H.A. Moses Scout Reservation offers a wide variety of instructional and recreational activities and programs under the leadership of the Camp Director and Program Director.  We offer programs in aquatics, handicrafts, nature, Scoutcraft, shooting sports, and climbing/C.O.P.E. conducted by the camp’s Area Directors in accordance with the policies established by the Boy Scouts of America.  These activities are offered in the afternoons or evenings..

There are three activity periods each morning that are set aside for merit badge classes (9:00, 10:00 and 11:00.)  The afternoons and evenings are designed for special programs, scheduled unit activities, and individual drop-in activities.  Please see Advancement in Camp for information about merit badges.

Some of these activities are open and you may drop in at any time.  Others are popular, and you’ll need to reserve your unit’s time block in advance.  Sign up in June at the Pre-Camp Program Meeting.  If you can’t come to the meeting, please send in your request to the Council Service Center or e-mail the Camp Director.  Sooner is better, but we will be making additions and changes to the schedule all summer.   Units have first preference for the special activities; all open spots are then available on a first-come, first-served basis for individual boys.  Troops seem to be most successful when they plan a variety of troop activities in different program areas and also leave some time free for the Scouts to pursue their own interests.
 

Moses Scout Reservation has a great waterfront ready and waiting for your scouts to join in on the fun. Easily the busiest (and perhaps the most exciting) area in camp, we have fully equipped swimming, boating, and canoeing areas. Our waterfront staff members are trained to safely supervise and teach all aspects of the Aquatics program.  Scouts can learn basic skills in the merit badge classes and then try them out in the afternoons.  Some parts of the waterfront program are restricted to those who have qualified as swimmers.  We encourage you to participate in the many different activities our waterfront has to offer.  No activities are run after the posted waterfront program hours.  Our waterfront staff may liven things up a bit by sponsoring theme days down at “the beach.”  Join in the fun—become a pirate, a Hawaiian, or a Whatever for the day!

Suggested activities:

· MILE SWIM, BSA:  This program is for swimmers who are physically fit and wish to improve their endurance.  To participate, a scout must complete all the training sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.  The Mile Swim is on Thursday night.
 
· POLAR BEAR SWIM:  For the truly stout of heart, this 6:30 AM activity is a great chance for fun.  You'll be out of the water in plenty of time for breakfast.  You’ll earn a certificate if you take a dip each morning (Monday-Friday.)

· SAFE SWIM DEFENSE & SAFETY AFLOAT:  Adult leaders can become certified in Safe Swim Defense Plan & Safety Afloat on Tuesdays at 9:15 AM.  You can then schedule a safe swim away from the waterfront for your troop with the guidance of the waterfront staff.  This will allow you and your boys to practice the procedures and become familiar with them so your troop can conduct safe swimming activities throughout the year.  These achievement cards are now necessary for your year-round troop aquatics activities.

· OPEN BOATING:  Choose a rowboat, a canoe, one of our sailboats, or a kayak to explore the lake, have some fun, and get some good exercise.  Boating activities are restricted to swimmers.  Details for how beginners can use the rowboats will be given at the Sunday evening waterfront orientation.

· OPEN SWIM:  Go jump in the lake!  Everyone is welcome, individually or as a unit, to head down to the waterfront.  Russell Pond’s beautiful clean waters are so refreshing on a warm summer’s day.

· PIRATE BREAKFAST:  Be a pirate for a day!  Cast off from Aquatics Dock at 6:30 in the morning, row across the lake (swimmers only) to the base at Frontier Camp, eat breakfast, and return by 8:30 a.m.  You might even want to "dress up" in grand pirate regalia.  Make it a special event for the boys in your unit. Please sign up in advance and request your food from the Dining Hall as soon as possible.  Arrangements must be made with the Aquatics Director. 

· PIRATE OVERNIGHT:  Leave in the evening and return the next morning. (See Pirate breakfast for more details.)  Enjoy a night out under the stars (or in your own tent.)  Remember you need at least two adults, one 21+ years old with current Safety Afloat certification. 

· SNORKELING, BSA:  Learn how to use snorkeling equipment properly and discover the fascinating world that exists under the water.  The camp has a limited supply of masks, fins and snorkels available.  If any of your boys have their own equipment, have them bring it to camp.

· SWIMMING INSTRUCTION:  Are you working to pass your Swimmer’s Test?  Many of the waterfront activities must be limited to swimmers only.  We can work with you to develop your skills.  Individualized instruction is available in the afternoon.  You may challenge the swim test at any time.  Just ask.

