Outdoor Skills

Outdoor Skills is the program area for Scoutcraft activities. The First Year Program is part of this area. In addition, those basic Scouting Merit Badges are offered by the Outdoor Skills staff. Pioneering, Wilderness Survival and Cooking are just some of the skills. Located in Scoutcraft Valley, also known as Tapper Valley, the Scoutcraft Pavilion is the center of activity. Scouts can expect to explore various parts of Camp Geiger in addition to having instruction near the pavilion. Camp Geiger has a long tradition of providing exciting learning opportunities in the traditional scouting skills.

First Year Scouts

Each new scout is excited to start his personal First Year Program to be an Eagle Scout. Camp Geiger’s First Year Program program offers the first year scout an exciting opportunity to learn the basic Scouting Skills as he progresses toward his goals by learning. While working as patrols of 6 to 10 boys, the first year scout works on Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class requirements in a fun and exciting manner.

Under the direction of the Outdoor Skills (Scoutcraft) Staff, the first year scout will cook, learn knots, build fires, and many more activities. Through these activities he will develop many of the skills needed to meet the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class scout ranks. Through the First Year Program program he will be able to complete the swimming requirements.  While learning he will also explore Camp Geiger, learning some of the history and visiting much of the camp.

Since the scouts work in small patrols, most get the opportunity to be a leader. Learning how to work as a patrol is an important part of this program. Two to three patrols learn and compete under the direction of a Troop Guide (an Outdoor Skills Staff Member). Troop Guides are selected for their Scout Skills, ability to work with young scouts, and ability to promote the Patrol Method.

By the end of their week at Camp, all participants will know that they accomplished something special and more importantly, they are truly a part of the Camp Geiger Family. And they won't go away empty handed; each Scout will receive a memento from their experience that will remind them forever of their first year at Camp Geiger and participation in the First Year Program program.

MOUNTAIN BOARDING ADDED TO THE PROGRAM

To bring even more excitement to the Geiger experience,mountain boarding (also known as dirt boarding) was introduced in 2010. For the uninitiated, mountain boarding is snow boarding on wheels. The new activity is for those who have most of the merit badges and are looking for something new and different. The program is offered at 9, 10, and 11 am and 3 and 4 pm. It is limited to 8 participants per period so signups are required. Older scouts of advanced rank will get priority. The program is housed at the top of Black Hawk Ridge (the old shot gun range).

Mountain Biking