Scouting in New York

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Scouting in New York has a long history, from the 1910s to the present day, serving thousands of youth in programs that suit the environment in which they live. In fact, the first National Boy Scouts of America Headquarters was in New York City, and the Girl Scouts of the USA National Headquarters is located at 420 5th Avenue, New York, New York.

Contents

[edit] Early history (1910-1950)

The 1924 National Order of the Arrow Lodge Meeting was held at Tuxedo Park, New York, and the 1929 National Lodge Meeting was held at Kanohwahke Lake, New York.

Most Girl Scout units were originally segregated by race according to state and local laws and customs. The first troop for American Indians was formed in New York State in 1921.

[edit] Recent history (1950-1990)

In the 1970s and again in the 1990s, upstate New York went through a huge consolidation of small, historic councils.

[edit] Scouting in New York today

There are twenty-two Boy Scouts of America local councils in New York.

[edit] Allegheny Highlands Council

Allegheny Highlands Council
Allegheny Highlands Council

The Allegheny Highlands Council serves Scouts in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties in New York and McKean and Potter counties in Pennsylvania.[1] It has two camps: Camp Merz and Elk Lick Scout Reserve. The council is divided into 3 districts:

  • Seneca District
  • Two Lakes District
  • Whitetail District

Order of the Arrow – Ho-Nan-Ne-Ho-Ont Lodge 165

[edit] Baden-Powell Council

Baden-Powell Council was formed in 1998 by the merger of the former Baden-Powell Council (headquartered in Dryden, NY) and Susquenango Council (headquartered in Binghamton, NY). The council's new headquarters are in Binghamton, NY. The council covers five counties in New York State—Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Tioga and Tompkins—as well as Susquehanna County in Pennsylvania.[2]

As of late-2006, the Council has five districts:

  • Chenango District (Chenango County and part of Broome County)
  • Delahanna District (Susquehanna County and part of Broome County)
  • Hiawatha District (Tioga County and part of Broome County) [3]
  • Taughannock District (Cortland and Tompkins Counties) [4]
  • Frontier District (Venturing units in Tioga County and part of Broome County).[5]

The Baden-Powell Council operates two Scout Camps:

Camp Barton is a Boy Scouts of America camp located on 300 acres (1.2 km²) on Frontenac Point on the west shore of Cayuga Lake in New York State's Finger Lakes. It is approximately nine miles north of Ithaca.[6]

Camp Barton has nine summer camping sites with 2- and 4-man platform tents, as well as winter lean-tos in one of the two gorges which surround the camp.[7] The camp facilities include many water-based activities on the camp's half-mile of waterfront, including rowing, motorboating, sailing, waterskiing and swimming, as well as handicrafts, nature, rifle and archery ranges, and scoutcraft areas. Camp Barton also has a special Intro to SCUBA course.[8]

The camp's buildings and cabins are available for off-season use by Scouting and other youth organizations. For more information contact the Council Office.[9]

Camp Tuscarora is a Boy Scouts of America camp located on 1100 acres (4.5 km²) around Summit Lake in New York State's Southern Tier.[10]

The camp has 12 summer camping sites with 2-man platform tents.[10] Also has a 4 winter units with a center lodge (wood stoves, refrigerators and electricity) and 4 8-man lean-tos. Plus a newly renovated Nature lodge, picturesque dining hall, a nationally known Handicraft program and a 40-foot (12 m) climbing wall.[11]

[edit] Cayuga County Council

[edit] Finger Lakes Council

Finger Lakes Council
Finger Lakes Council

The Finger Lakes Council serves the Finger Lakes region of New York. Its camp is Camp Babcock–Hovey.[12] The council is divided into 3 districts:

  • Kanadesaga District
  • Arrowhead District
  • Iriquois District

[edit] Five Rivers Council

Five Rivers Council
Five Rivers Council

Five Rivers Council serves Scouts in the Southern tier of New York and the Northern tier of Pennsylvania. The council is divided into four districts:[13]

  • Andaste District
  • Indian Waters District
  • Williamson Road District
  • Thunderbird District

Order of the Arrow – TKäen DôD Lodge #30

It operates two camps: Camp Brulé, in central Pennsylvania, and Camp Gorton on Waneta Lake in New York.

Camp Brule (correctly pronounced Brula) is in Sullivan County, PA. It was founded by the General Sullivan Council with headquarters in Athens and jurisdiction over Bradford, Tioga and Sullivan Counties.

