OUTDOOR
PROGRAMS
OUTDOOR
PROGRAMS
Why the Outdoors
Outdoor adventure is the promise made to young people when they join Scouting. Boys and girls yearn for outdoor programs that stir their imagination and interest.
In the Outdoors we strive to meet the Aims of Scouting.
Character Development:
In the outdoors, Scouts have opportunities to acquire skills that make them more self-reliant. They can explore canoe and hiking trails and complete challenges they first thought were beyond their ability. Attributes of good character become part of them as they learn to cooperate to meet outdoor challenges that may include extreme weather, difficult trails and portages, and dealing with nature’s unexpected circumstances.
Citizenship:
Good youth leadership, communication, and teamwork enable them to achieve goals they have set for themselves, their patrol, and their troop. This working together through the patrol and troop teaches active citizenship.
Personal Fitness:
Scouts are challenged in the outdoor adventure and high adventure and are pushed physically and mentally to accomplish tasks of the outdoors.
Leadership:
Scouts plan and carry out activities from start to finish. With thoughtful guidance from their Scoutmaster and other adult leaders scouts make a plan and carry out this plan. Learning by doing is a hallmark of outdoor education. A youth or adult leader may describe and demonstrate a Scouting skill at a weekly meeting, but the way Scouts truly learn outdoor skills is to do it themselves on a troop outing.
Camp Director Resource Page
This is a resource page designed specifically for Camp Directors. You will find information on a variety of topics and it will be updated often. Click here to go the page.
2025 National Outdoor Conference
Join fellow Scouters and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country to learn new methods, share ideas, and check out the latest in outdoor gear and programs. Click here to go the page.
Short-term Camp Resources Page
This is a resource page designed to discuss the short-term camp classification of the BSA and provide the resources to be able to implement this type of camp in your council. Click HERE to go to the page.
Trail to Adventure Blog
For the latest articles and information about the Outdoor Programs of the BSA subscribe to the Trail to Adventure blog or visit the site at https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/trail-to-adventure/
Outdoor Programs and Properties Webinar Series
Click here to see the list of upcoming webinar topics from Outdoor Programs and Properties.
https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/opp-webinar-series/
Outdoor Programs & Properties Manual
Your one stop for all council outdoor program information, with links to all current resources. Replaces the Camp Program & Property Management guide. DOWNLOAD THE OUTDOOR PROGRAMS & PROPERTIES MANUAL
Distinguished Conservation Service Award
For more than a century, the BSA has encouraged and honored conservation work with an award that recognizes youth, adults and organizations who have demonstrated tremendous effort and commitment to the environment. The BSA Distinguished Conservation Service Award is used to underscore the importance of encouraging everyone to participate in environmental stewardship.
Click here to read more information about the BSA’s Distinguished Conservation Service Award.
BSA Chain Saw Training
The release of the updated BSA Chain Saw Training is here.
- Click here for the Facilitator Guide – Chain Saw FG 20210729
- Click here for the Learning Journal – Chain Saw Learning Journal 20210729
Program Quality Evaluation Tool (PQET)
Councils can evaluate and improve their outdoor and camp programs using this self evaluation tool. Your Scouts deserve the best! LEARN MORE
CAMP RANGER BASIC TRAINING INFORMATION
Contact the Outdoor Programs and Properties Team
Have a question? email us at outdoorprograms@scouting.org
