Scouts BSA - Summer Camps

Scouts BSA: Resident Summer Camp

2024 Sessions Planned for:
Week 1: July 7 - 13, 2024
Week 2: July 14 - 20, 2024
Week 3: July 21 - 27, 2024

 

Merit Badge Registration opens on March 1st! 

This week-long camp is held at the majestic Camp Decorah during the summer where members of Scouts BSA can work on advancement or merit badges. We have great programs for everyone, whether a first year Scout or an older Scout that is looking for something different. 

First year Scouts can participate in our Brownsea program, while other members of their Troop work on merit badges in the many areas that Camp Decorah has. 

We have events at our Shooting Range, Climbing Tower, Zip Line, COPE course, pool, waterfront, handicraft, and outdoor skills areas. All of these activities are led by high-energy, trained Camp Decorah staff. 

All meals are served in the dining hall during their 7 day, 6 night stay at Camp Decorah.

 

View the 2024 Scouts BSA Leaders Guide Here

 

 Merit Badge registration will open on Wednesday March 1 at 9 am.  Troops should make a deposit of $100 for each Scout they would like to register for Merit Badges.

2024 Sessions Planned for:
July 7 - 13, 2024
July 14 - 20, 2024
July 21 - 27, 2024

A variety of alternate programming and specialty camps will be offered.
Check back soon!

2023 Cost Per Scout: $320      2023 Cost Per Adult: $145 (anticipate a slight increse for 2024)

Click the button at the bottom of this page to register for Scouts BSA Resident Summer Camp
 

Scouts BSA: Provisional Camp

Scouts will be placed with another Gateway Area Council Troop so that they can attend an additional week of summer camp or attend during a different time period than their own Troop.  This is an excellent option for a Scout who cannot attend with his or her Troop due to schedule or distance. Provisional Scouts will either be paired with a unit in attendance, or will be grouped together under the supervision of Decorah Camp Staff or Council Committee Members acting as temporary Scoutmasters. 

Register through the Scouts BSA Resident Summer Camp page linked below.

Click the button at the bottom of this page to register for Provisional Scouts BSA Resident Summer Camp
To register to attend as a Provisional Scout - contact the camp leadership team for next steps (Kelly or Joe).

 

 

Online Reservation Help Sheets:

Other Resources

Dietary Concerns Form:  Complete the form for any adult or Scout that needs dietary adjustments and return two weeks before arrival at camp.

Early Departure Form:  Do you have a Scout that will need to leave camp early.  Complete this form and turn into the camp office when you arrive.

Campership Applications:  Every Scout should have the oppportunity to attend summer camp. Please submit Campeship Requests using the No Scout Left Behind request.

Medication Form:  For any Scout that will be taking medication while at summer camp.  Complete and turn into the health officer when you arrive at camp.

Annual Health and Medical Form: Health Form – for short term or long term events.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Health Form are found here

Pre-camp Swim Test Form:  Avoid the long lines at the pool and complete your swim test before arrving at summer camp.

Aviation Consent Form:   For any Scout that will be taking the Avaition Merit Badge they will need to complete the Aviation Consent Form and bring with them when they arrive at summer camp.

Want to be a part of Camp Staff?

Are you 15 years of age or older? Are you one who enjoys the outdoors? Are you looking for a 6 week summer job that is fun and will leave a lasting impact on kids? Then Camp Decorah is for you! The Gateway Area Council's premier Summer Camp will hold open interviews in December at the Council Office on 2600 Quarry Road in La Crosse. It's a summer job that will give you a paycheck, room and board and a chance to work with kids. Plus, you'll still have half the summer for yourself! To start the process, print off and return the Camp Staff Application and addendum below.

Welcome Letter

Application

Application Addendum

Click Here for more information on camp staff opportunities.

Refund Policy

Camp fees are non-refundable, but are transferable (within the same summer camp season) within the troop. In the event of emergency you may submit a refund request in writing to the Gateway Area Council Scout Executive. Scout or leader’s fee will be transferable (within the same summer camp season) only under one of the following circumstances: • Individual illness or injury with physician’s note • Death or serious illness in the immediate family • Relocation of the family outside of Gateway Area Council or outside of home Council.

 

Scouts BSA: National Youth Leadership Training

National Youth Leadership Training is the pinnacle of Boy Scout training for youth. Every Troop deserves youth leaders that are trained and prepared for the responsibilities they face. The NYLT course centers around the concepts of what leaders must BE, what they must KNOW, and what they must DO. The key elements are then taught with a clear focus on HOW TO. The skills come alive during the week as the team goes on a Quest for the Meaning of Leadership. A constant refrain of NYLT is “if you can see it, you can be it.”

Some of the skills in the course, in addition to leadership, are problem solving, making ethical decisions, valuing people and contributions, and many more.