Its name honors Etienne Brule. The camp covers the forty two acres of Elk Lake and 200 acres (0.8 km²) of forest land bordering it. Pancost Hall and Crandall Hall are memorials to Alfred H. Pancost, Chief Scout Executive and founder, and to Harry H. Crandall, first president of the Council.

On the parade ground a native boulder bears a bronze plaque immortalizing twin brothers, Eagle Scouts of Troop 2, Towanda, Pa., Lieutenants John R. and William G. Winter, U.S.A.A.F. Born August 11, 1925, they were killed in action Aug. 11, 1945 and the plaque was erected by employees of the Patterson Screen Company.[14]

[edit] Greater New York Councils

Greater New York Councils
Greater New York Councils

The Greater New York Councils (GNYC) has a unique organization in that it is sub-divided into boroughs led by a borough executive.[15] The council operates camps at three locations: Alpine Scout Camp, William H. Pouch Scout Camp, and Ten Mile River Boy Scout Camp.

[edit] Bronx Borough

  • Eastern District
  • New Horizon District

[edit] Brooklyn Borough

  • Breukelen District
  • Lenape Bay District

[edit] Manhattan Borough

  • Big Apple District

[edit] Queens Borough

  • Founders District
  • Pathfinder District
  • Tomahawk District

[edit] Staten Island Borough

  • Aquehonga District

Order of the Arrow – Aquehongian Lodge 112[16]

[edit] Greater Niagara Frontier Council

Greater Niagara Frontier Council serves the territory of Erie and western Niagara Counties. The Boy Scout summer camp is Schoellkopf Scout Reservation. The Cub Scout camp is Camp Scouthaven. The council is organized into seven districts:

  • Cayuga District
  • Erie Shores District
  • Indian Trail District
  • Niagara Gateway District serves the Niagara County portion of the council
  • Niawanda District
  • Southern Hills District
  • Theodore Roosevelt District

Order of the Arrow – Ho-De-No-Sau-Nee Lodge

[edit] Hiawatha Seaway Council

The Hiawatha Seaway Council was formed in 1999 as a result of the merger of the Hiawatha Council and Seaway Valley Council.[17] The council is headquartered in Syracuse, NY. The council currently owns 3 camps, including Sabattis Scouting Reservation, Camp Portaferry, and Camp Woodland.[18] The council covers five counties in New York State — Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, Onondaga, and St. Lawrence.[19]

The council is broken into six districts:[19]

  • Interlakes District (Western Onondaga County)
  • Northern Lights District (St. Lawrence County)
  • Oneida District (Northern Onondaga County)
  • Onondaga District (Southern Onondaga County)
  • Ontario District (Oswego County)
  • Tri-Rivers District (Jefferson and Lewis Counties)

Order of the Arrow – Kayanernh-Kowa Lodge 219

The World Brotherhood Camporee is a weekend-long camping trip that Boy Scouts from Canada and the U.S.A. participate in. The camporee is an annual event and takes place either in the Hiawatha Seaway Council, New York or in the Loyalist Area of the Voyageur Council, Ontario, Canada.

The main events include Council Strip trading and a dance party.[20]

Hudson Valley Council
Hudson Valley Council

[edit] Hudson Valley Council

The Hudson Valley Council is headquartered in Salisbury Mills, New York, and also serves Scouts in Pennsylvania. The grave of Daniel Carter Beard lies within the Hudson Valley Council, where an annual service is held.

Dutchess  contingent at the 1977 national Scout jamboree, held at Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania
Dutchess contingent at the 1977 national Scout jamboree, held at Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania

Its districts are: Rockland, Heritage, Delaware River, and Dutchess.

Order of the Arrow Lodge – Nacha Nimat 86

[edit] Iroquois Trail Council

Iroquois Trail Council, with its headquarters in Batavia, NY, serves Scouts in western New York. It was created in 1994 from a merger of two councils: Genesee (Genesee, Livingston, and Wyoming Counties) and Lewiston Trails (eastern Niagara and Orleans Counties). It has two camps: Camp Dittmer and Camp Sam Wood. As of 2007, the council is divided into 3 districts:[21]

  • Nundawaga District (Livingston and Wyoming Counties)
  • Seneca District (eastern Orleans and Genesee Counties)
  • Towpath District (western Orleans and eastern Niagara Counties)

Order of the Arrow – Ashokwahta Lodge

[edit] Otetiana Council

Otetiana Council was formed in 1943 as a merger of Red Jacket Council and the Rochester Area Council. The name Otetiana was once used by the famous Seneca orator "Red Jacket" and means "Always Ready."