· TROOP AND PATROL SWIMS:  Troops or patrols, under their own leadership and using the Safe Swim Defense Plan, may run their own troop general swim.  Arrangements must first be made with the Aquatics Director.

· TUBING:  Relax and have some fun paddling around the lake in an inner tube.  This is a unit activity only, and so two adults who are qualified swimmers must lead the activity.

· WATER BASKETBALL:  Play some hoop in the learner’s area, so everyone regardless of swimming skill can participate.  Arrange competition between patrols, or challenge another troop.
 

There’s something especially satisfying about crafting an object with your own hands.  Try out some simple crafts like an easy basket, a bear claw necklace, or a leather wallet.  Make a canoe out of birch bark.  Carve a walking stick.  Fire up the forge and hammer out a coat hook. Develop your talents and design your own project.  We have tools, supplies (and kits for sale at modest prices at the Trading Post), samples, and instruction to help you develop skills and techniques that  might become a life-long hobby.  Many of us have treasured items we made in camp years ago.  Special tip:  You can make and take something home and give it to your mom or favorite family member — she’ll love it even if it isn’t perfect!

CAMPERS’ LOUNGE:  Stop into Guyton in the evenings for a special gathering place. Join other campers in a friendly game of checkers or chess, or another table game.  Compare notes and get ideas for troop activities from campers across our Council or even from another Council.  Perhaps you’ll catch a cooking demonstration and sample the results in our evening cracker barrel.

Suggested activities:

· BASKETRY:  Basket weaving can be a calming, soothing activity; try it and find out why.  Make a basket to carry things in, or a cane stool to bring a bit of comfort to your campsite.

· BLACKSMITHING:  Come to our own blacksmith shop where you can pound and hammer away to your heart’s content.  Fire up the forge and boys will get a chance to see how it’s done and to make something of their own.  You’ll need long pants; safety goggles are provided; and keep a watchful eye as sparks fly!  Blacksmithing is available as a unit activity only and requires at least two adult leaders to supervise this area.

· INDIAN LORE:  Design an elaborate headdress or make a beaded necklace.  You can work on many different craft items reminiscent of the Native Americans.

· LEATHERWORK:  Start simple and make a leather key ring or comb case.  Maybe you need a new wallet or a pair of moccasins.  Choose your favorite designs and stamp them onto a belt.  We can help you design and decorate useful items out of leather.  

· MUSIC:  Bring your guitar or recorder to camp.  (Other instruments welcome, too.)  Sing out for the joy of it.  Make music with others at night in Guyton Lodge.  Learn a new song or lead your favorite in the dining hall or at your next campfire.  Perhaps you’d like to learn to bugle Taps or rouse everyone with an inspiring Reveille call.

· PATROL FLAG:  Who are you?  We’ve got glue and felt and markers to help you make your own flag so you can identify yourself proudly.

· WOODCARVING:   You can whittle a marshmallow stick, but have you tried your hand at something a bit more interesting?  Learn the fundamentals of woodcarving, then develop your skills and your creativity in wood.

· WOODWORKING:  Let the world know you were at Moses in 2006.  Make a sign for the Dining Hall or for your troop’s gateway.
 

Explore the beauty of our natural world at Moses.  Follow the tracks of deer and ’possums to the water’s edge.  Muck around in the stream.  Listen to a cricket sing and calculate the temperature.  Watch a red-tailed hawk soar then dive for its prey.  Protect a fragile area with a carefully built retaining wall.  Catch a fish.  Gaze at the stars and watch the constellations wheel around the night sky.  Become a Moses “Wildman” as you discover the many different ecosystems in our 1600 acres.

The emphasis and specialties of the summer vary with the passions and expertise of our Nature staff.  Some years, snakes and frogs take center stage, other years it’s edible plants or tracking the wild animals in the forests and fields.  Whatever your interest, we can help you learn more.  We especially encourage volunteers to share their specialties with others in camp.

Our Nature Director and counselors are trained to help your scouts learn about the environment around them and our place in this world.  We have a small library of field guides and nature books you can use.  This has been one of the least used areas of camp.  We encourage you to schedule a program that will get your boys involved in learning about their surroundings.  If there’s something you’d like to explore, please ask!  At press time, our program plans are still incomplete.  You’ll receive an update at the Pre-Camp Program Meeting in June.

Suggested activities:

· CONSERVATION PROJECTS:  The Nature Director and Ranger have developed a list of projects approved for various requirements.  We match these to your group’s skills and size.  These can be done on an individual basis or by a patrol or troop.

