Organized camping is a creative, educational experience in cooperative groups living in the outdoors. It uses the natural surroundings to contribute significantly to physical, mental, spiritual, and social growth.

• Camping contributes to good health.

• Camping helps campers develop self-reliance and resourcefulness.

• Camping enhances spiritual growth.

• Camping contributes to social development.

• Camping is an experience in citizenship training.

Outdoor adventure is the promise made to boys and girls when they join Scouting. Young people yearn for outdoor programs that stir their imagination and interest. Learn More about the Scouts BSA Outdoor Program.

There are several awards related to the Outdoor Programs of the BSA that can supplement your Scout BSA experience. Click here to learn about these awards and recognition.

Short-Term Camp

A short-term camp is any troop overnight camping program, whether one-time or continuing, that is one, two or three nights in length where the troop provides the staffing. These trips are referred to as weekend camping by the troop. 

Long-Term Camp

A long-term camp is a council-organized camp of four nights or more that operates under council-retained leadership. Summer camp at a Council operated reservation is an example. Another example would be high adventure camps operated by BSA.