Boy Scouts of America

National Camping School

Purpose of National Camping School

The purpose of National Camping School (NCS) is to provide adults with a learning experience and training related to the operation of council camp. The key staff members will, in turn, train and supervise other staff personnel in your council camping program.

Training is offered for staff members who will serve as Short-Term Camp Administrators, Day Camp Administrators, Long-term (Resident) Camp Directors, Long-term (Resident) Program Directors, Aquatics Directors, Climbing Directors, Project COPE Directors, COPE and Climbing Program Trainers, Ecology Directors, Outdoor Skills Directors, Trek Directors, and Shooting Sports Directors. 

(Not all schools will offer all sections. Refer to the course locations below for schools, sections offered and locations)

Download the 2024 National Camping School Locations and Sections List (as of 2/1/2024)

Download the National Camping School FAQ

To be eligible to attend National Camping School all participants must:

  • Be registered members of the BSA
  • Have current Youth Protection training
  • Be approved by the council in which they are registered
  • Be at least 18 years of age by start of course 
  • Attend all classes and sessions (Note: Attendance does not guarantee certification. Many sections are skills-based, and certificates are awarded based on successful completion of skills-based activities.)
  • Complete all appropriate prerequisites 
  • Be present for the entire school
  • Have a complete BSA field uniform. The uniform will be worn at various times during the course. 
  • All Short-term camp administrator (in person courses) and Day Camp participants must have a current BSA Annual Health and Medical Record with Parts A and B completed.
  • All Resident (Long-Term) Camp participants must have a current BSA Annual Health and Medical Record with Parts A, B, and C completed.

To be eligible for a recertification course, the participant must hold a current certification in that section or have a certification that expired no more than six months prior to the start of the course. If you need to confirm when your NCS certification expires, please email NCS@Scouting.org

The Day Camp, Aquatics Instructor-BSA, Climbing, COPE, Resident (Long-term) Camp Director, Resident (Long-Term) Camp Program Director, and Shooting Sports sections have prerequisites listed below.

Late Registrations and Cancellations:

The fees listed on the site below are the on-time registration fees. Local councils will be billed for their registrants’ fees at the conclusion of each course. 

In addition:  

  • Resident Camp Sections – Late Registrations: A registration completed fewer than 14 days prior to the start of the school will incur a $100 late charge.  
  • Day Camp Administration – Late Registrations: A registration completed fewer than 14 days prior to the start of the school will incur a $50 late charge.  
  • Section Registration Changes: Switching registration between sections for an existing registration made fewer than 14 days prior to the start will be charged a $100 section change fee. Please note any fee difference between section costs will also apply (as applicable). 
  • Cancellations: Cancellations filed fewer than 14 days prior to the start of the course will incur a $100 cancellation fee. The local council will be billed for these fees. Cancellation requests must be in writing to NCS@Scouting.org 
  • No-Show Fee: For those registered that do not arrive on the start date of the course without prior notice of cancellation, the full course fee will be charged. The local council will be billed for these fees.

Questions about National Camping School? – Email ncs@scouting.org 

National Camping School Sections

Click the tabs below to learn more about each section of National Camping School and see pricing for 2024. Note: all fees listed are on time registration fee and these fees are subject to change. All NCS resident (long-term) camp sections are intense in nature, and as such, participants should be prepared for long days of training. The schedule begins with breakfast at 7 a.m. daily and ends with a cracker barrel each night at 9:30. 

The short-term camp administrator oversees aspects of the short-term camp with respect to the purpose of the camp, the training of the staff and the overall safety of the camp. They may also be involved in the program planning detail. The short-term camp administrator training will equip participants with the skills to oversee and support these camps. Short-Term Camp administrator national camping school training is a two-year certification. 

Highlights include:

  • NCAP process for short-term camp
  • Program planning
  • Fiscal management
  • Facilities
  • Risk management

This training is available through a local council or online through the Outdoor Programs department of the BSA. Interested participants should contact the local council for availability. Pricing varies slightly by location. 

Prerequisites: Meet all eligibility requirements listed above for National Camping School attendance and be at least 21 years old. 

2024 Short-Term Camp Administrator Course fee is $65 for in person at a local council; $75 for online nationally led courses.

2024 Short-Term Camp Administrator Recertification Course fee is $65 for online nationally led online courses. Short-Term Camp Administrator Recertification is not yet available for local councils to host.

Councils interested in hosting Short- term Camp administrator training should visit https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/camping/short-term-camp/

To register for Short-Term camp administrator training visit the short-term camp website at https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/camping/short-term-camp/

The Cub Scout Day Camp Administration section of National Camp School is for day camp directors, day camp program directors, and council day camp professional staff advisors and administrators. This is a comprehensive training course on all aspects of the day camp operation, including methods of day camping, program scheduling and resources, staff organization, recruiting and training, and health and safety practices.