· EDIBLE PLANTS:  Can you survive if you're trapped in the woods?  This activity could help save your life, by giving you an idea of the various plants that are edible, how to identify them, and how to prepare them for eating.  This offers a different kind of afternoon snack.

· FISHING:  We have a limited supply of fishing gear available to the angler, so we encourage any fishing enthusiasts to bring their own equipment.  Our staff is ready to provide pointers to the newcomer.  Fishing is not permitted in certain areas.  The waterfront will reserve a couple of rowboats for exclusive use by fishermen.  Special tip:  The fish tend to be most active in the quiet areas of the pond early in the morning and evening.

· NATURE TRAILS:  Last year there were 8 different trails.  How many will there be this year?  Our creative nature staff will lay out several trails of different length to give you many different perspectives on the various ecosystems that are part of the Moses Reservation.  They will be a great introduction to the natural diversity that is part of our camp.

· PLASTER CASTING:  So you found some interesting animal tracks in camp!  They'll soon disappear when it rains or someone walks over them.  With plaster casting, you'll learn how to preserve these tracks so that you can talk about them all year round.

· MUCK WALK:  Discover life in the wetlands as you get into it right up to your knees!  Wear old sneakers or Teva sandals, a bathing suit and an old T-shirt.  You’ll meet fish, frogs, water bugs, and a variety of plant life up close and personal on this unique nature experience.
 
· STAR STUDY:  Join us as we gaze at the stars in the Parade Field.  Bring your own telescope or field glasses or take a peek through our own camp’s telescope.  It’s available on all clear nights for an introduction to the fascinating world of astronomy.  Find various constellations, and gaze at the moon and planets that make up the "Final Frontier."

· THE FOREST:  Can your boys identify the trees that surround them at camp?  Can they tell the difference between the different types of maples, pines, or oaks?  This program will introduce them to one of the most prominent natural features that we constantly ignore.

Campcraft skills are at the heart of Scouting.  Our Scoutcraft area offers program activities for everyone from the “tenderfoot” to the experienced woodsman.  Learn and practice the skills that make your life outdoors comfortable and fun.  Try something new, pick up useful tips, become prepared for the challenges of the unexpected.  Can you earn a degree in our Pioneering College? Our Scoutcraft Director and his assistants are knowledgeable and eager to help you develop and carry out your plans.

You can work on your skills in the Scoutcraft area or right in your own troop site.  Your own junior leaders can run many of these programs with support and materials provided by our staff.  Talk with the Scoutcraft Director regarding how you'd like to do these activities.

Suggested activities:

· CAMPCRAFT:  Learn all the ins and outs of campsite setup:  different types of tents, their uses, and how  to pitch them; how to select a campsite and lay it out; and how to make living in camp easy and comfortable.

· COOKING:  There are many opportunities for programs under the label of cooking.  Would you like to learn Dutch oven cooking, utensils cooking, or backpacking cooking?  We can help you with all of these.  You tell us what you'd like to do, and we'll arrange a suitable menu.  Many of these can be done as afternoon or evening snacks.  If you wish to do the instruction as part of a meal, please sign up for the meal(s) as Patrol Cooking meals at the Pre-Camp Program Planning Meetings.  Some cooking activities may include a small fee to purchase the food for the program.

· FIRECRAFT:  Despite the increasing emphasis on fuel stoves and the need for low impact camping, this is still a necessary skill.  Learn about different types of fires, how to build them, what fuels to use.  You can earn the "Firem'n Chit" with this program.

· GIMP:  Although braiding lanyards with gimp (plastic lace) isn’t part of any of our merit badges, it’s lots of fun.  Pick up some strands of your favorite colors at the Trading Post, and then come over to Scoutcraft and find out just how it’s done.  Special tip:  Try the glow-in-the-dark gimp for a special twist to your lanyard.

· HIKING:  Have you ever visited Sherwood Forest, Mammoth Skull Swamp or Tower Mountain?  These are just a few of the many fascinating places on our property that most scouts never get to visit.  Perhaps a hike to one of these destinations would be appropriate.  Or maybe a beeline hike using a compass and your wits would be more challenging.  We have maps and the knowledge to get you there and back.  Just tell us what you'd like to do and we'll help.

· KNIFE AND AXE:  A chance for you to earn your "Totin’ Chip" card.  You’ll need this before you begin work on the Woodcarving merit badge.

· KNOTS:  Do you need help tying knots?  Would you like to learn some new ones?  Do you know what all the knots are used for?  We can help with all of these challenges and more.  Just tell us what you'd like to concentrate on, and we'll design a program that will keep you all tied up.