Otetiana Council maintains two year-round camps: Camp Cutler in Naples, New York and Massawepie Scout Camp in Percfield, (Adirondack Park) New York.

The Otetiana Council Office and Scout Shop is located at 474 East Avenue, Rochester, New York

The Order of the Arrow is represented within Otetiana Council by "Ty-Ohni Lodge #95", which was chartered in 1936. Ty-Ohni means "Wolf" in the Seneca language, and was suggested by Dr. Arthur Parker of the Rochester Museum.

In May of 2006 Otetiana Council redistricted, the new names are as follows:

  • Towpath District (Southeast section)
  • Lighthouse District (Northwest section)
  • Bay Waters District (Northeast section)
  • Black Creek District (Southwest section)
  • Genesee Crossroads District (Center Section)

Camps maintained by Otetiana Council and its predecessors include Camp Otetiana (1918-26); Camp Pioneer (1927-36); Camp Three Lakes (1930-39); Camp Arrowhead (1933-37); Camp EONAC (1938-51?); Camp Eagle Island, 19??-51; Camp Archibald (1938-?); Camp Cutler (Webster- 1939-65) (Naples- 1966-present); Camp Massawepie (1952-present)

The Otetiana Council Historical Society has a wonderful collection of memorabilia relating to the history of Scouting in Monroe County, New York. Exhibits are displayed at the council headquarters near the entrance to the Scout shop and are change bi-monthly. The society meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM, visitors are welcome.

See also: S.S.S. Lotus

[edit] Otschodela Council

The Otschodela Council of the Boy Scouts of America provides among the highest quality scouting programs, training and events. Serving the needs of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties in upstate New York.

Otschodela Council was formed in 1924 as the Otsego-Schoharie Council; the third county added in 1926 and the name changed to Otschodela (OTsego-SCHOharie-DELAware). Otschodela Council, headquartered in Oneonta, NY, has retained its name and three-county borders ever since. It is divided into two districts:

  • Deerslayer District
  • Foothills District

Order of the ArrowOnteroraus Lodge

Within its programs the council provides opportunities for scouts to participate in summer camp at Boy Scout Camp Henderson, camporees, day camps and more. It provides valuable leader training at all levels of scouting.

[edit] Henderson Scout Reservation

Henderson Scout Reservation is made up of over 600 acres (2.4 km²) of woodlands and is home to a 70 acre lake that are both managed and maintained to give you the best possible Scouting experience. It has 12 campsites that are located in close proximity to outstanding program facilities. It runs six weeks of Boy Scout Summer Camp Programs and Webelos Summer Camps. The camp also provides year-round camping at any of its lodging facilities, campsites or lean-tos.

Located 20 minutes away from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and the Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta. The Otschodela Council with the National Baseball Hall of Fame has developed a Boy Scout national patch for the Baseball Hall of Fame Scavenger Hunt.

[edit] Revolutionary Trails Council

Revolutionary Trails Council is divided into 4 districts:

  • Aplin District
  • Diamond District
  • Mohawk/Cayuga District
  • Seneca-Tuscarora District

The council maintains 3 Scout camps: Cedarlands Scout Reservation, Camp Russell, and Camp Kingsley.

[edit] Cedarlands Scout Reservation

Cedarlands Scout Reservations a 5,000-acre (20 km²) Scout camp situated in Long Lake, New York. The Reservation has a traditional base camp program for younger Scouts and a high adventure program for older Scouts. In the heart of the Adirondack Park Cedarlands is a two and a half hour drive from Utica and Syracuse. Cedarlands boasts three mountains (OA, Walker and Masters), Lake McRorie and Scout Pond. Both Lake McRorie and Scout Pond have islands on them for exploration. Cedarlands is different from most council-owned camps as Scouts are given the opportunity to cook their own meals three times a day. There are barbecues on Sunday and Friday nights. Many opportunities exist for Scouts at Cedarlands. A climbing program is offered on a climbing wall and portable climbing tower. Merit badges consist of the traditional merit badges offered at a Boy Scout camp. Embarking for Cedarlands a Scout can plan to hike a mountain or two, go snorkeling, sailing and mountain biking on camp owned bikes (or bring your own).

[edit] Logging

In order to help raise money for the camp, a 10 year logging program began in 2008. The first area harvested is the base camp, with successive logging efforts to occur during winters. The logging program has generated significant controversy, with some members feeling that the program was pushed through without notice or discussion, and that poor forestry is being practiced. [22]

This logging program is needed as the forest at Cedarlands, especially in base camp, contained many unhealthy Beech trees, many coniferous trees not traditionally found at this elevation and for safety's sake. There were many large trees with overhanging branches that were dead or dying and needed to be taken down before a tragic accident occurred. Certainly the Revolutionary Trails Council is raising money from this project (roughly $80,000 a year), but this is a small amount when the budget is looked at.