To be nationally certified as a day camp director, program director or staff adviser, individuals must complete a three-part training curriculum. If you have a current Day Camp Administration certification that has not expired, you do not have to take this training. This format and curriculum is for anyone who is not yet certified.

The three part training includes:
• Part 1: Online training module
• Part 2: Council-led training module, facilitated by local council leadership
• Part 3: In-person two-day training held at locations around the country (Courses begin at 9 a.m. on Day 1 and conclude at 2 p.m. on Day 2.)

This three part curriculum, combined with the required pre-requisites listed below, will enable individuals to serve in a leadership role at their day camp.   All three sessions, online, in-person local council session and the 1.5 days at NCS are required to be fully certified and they should be taken in that order when possible. Once individuals register for national camping school, they will receive the link for the online training course.

Prerequisites:
Participants must have completed

  • Cub Scout Leader Training (any Cub Scout leader position-specific training is acceptable)
  • Youth Protection Training available in the BSA Learn Center available through My.Scouting. A copy of the certificate(s) or training record is required.
  • Part 1: NCS online training module
  • Part 2: NCS council-led training module

2024 Course fee $295

This course is designed for:

  • Camp directors
  • Reservation directors
  • Assistant camp directors
  • Business managers

Required for resident (long-term) camp leadership
Prerequisites:

Highlights include: 

  • NCAP
  • Employment management and staff training
  • Business practices and fiscal management
  • Health and wellness
  • Cultural competencies

7-day course: begins with lunch Day 1; ends Day 7 after breakfast.

2024 Course fee: $650

This course is designed for:

  • Camp program directors
  • Assistant camp program directors

Required for resident (long-term) camp leadership

Prerequisites:

Highlights include: 

  • Implementing National Camp Accreditation Program
  • Customer Service
  • BSA brand management
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • The Leading EDGE
  • The Teaching EDGE
  • Program management and planning

7-day course: begins with lunch Day 1; ends Day 7 after breakfast

2024 Course fee: $650

This course is designed for:

  • Resident (long-term) camp aquatics directors
  • Pool directors
  • Waterfront directors

Highlights include:

  • The roles of the camp aquatics director operating as the lead professional lifeguard, including lifeguard management and lifeguard instruction
  • Lead instructor for aquatics and aquatics area manager
  • Safe and effective supervision of all program activities in, on, and under the water 
  • Skills and teaching of swimming, water rescue, and paddle sports

Prerequisites for Aquatics Section Enrollment
Before acceptance into the Aquatics section on the opening day of the National Camping School, an Aquatics section participant must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older. Note: You must be 21 to hold the position of aquatics director in a local council camp.
  • Present evidence of a current lifeguard certification (BSA Lifeguard, Red Cross Lifeguard, YMCA Lifeguard, Starfish Aquatics Institute StarGuard, Ellis & Associates International Lifeguard Training Program Lifeguard Certification, or equivalent).
  • Present evidence of completion of Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training. 
  • Upon arrival at NCS
    • Be able to complete the 100-yard BSA swimmers test.
    • Immediately after completion of the test, swim continuously for an additional 450 yards.
    • Immediately after completion of the 450-yard swim, tread water for two minutes.
    • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using a front crawl or breaststroke, surface dive 7 to 10 feet, retrieve a 10-pound object, surface, swim with the object 20 yards back to the starting point and exit the water within one minute and 40 seconds.

Failure to satisfy any of the above criteria will prevent acceptance of the participant into the Aquatics section.

This specifically includes failure to provide evidence of a current lifeguard certification. The Aquatics Instructor– BSA program prepares the participant to be a BSA Lifeguard Instructor. A current lifeguard certification is a prerequisite so the participant has the base level knowledge and lifeguarding experience to successfully complete the Lifeguard Instructor training.

7-day course: begins with lunch Day 1; ends Day 7 after breakfast

2024 Course fee: $750

Aquatics Instructor–BSA Retraining

A retraining section is available for those certified in Aquatics Instructor–BSA. Candidates for retraining must meet all the prerequisites as outlined for Aquatics section enrollment.

4-day course: begins with lunch Day 1; ends Day 4 after lunch

2024 Course fee: $650

This course is designed for those who will be leading climbing/rappelling programs. Successful candidates may also assist in providing training for level 1 climbing instructors at the council level.

Highlights include:

  • Initiative games
  • Climbing
  • Bouldering
  • Rappelling
  • Anchor systems
  • Belaying using either natural sites or constructed facilities.

