in camp and features many activities other than the merit badge program. Our Aquatics program is divided into two areas the Boat House and the Pool.
Merit Badges taught at the Boat House include:
- Canoeing
- Rowing
- Kayaking
- Fishing/Fly Fishing
Merit Badges taught at the Pool include:
- Swimming
- Lifesaving
In addition to the merit badges offered, Scouts can work on learn to swim, and may also earn BSA awards in stand up paddle boarding and mile swim
Polar Bear Swim is on Friday Mornings at 6:30am during Scouts BSA.
Climbing Program
The COPE & Climbing Staff is pleased to offer Climbing Merit Badge on CTSR’s 40′ climbing tower! Climbing Merit Badge teaches Scouts the technical skills of climbing and rappelling and is a whole lot of fun!
There is no minimum age requirement for Climbing Merit Badge, though the program is not recommended for 1st or even many 2nd year Scouts.
To complete the badge, a participant must execute three separate climbs and rappels on our 40’ Tower. Completion of the badge may require participation in evening Open Climbing sessions.
Guyasuta Braves Program
Guyasuta Braves is our first year camper program for Scouts who have only been in the program less than a year. Scouts who sign up for Braves will be in the program all day.
(9-12 p.m. and 2-3 p.m.) Scouts in the Braves program will earn rank requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First-Class and will also work to earn their First Aid, Swimming, and Nature merit badges. Scouts may also go to open program areas during free time (3-5 p.m.) to complete additional merit badges. Adult Leaders will be invited to the program to see advancements and sign handbooks.
The staff will work with each Scout on basic Scouting skills, including:
- Knot Tying
- First Aid
- Use of Camp Tools
- Hiking
- Tree and Plant Identification
- Flag Ceremonies
- Fire-building
- Compass Skills and Orienteering
Scouts will practice skills at Braves, but ultimately it remains the Scoutmaster’s right to sign off on completion of a rank requirement. A record of all skills completed will be given to the Scout and to the Scoutmaster at the end of the week.
Handicraft Program
The handicraft badges are a good start for many first year Scouts. The pride and satisfaction of making something with your own hands is a good lesson for a young Scout to learn. New Scouts always find success in this area; encourage them to pick at least one activity from this area.
Merit Badge Offerings Include:
- Art
- Basketry
- Indian Lore
- Leatherwork
- Painting Sculpture
- Woodcarving
Many of the activities in the Handicraft Area require an activity kit. Examples include Neckerchief Slide Kits for Woodcarving Merit Badge and Stool Kits for Basketry Merit Badge. These kits are included with your camp fees and can be picked-up at Handicraft. If a Scout is enjoying the new skills they have learned and would like a second kit they can purchase one in the Trading Post.
Nature Program
The Ecology and Conservation (Nature) area is a real hidden gem at CTSR. The Gradin Nature Lodge houses tanks, taxidermy, and hands on environmental education activities.
Merit Badge offerings include:
- Environmental Science
- Astronomy
- Bird Study
- Fish & Wildlife Management
- Insect Study
- Mammal Study
- Nature
- Forestry
- Reptile and Amphibian Study
- Weather
Sci-Tech Program
Sci-Tech center encourages scouts to further their interests in Science and technology area. The area offers activities ranging from engineering to space exploration.
Merit Badges include:
- Chess
- Electricity
- Engineering
- Game Design
- Digital Technology
- Inventing
- Photography
- Signs, Signals and Codes
- Space Exploration
Scoutcraft Program
The heart of Scouting is the outdoor experience. The Scoutcraft area at CTSR offers merit badges that appeal to Scouts of all ages – all in a hands-on, wilderness environment:
- Camping
- Geocaching
- Emergency Preparedness
- Fire Safety
- Hiking
- Orienteering
- Safety
- Search and Rescue
- Pioneering
- Wilderness Survival
For those taking Camping and Wilderness Survival, the highlight of the week is the outpost hike and campout. Led by the Scoutcraft staff, participants will hike to the outer limits of the property before setting up camp for the night. Those taking Wilderness Survival have the added challenge of building their shelters entirely from natural elements.
Range and Target Activities
The Range and Target Activities program teaches Scouts marksmanship and the safe handling of firearms, under the careful supervision of a director trained and certified by Scouting America and the National Rifle Association.
Rifle, Shotgun, and Archery merit badges are all offered at CTSR.
Due to the difficulty many smaller youth have handling a shotgun, we require that Scouts be at least 13 years old and physically and mentally mature before attempting Shotgun Shooting merit badge.
Participants in Rifle and Shotgun Shooting merit badges may need to attend additional open shoots in order to meet the scoring qualifications.
Unit Leaders are encouraged to join us for open shoot and special adult-only open shoot opportunities.
Honor Camper Program
The Custaloga Town Honor Camper Program is a 5 year award program that recognizes scouts and adults for going above and beyond during their summer week stay.
Created in the summer of 2010, the Honor Program is rooted in the rich history of Custaloga Town Scout Reservation and French Creek Council recognizing: Chief Custaloga, Guyasutha, Kiondashawa, George Washington, Oliver Perry, and Colonel Drake.
Recipients are awarded a pin for each year of completion.
- 1st Year: Hunter
- 2nd Year: Trapper
- 3rd Year: Trailblazer
- 4th Year: Voyageur
- 5th Year: Pioneer