Discussion about the logging at Cedarlands began more than a year ago: the forest management team gave presentations at work weekends, troops were forewarned in the summer of 2007 and many former staff members were asked their views on this project. The damage from the logging is evident, however ground cover and newly leafed out trees are covering much of this. Cedarlands remains a beautiful place with an energetic staff that will give every Scout a "mountaintop" experience."

[edit] High Adventure Program

The High Adventure program is its own entity within Cedarlands Scout Reservation. National Camping School Voyageurs (French for Guide) lead trips of four to five days in the Adirondack Park. These treks include backpacking, canoeing, mountain biking and climbing, or a combination of two or three elements. Scouts learn how to prepare backpacking food and are taught how to survive in a wilderness setting.

Troops can choose a trek that spans thirty miles or seventy. Many troops decide to start one mile (1.6 km) from Cedarlands at Big Brook that empties into Long Lake. These troops are generally picked up at Lake Flower in the village of Saranac Lake or at Tupper Lake. Others want longer treks and utilize the Eckford Chain of Lakes (Blue Mountain Lake to Raquette Lake) to Rainbow Lake or into the Saint Regis Canoe Area. Backpacking treks usually utilize the Northville-Placid Trail that stretches from Lake Placid to Northville, New York. The trail goes through the High Peaks region, past Long Lake, over Blue Mountain and ends in the West Canada Lakes region. Another popular trek goes into the High Peaks. Troops will summit Mount Marcy, the highest peak in the state, and tailor their trip to include as many other 4,000+ foot mountains as they can. These can include the Great Range or the MacIntyre Range.

Treks are tailored to the desires and needs of the crews going out, and menus are chosen by troops. Troops only need to bring personal equipment with them; the program supplies stoves, tents, water filtration, etc.

[edit] Rock Climbing

NEW FOR 2008 is a free-standing, permanent rock climbing wall. It is approximately thirty feet high and has a nice view of OA Mountain from the top platform. Scouts have the chance to earn the climbing merit badge at Cedarlands. Three walls are on camp property. One is the afore-mentioned free-standing wall, another twenty foot wall is attached to the side of a building and a portable twenty foot tower is usually on the property in the summer.

A fifty foot climb/rappel overlooks Tupper Lake and is a half hour drive base camp. The Beer Walls at Keene Valley offer advanced climbing with routes ranging from a 5.3 to 5.11. A 150-foot (46 m) rappel is also available if Scouts show an interest. The off-camp climbs are generally offered only to the climbing merit badge Scouts and High Adventure participants.

[edit] Food

Food at CSR is prepared by the troops. A fully functioning commissary is on the premises. Here Scouts pick up food supplies before each meal. Menus run the gamut from pancakes and donuts for breakfast, to hamburgers and tacos for lunch, to chicken and rice and beef stew at dinner. Staples like peanut butter and jelly, dish detergent and paper towels are picked up at the commissary, as well. The patrol method is stressed at Cedarlands through meal preparation and clean-up, as well as through other activities during the week.

[edit] Special Program Options
  • Pathfinder Program - designed for new Scouts to reach First Class.
  • Leave No Trace Trainer Course- CSR has on staff, a master Leave No Trace trainer for those interested in becoming a Leave No Trace Trainer.
  • Open Rock Climbing & Troop climbing
  • Troop shoot & Open Archery and Rifle shooting
  • Order of the Arrow - a call out ceremony on Friday night and service projects throughout the week.
  • BSA lifeguard, Kayaking, and snorkeling - free of charge to any Scout who meets age requirements. (BSA lifeguard classes are limited to a size of 4 scouts per week, due to the small size of the waterfront staff)
  • Camp-wide Games - offered in the evenings these are to stress the patrol method.
  • Challenging bike treks - these trips can last nearly four hours. Trips go around Lake McRorie. There is single track and road biking led by camp staff.
  • Mountain Trails- Take your Troop or Patrol on a hike on one (or all) of our 3 mountain trails. All three of the trails have spectacular views if the Adirondacks.
  • Two weekly campfires

[edit] Merit Badges

Merit Badges offered include:

  • Archeology
  • Backpacking
  • Camping (Eagle required badge)
  • Canoing
  • Climbing
  • Cooking
  • Environmental Science (Eagle required badge)
  • Fish and Wildlife management
  • Fishing
  • First Aid (Eagle required badge)
  • Forestry
  • Hiking (Eagle required badge)
  • Indian Lore
  • Lifesaving (Eagle required badge)
  • Mammal Study
  • Nature
  • Orienteering
  • Pioneering
  • Rifle Shooting
  • Rowing
  • Small Boat Sailing
  • Shotgun Shooting
  • Soil and Water Conservation
  • Swimming (Eagle required badge)
  • Weather
  • Wilderness Survival

[edit] Camp Russell

Camp Russell is one of the nation's oldest Scout camps. Founded in 1918 by Samuel T. Russell, the camp is on White Lake, New York in the southern Adirondack Mountains. It provides an excellent high adventure program for older Scouts and a base camp program for Scouts of all ages. Russell also maintains an award winning Conservation Area and white pine tree farm. For those who visit, they can see many totem poles decorating the base camp. These totem poles are the work of Frank Devito, a lifelong Scouter and Camp Russell staff member from 1927-1999. Also La Maison de Devito, commonly referred to as the "Brown House" is the original camp building built by Samuel T. Russell and the first Boy Scouts to attend. It currently is open as a Camp Museum during the summer.

[edit] High Adventure Program

Camp Russell provides a base camp for any troop looking for a High Adventure Trek in the southern Adirondacks. Since it is nearby Old Forge, Russell is often used for canoe treks launched on the Fulton Chain, Raquette Lake, or the Saranacs. All treks are led by National Camping School Voyageurs whether by backpacking or canoeing and Scouts are taught how to properly pack, prepare food, and everything else necessary to survive in a wilderness setting. Treks can be as short as a fishing trip on one lake, or well over a hundred miles depending on the preferences of every individual group.

Treks are tailored to the desires and needs of the crews going out, and menus are chosen by troops. Troops only need to bring personal equipment with them; the program supplies stoves, tents, water filtration, etc.

[edit] Specialty Weekend

In addition to traditional High Adventure, Camp Russell also provides a Survival Weekend during its last week of operation in August. This is an intensive program for older Scouts where they are taught everything from the proper construction of shelters without the use of tools to finding and preparing food. In 2008 they also included Aquatics and Shooting Sports programs for those interested.

[edit] The Conservation Area

Camp Russell's conservation area is several hundred acres of predominantly white pine forest. Not only does it offer an excellent means by which to teach conservation related merit badges, it also offers many opportunities for troops who want to hike, bike, or even spend a night. Other than as a program area, the Conservation staff helps to maintain our tree farm which has earned several national awards for quality. The staff is always conscious of maintaining a healthy and growing population of conifers. They also work tirelessly to maintain our trails, create animal shelters, and build check dams to not only teach conservation but to demonstrate it and live it.

For those looking to enjoy nature as a troop, several recreational trails run through the Conservation Area, including one to a nearby deer reserve. Bikes are available as are guided bike trips for those who are interested. For any small group looking for a change of scenery the CA also has a replica of a 1600s trappers cabin that you can spend a night in or just visit.

[edit] The Food

Food at Camp Russell is served in our Dining Hall three times a day. At every meal the staff sits with the Scouts to make sure everyone is having a good time. It also gives the Scouts a chance to meet our staff and learn all kinds of useful (and useless) information that can only be learned over a hot meal. Every morning the news is read so everyone can stay updated on the latest headlines, ball scores, and the weather. And after every meal, the staff will provide entertainment through song (and sometimes dance). Also, troops who are interested can cook in their campsites for a day.

[edit] The Staff

Staff members like Frank Devito are not uncommon in our Camp Russell family. Several staff members have been here at camp for twenty or more years, some fifty. Most of our staff are Boy Scouts and Scouters including many Eagle Scouts and are all very knowledgeable in the ways of Scouting. We not only strive to provide every camper with a fun and safe environment, we hold the Scout Oath and Law as our strict model of behavior. Scouting is an organization where boys have fun growing into the leaders of tomorrow and at Camp Russell to provide that opportunity is our number one priority. Our staff is always willing to accommodate our Scouts in any way that they can. We are always look for new ideas and challenges so if you want something, need something, or want to try something just ask and we'll do everything we can to see it happens.

