Nashua Valley Council is announcing an exciting new partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster to offer day camp opportunities for Cub Scouts this summer. The program will include a longer, 6-week season; a lower price, with breakfast and lunch included; options for a 9AM - 5PM day, or an 8AM - 6 PM day for more flexibility; and a location closer to home to reduce transportation time.
Although the location is changing, the program will feature all the fun, learning, and outdoor adventure that Scouts and parents have come to expect from Nashua Valley Council's day camp programs including: athletics, art, nature and conservation, archery, and Scout skills, along with some new and exciting programs. The campers will visit Camp Split Rock one day a week for swimming and boating, and other activities.
We are excited to be working with the Boys & Girls Club, an organization that shares our commitment to the youth of our communities. Located just off Route 2 in Leominster, the Club offers a more central location for our day camp, and superb facilities.
In addition to day camp, a three-night resident camp for Webelos will be held at Camp Wanocksett, giving Webelos a sampling of what they have to look forward to at Boy Scout camp.
Promotional materials and registration for both of these programs will be available in late February.
At Camp Split Rock, the council's properties and program teams are working on continuing improvements to prepare the camp for new Cub Scout family camping programs planned for 2014. Camp Split Rock will continue to host our National Youth Leadership Training course, Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills, Wilderness First Aid, and other training programs to equip youth and adult leaders to better deliver the Scouting program in our packs, troops, and crews. Camp Split Rock is, and will remain, an integral part of the council’s camping program.
Volunteers interested in helping develop and expand our Cub Scout camping opportunities are welcome at the monthly camping committee meetings, on the last Monday of each month, at 6:30PM, at the council service center, in Lancaster.
Questions & Answers
Is Nashua Valley Council cancelling Cub Scout day camp?
No. We are changing the way that we deliver Day Camp, but Nashua Valley Council remains committed to fun, educational, outdoor, summer programs for Cub Scouts.
Are we turning over our program to an outside group?
No. Nashua Valley Council has entered into a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster to offer a day camp program this summer. We are pleased to be working with the Boys & Girls Club, an organization that shares our commitment to the youth of our communities. This summer’s day camp will be run in accordance with the strict standards and policies of the Boy Scouts of America. Key staff will be trained by the Boy Scouts’ National Camping School.
Why is the program location changing?
Over the last 10 years, our day camp has struggled to remain financially viable. Transportation costs alone have risen to more than $20,000 a year. The struggling economy has made camp less affordable to many families. Declining Cub Scout membership has made it more difficult to meet our attendance goals. All of our programs are expected to be financially self-sufficient. While we are not seeking to make money from day camp, we also cannot continue to lose money. On average, the day camp program has been in a deficit for more than a decade.
Are there staff opportunities available?
Yes. The staff hiring process will take place in April. All of last year’s day camp staff have been invited to apply for this year’s staff.
Will the program include shooting sports?
Yes. The program will include archery.
Will the program include swimming and boating?
Yes. The program will include a day at Camp Split Rock for swimming and boating.
Will the program include Scout Skills?
Yes. A variety of Scout Skills will be taught during the week and during the field trip to Camp Split Rock.
Will Scouts be outdoors?
Yes. Weather permitting the bulk of the day camp program will be outside.
How does this change benefit Packs & Dens?
This year’s day camp will be a longer season (six weeks instead of four) offering more flexibility for scheduling. The price will be lower, making camp more affordable for families. The program will include an option for either a 9-5 schedule, or a longer 8-6 schedule to better accommodate parents’ work schedules.
Will advancement be tracked?
Yes. Recognition is an important method of Cub Scouting. We will provide boys with a summary of the activities that they did during camp. It will be up to parents and den leaders to determine if those activities satisfy award requirements. This is the same process we have been using at day camp for many years.
Will there be a Webelos Residential Camp?
Yes. A 3-night Webelos Residential program at Camp Wanocksett will be offered during the summer.
When will more information be available?
Promotional materials and registration for both the day and resident camps will be available in late February.
Will need-based financial aid (camperships) be available for these programs?
Yes. As in the past, a number of need-based financial aid will be available to Cub Scout families to assist with the cost of attending camp. Applications for camperships can be obtained by calling the council service center at (978) 534-3532.
Can the proceeds my son earns from the camp card sale be used to help pay for these programs?
Yes. Units participating in the camp card sale will earn a 50% commission. We strongly encourage units to use the commission to help Scouts attend summer camp.
What about Camp Split Rock?
Our property and program committees are working together to continue improvements at Camp Split Rock in preparation for increased Cub Scout Family Camp programs in 2014. While we make these improvements, Camp Split Rock will continue to host our National Youth Leadership Training, Wilderness First Aid, Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills, and other training programs, as well as year-round camping opportunities for packs and troops. Camp Split Rock remains an integral part of our council’s camping program.