· LASHINGS:  The key to camp improvements like shoe racks, drying racks, tables, gateways, etc.  We'll help you become comfortable with tying and using the different types of lashings.

· LEAVE NO TRACE:  These low-impact skills are becoming increasingly important to campers and hikers everywhere.  Learn how to enjoy the backcountry and leave it in its wild glory for others to appreciate.

· MAP AND COMPASS WORK:  Whether it's basic how-to-use-a-compass or a full-fledged orienteering challenge, we can help you learn your way around a map and compass.

· OUTPOST ADVENTURE:  With over 1,600 acres, there are many opportunities for your troop to embark on an overnight outpost.  We can help you plan this adventure and will provide staff support as needed to make it a memorable experience for your boys.

· PIONEERING PROJECTS:  If you are already proficient in lashing, you might want to tackle a more sophisticated project.  Build a tower, a monkey bridge, or whatever you can plan.  We'll be there to help you succeed in making whatever you would like.

· ROPEWORK:  Would you like to learn how to make rope?  Do you know how to make rope of different sizes?  Can you build your own rope-making machine?  We can help you learn all about rope:  how to make it, how to care for it, the different types, what they are best used for.

· TRIP PLANNING:  Whether it’s for a one-day hike or a weeklong backpacking trip, we'll fill you in on all the steps necessary to plan an activity.

 · ULTIMATEERING:  This is an adventurous, cross-country orienteering program for experienced scouts.  See more information in the “Programs for Older Campers” section.

 · TOMAHAWK THROWING: Hit a target like the mountain men use to.

Become at “home on the range.”  Develop your marksmanship skills on one or more of our three ranges.  Learn how to safely handle a rifle, shotgun, and bow.  Our Shooting Sports Directors are nationally certified in safety and the instruction of their sports.  Because this is one of the most popular areas of camp, you will need to sign up for these activities in advance.  An adult must accompany the unit to all the ranges.  Two-deep adult leadership is required for the shotgun range and the field archery course.

Suggested activities:

· RIFLE SHOOTING:  Located at the rifle range, this program gives the boys a chance to test their skill at shooting .22 caliber rifles.  It begins with a safety session and has no extra cost. To help with safety on the range, an adult must accompany your unit to the rifle range.

· ARCHERY:  This graceful and challenging sport has been popular for thousands of years.  Come to the archery range and find out why.  It’s not as easy as it looks to hit a target with a bow and arrow.  As with the rifle range, an adult must accompany your unit to the archery range.

· FIELD ARCHERY:  If you have some archery experience, try the field archery course where you can test your skill.  There are ten stations set up in the woods with a variety of targets for you and your unit to take aim at.  This is a unit activity only and requires adult supervision.

· MUZZLE LOADER SHOOTING:  See how they shot rifles during the Westward Expansion.  You will get a chance to fire a cap-and-ball rifle and also see how a flintlock is operated.  An adult from your unit must be present for this activity.

· HUNTING THE WILD WATERMELON:  Will your archery team be the first to shoot the Wild Watermelon?  

Moses offers some special programs in addition to “typical” summer activities.  Some of these are open to everyone.  Others are limited by age, experience, and/or the number of people who can safely be involved at one time.  We invite you if you have a special interest to volunteer to lead an activity.  Over the years we have had some wonderful programs ranging from archeology to bugling to stained glass.  Our radio program has grown as a result of volunteers who enjoy sharing their passion for HAM radio with the boys.

Suggested activities:

· C.O.P.E.:  This is nationally recognized group challenge course for experienced scouts.  See  Programs for Older Campers for further  information on this and other activities for our older scouts.

· CLIMBING:  Our climbing wall was a popular attraction last summer, and will give you a chance to reach new heights in your Scouting career.  We’ll provide the equipment, teach you the safety procedures, and let you experience the excitement of climbing.

· RADIO:  Come to the HAM Radio Shack and talk to people all over the world.  Each week in the evenings, we have a volunteer HAM operator who will introduce you to the fascinating world of radio. He also offers the radio merit badge to interested scouts.   The key to the HAM Shack is available during the day at the Camp Office, for any unit who would like to listen to broadcasts.  Bring your HAM license if you’d like to transmit.  Special tip:  When conditions are right, you can talk to people in Africa and Europe!  Bring a postcard to send to your new buddies.

· SPORTS:  The camp maintains a limited amount of equipment for various sports.  The Trading Post Manager will have equipment for volleyball, basketball, and soccer.  This equipment can be reserved in advance, otherwise it will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Challenge other troops in camp or run your own inter-patrol competition.
 

·  MOUNTAIN BOARDING: Test your skill on a mountain board.