[edit] The Traditions

The most important part of any Scout camp is its traditions...old and new. Here at Camp Russell we have traditions reaching back to the beginning of our camp. From songs and stories told around the campfires to our many patrol and troop competitions that add new excitement and adventure to every week. Every year it is our traditions that bring people back to camp, our traditions have created such a strong staff and program that has spanned the test of 90 years. Anyone who has ever been to Russell is part of these traditions and part of our Camp Russell family.

[edit] The Special Programs

At Camp Russell we have many Camp-Wide patrol and troop based competitions which are always competitive and energetic:

  • The Iron Chef Competition: Every campsite competes to use the same ingredients and create different dishes to please our judges.
  • The Paul Bunyon Field Days: Patrols of 6-8 people compete in a series of woodsman games such as a crosscut saw race, a log hoist, and a pulp toss.
  • The Water Carnival: Troops meet at our waterfront for a series of water related games including the mile kayak race, the in-and-out canoe race, and the Red, White, and Blue Relay.
  • Camp-Wide Scavenger Hunt: Patrols seek out nearly 100 pieces of information and facts that many people have never noticed before.
  • We also have some events merely for fun and fellowship:
  • Village Campfires: Every campsite gets a chance to entertain our staff at a campfire. This is a great opportunity to test skits for our Friday night closing campfire and for the staff and Scouts to learn about each other.
  • Order of the Arrow: Every week we have an OA service project and an OA Cracker Barrel to exchange stories and strengthen our Scouting community according to the ideals of the Order.
  • Athletic Games: Volleyball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and water polo are all popular games for troops to play. Challenge another troop or challenge the staff for some competitive fun.
  • Open Shoots: Our brand new rifle range is an excellent spot for Scouts and Scouters to shoot rifles, shotguns, and archery whether as open shoots or with just their troop.
  • Opening and Closing Campfires: Where tradition really shows. Every song or story from the staff, or the Scouts, is never forgotten.
[edit] Merit Badges
  • Swimming
  • Canoeing
  • Rowing
  • Lifesaving
  • Small Boat Sailing
  • Rifle Shooting
  • Archery
  • Pioneering
  • Orienteering
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Cooking
  • Wilderness Survival
  • Indian Lore
  • Woodcarving
  • Leatherworking
  • Basketry
  • Pulp and Paper
  • First Aid
  • Mammal Study
  • Environmental Science
  • Forestry
  • Soil and Water Conservation
  • Fish and Wildlife Management
  • Geology
  • Astronomy
  • Weather

Order of the Arrow – Ga-Hon-Ga Lodge

[edit] Rip Van Winkle Council

Rip Van Winkle Council serves scouts in the Ulster and Greene counties of New York. The council's camp, located in the Catskills, is Camp Tri-Mount. The council is divided into two districts:

  • Algonquin District
  • Mohican District

Order of the Arrow – Half Moon Lodge

[edit] Suffolk County Council

Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council

Suffolk County Council serves scouts in Suffolk County, on Long Island, New York. Baiting Hollow Scout Camp is the council camp. It is located in Calverton, New York. The council has 4 districts:

Order of the Arrow – Shinnecock Lodge

[edit] Theodore Roosevelt Council

Theodore Roosevelt Council, originally called Nassau County Council, is one of the nation's oldest, having been home to its namesake, the former US President, who was a founding member of BSA.

The John M. Schiff Scout Reservation is named after John M. Schiff, the son of Mortimer L. Schiff; both of whom were World Scout Committee members and notable early Boy Scouts of America (BSA) leaders. The reservation is operated by Theodore Roosevelt Council, BSA and located near Wading River, New York.

The reservation comprises 400 acres (1.6 km²) camp located in the Long Island Pine Barrens and surrounds the 30 acre "Deep Pond". It was originally named Camp Wauwepex in 1921 in Miller Place. In 1922, it was moved to its present location. At the time the camp comprised 550 acres (2.2 km²). Camp Wauwepex was renamed the John M. Schiff Scout Reservation when the Mortimer L. Schiff Scout Reservation was closed in 1979.

The reservation ceased being used as a summer camp in 1976, but still gets lots of use for troop, family, district and council events.

Onteora Scout Reservation is located in Livingston Manor, New York. The camp consists of 1,400 acres (6 km²) and adjoins the Catskill State Forest Preserve. It was opened in 1955 due to overcrowding in Camp Wauwepex. At its peak in the early seventies, it was the nation's third largest Boy Scout Camp in terms of attendance (after Philmont and Ten Mile (16 km) River,) accommodating 1200 Scouts at a time utilizing two dining halls and three water fronts. It was closed in 1991 and reopened in 1998 with a completely volunteer staff, and in 2003 opened for a full season with a paid staff. It is the only Boy Scout camp to have been closed, and then reopened.

The council has 4 districts:

Order of the Arrow – Buckskin Lodge

[edit] Twin Rivers Council

Twin Rivers Council
Twin Rivers Council

Twin Rivers Council is based in Albany, New York. It currently comprises seven districts:

  • Fort Orange District
  • Mahikan District
  • Schenectady District
  • Sir William Johnson District
  • Saratoga District
  • Wakpominee District
  • Adirondack District

The Order of the Arrow Lodge for Twin Rivers Council is Kittan Lodge.

The council maintains five camps, three of which are used as summer residency camps.

[edit] Rotary Scout Reservation

The 2005 Logo of RSR
The 2005 Logo of RSR

Rotary Scout Reservation is a 1,300-acre (5 km²) Boy Scout camp of the Twin Rivers Council, located in Poestenkill, New York. The original part of the camp was donated by the Troy Rotary Club in 1922. Summer camp program areas include the Trail to First Class Program, where young Scouts can work on requirements needed to earn Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks. RSR offers 40 merit badges in 9 program areas. In addition to the merit badge option, RSR offers an open schedule which allows Scouts to plan their day with a variety of outdoor experiences. The camp also offers several additional program areas designed to appeal to older Scouts, which include COPE, Mountain Biking, Chillicothe, and Thunderbird Corps.

RSR's totem is the Thunderbird.

The Chillicothe program at RSR offers Scouts and Leaders a look at American Pioneer life in the 19th century. Scouts are encouraged to try their hand at activities such as candle making, flint and steel fire starting, blacksmithing, woodsman tools, tin-smithing and more. Chillicothe is a program unique to RSR, and it is an often underutilized program. It was designed to encourage the return of older Scouts who had earned most of the merit badges offered by the camp.

Other council camps are:

  • Camp Wakpominee, located in Fort Ann, NY.

[1] Camp Wakpominee offers both Year Round Camping and an excellent Summer Camp. The camp is located on over 1,000 acres (4.0 km²) in the Adirondacks in Upstate New York and boasts one lake and three ponds. The summer program, run by national camp school graduates and trained instructors, is designed to meet the needs of all Scouts, from Cubs to Eagles. The Summer camp offers two week long Cub Day Camp sessions as well as a six week long Boy Scout Resident camp. The Camp also offers Adirondack treks throughout the Summer Camp season.

  • Woodworth Lake Scout Reservation, located in Gloversville, NY. Situated in the Adirondacks, Woodworth Lake is an excellent starting point for a hike into the Adirondacks. There are no resident summer programs run out of this camp, however it is open for weekend camping trips as well as a summer Cub Scout day camp.
  • Camp Boyhaven, located in Middle Grove, NY. Each summer, it runs a resident Cub and Webelos Resident Camp for five weeks. It runs a total of seven sessions. Each summer it camps up to 1000 campers.
  • Camp Bedford, located near Meacham Lake State Campground on Route 30 between Gabriels and Malone NY, closed after sixty-two years of service due to financial reasons. Some say the financial situation stemmed from the 2005 merger of the Adirondack Council and the Twin Rivers council.

[edit] Westchester-Putnam Council

Several smaller councils once existed in Westchester County in the 1930s. There was the Hendrick Hudson Council located in Ossining, the Bronx Valley Council in Mount Vernon, the Yonkers Council in Yonkers, the Siwanoy Council of New Rochelle, and the Fennimore Cooper Council of White Plains. In the mid-1970s, the Hutchinson River Council of New Rochelle and the Washington Irving Council of White Plains merged to form the Westchester-Putnam Council. The Westchester-Putnam Council is divided into 6 districts:

Order Of The Arrow – Lodge Ktemaque 15

The grave of James E. West lies within the Westchester-Putnam Council.

[edit] Council Camps

[edit] Curtis S. Read Scout Reservation
  • Camp Waubeeka: Patrol cooking
  • Camp Buckskin: Dining hall
  • Summit Base: High Adventure

[edit] Durland Scout Reservation (formerly Clear Lake)

Durland Scout Reservation has 1,400 acres (6 km²) of land and is located in Putnam Valley, New York in neighboring Putnam County.Clear Lake Scout Reservation

[edit] Durland Scout Center

Durland Scout Center is the only Boy Scout land located on the Atlantic Ocean. It is located at 310 Stuyvesant Avenue on Milton Point in Rye. It was built through the generosity of Mrs. Agatha A. Durland. In 2004, the council executive board voted to put Durland Scout Center up for sale; the intention is to sell the property and use the funds to develop other facilities in Westchester-Putnam Council. As of the summer of 2007, the Durland Scout Center has been closed to Scouting activieties as a result of it's sale to private developers who have purchased the property.Durland Scout Center

[edit] Girl Scouting in New York

There are 21 Girl Scout council offices in New York.

Girl Scouts of The Adirondack Council Queensbury, New York[7]

Girl Scout Council of Buffalo and Erie County, Inc Buffalo, New York[8]

Girl Scout Council of Central New York Syracuse, New York[9]

Girl Scouts of Dutchess County Poughkeepsie, New York[10]

Girl Scouts - Foothills Council Utica, New York[11]

Girl Scouts of Genesee Valley West Henrietta, New York[12]

Girl Scout Council of Greater New York New York, New York[13]

Girl Scouts, Hudson Valley Council Albany, New York[14]

Girl Scouts-Indian Hills Council Binghamton, New York[15]

Girl Scouts, Mohawk Pathways Council Schenectady, New York[16]

Girl Scouts of Nassau County Garden City, New York[17]

Girl Scouts of Niagara County Lockport, New York[18]

Girl Scouts of The North Country Plattsburgh, New York[19]

Rockland County Girl Scout Council New City, New York[20]

Sarah Wells Girl Scout Council Middletown, New York[21]

Girl Scouts-Seven Lakes Council Phelps, New York[22]

Girl Scouts of Suffolk County Commack, New York[23]

Girl Scouts of Southwestern New York Jamestown, New York[24]

Thousand Islands Girl Scout Council, Inc Watertown, New York[25]

Girl Scouts of Ulster County Kingston, New York[26]

Girl Scouts of Westchester-Putnam Pleasantville, New York[27]

[edit] Edith Macy Conference Center

Edith Macy Conference Center is a national conference and training facility of the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) It is located in Briarcliff Manor, New York. The site has had four names: Camp Edith Macy (C.E.M.) - University In The Woods, Edith Macy Training School, Edith Macy Girl Scout National Center and since 1982, Edith Macy Conference Center. However, it is often simply referred to as Macy. The John J. Creedon Education Center and Camp Andree Clark are part of the complex. Macy hosted the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Fourth International Conference in 1926. Camp Andree Clark hosted the GSUSA's Silver Jubilee Camp in 1937.

[edit] Scouting museums in New York

[edit] International Scouting units in New York

In addition, there are Armenian Scouts and Estonian Scouts in Exile in New York City, and Külföldi Magyar Cserkészszövetség Hungarian Scouting maintains two troops in New York City and one in Buffalo. Also, there are large contingents of active Plast Ukrainian Scouts in New York City.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ Allegheny Highlands Council About Page. Allegheny Highlands Council Website. Allegheny Highlands Council. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  2. ^ Baden-Powell Council History. Baden-Powell Council Website. Baden-Powell Council. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  3. ^ Hiawatha District
  4. ^ Taughannock District
  5. ^ Baden-Powell Council Districts. Baden-Powell Council Website. Baden-Powell Council. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  6. ^ Camp Barton
  7. ^ Camp Barton Campsites. Camp Barton Website. Baden-Powell Council. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  8. ^ Camp Barton Program. Camp Barton Website. Baden-Powell Council. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  9. ^ Camp Barton Off-Season Camping. Camp Barton Website. Baden-Powell Council. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  10. ^ a b Camp Tuscarora. Camp Tuscarora Website. Baden-Powell Council. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  11. ^ Camp Tuscarora Program. Camp Tuscarora Website. Baden-Powell Council. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  12. ^ Finger Lakes Council
  13. ^ Five Rivers Council Districts. Five Rivers Council Website. Five Rivers Council. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  14. ^ Historic Hodge Podge
  15. ^ Greater New York Councils
  16. ^ Aquehonga District
  17. ^ Hiawatha-Seaway Council History. Hiawatha-Seaway Council Website. Hiawatha-Seaway Council. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  18. ^ Hiawatha-Seaway Council Camping. Hiawatha-Seaway Council Website. Hiawatha-Seaway Council. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  19. ^ a b Hiawatha-Seaway Council Districts. Hiawatha-Seaway Council Website. Hiawatha-Seaway Council. Retrieved on 2007-06-21.
  20. ^ LA World Brotherhood Camporee
  21. ^ http://www.itcbsa.org/Joomla/images/Longhouse/2006%20Nov%20-%20Dec.pdf
  22. ^ http://www.cedarlandsnews.com/