Prerequisites for Climbing Director Section Enrollment

Participants must:

  • Be in good physical condition as indicated on the Annual Health and Medical Record.
  • Climbing Level 1 Instructor OR
  • Have working knowledge of the council climbing program

7-day course: begins with lunch Day 1; ends Day 7 after breakfast

2024 Course fee: $605

Climbing Director Retraining

A retraining section is available for those currently certified as a BSA Climbing Director. Includes an update of items related to camp program administration, standards, policies, and procedures.

4-day course: begins with lunch Day 1; ends Day 4 after lunch.

2024 Course fee: $490

This course is designed for those who will be leading COPE (challenge course) programs. Successful candidates may also assist in providing training for Level 1 COPE instructors at the council level.

Highlights include:

  • Initiative games
  • Spotted challenge course elements (low COPE)
  • Challenge course elements using life-safety systems (high COPE)
  • Bouldering
  • Climbing/rappelling activities using constructed facilities

Prerequisites for COPE Director Section Enrollment
Participants must:

  • Be in good physical condition as indicated on the Annual Health and Medical Record.
  • COPE level 1 instructor OR
  • Have working knowledge of the council COPE course

7-day course: begins with lunch Day 1; ends Day 7 after breakfast

2024 Course fee: $605

COPE Director Retraining

A retraining section is available for those currently certified in COPE. Includes an update of items related to camp program administration, standards, policies, and procedures.

4-day course: begins with lunch Day 1; ends Day 4 after lunch

2024 Course fee: $490

This course is designed for those who will be instructing Level 2 COPE or Climbing Instructors to lead COPE or climbing/rappelling programs at the council level.

Highlights include:

  • Learning instruction methods
  • Working with other program trainer candidates to complete pre peer review paperwork
  • Demonstrating teaching skills on course, tower, and or rock with peers
  • Learning the most recent standards and industry practices
  • Being qualified to provide Peer to Peer review of another council’s program

During this course participants will be sharing information about the councils COPE or Climbing course and the participant’s training plan with the other participants receiving peer to peer feedback on the program and giving peer to peer feedback on the other participants programs.

Prerequisites:

  • Be in good physical condition as indicated on the Annual Health and Medical Record.
  • Hold current certification from National Camping School in COPE or Climbing Director training AND 
  • Have working knowledge of your council’s COPE or Climbing Program
  • Have Portfolio demonstrating 50 hours of face to face COPE or Climbing instruction with participants as a NCS Director or Level I or II instructor within the last 3 years. No more than 5 hours can be in administrative activities.

This 4-day course: begins with lunch Day 4; ends Day 7.

2024 Course fee: $490

This course is designed for those who will serve as ecology director or staff. This course is also valuable for any staff who will be administering ecology programs for weekend or year-round programs.

Highlights include:

  • Training in planning and developing ecology/conservation programs
  • Soil and water conservation
  • Forestry
  • Fish and wildlife management
  • Nature trail construction
  • Weather station operation
  • How to lead a staff
  • A model ecology area
  • Effective teaching skills

7-day course: begins with lunch Day 1; ends Day 7 after breakfast

2024 Course fee: $510

This course is designed for those who will direct outdoor skills including first- year camper areas.

Highlights include:

  • An overnight experience
  • Knots and lashing
  • Fishing
  • Cooking
  • Camping
  • Wilderness survival
  • First-year camper program plan
  • Hands-on skills in an outdoor classroom that will meet many of the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class rank
  • How to lead a staff
  • A model outdoor skills area
  • Effective teaching skills

Participants should bring personal overnight camping gear.
This course will qualify individuals to serve as first-year camper and outdoor skills directors.

7-day course: begins with lunch Day 1; ends Day 7 after breakfast

2024 Course fee: $510

This course is designed to meet the alternate requirements of SQ-407. This course is designed for those who are NOT NRA instructors prior to attending the week. NOTE: This is NOT a National Camping School course, but a course of the NRA. Students will receive NRA  and USA Archery credentials ONLY and not NCS shooting sports director certification. 

Course includes:

  • NRA Basic Rifle training
  • NRA Basic Shotgun training
  • NRA Instructor Rifle training
  • NRA Instructor Shotgun training
  • USA Archery Level 1 training

This course is designed to meet the alternate requirements of SQ-407. Use of this person as a shooting sports director requires an approved waiver from the National NCAP committee. This course is an NRA course and is valid for two years only. Note a waiver, if granted, is typically only valid for one year.

8-day course: Students must arrive ONE DAY Early for this course (in most cases Friday). Course begins with lunch on Day 1: Ends Day 8 after breakfast

2024 Course fee: $695

This course is designed for shooting sports directors for a council camp or council shooting sports committee.

Highlights include:

  • USA Archery Level I
  • NRA Muzzleloading Rifle training
  • BSA merit badge instruction plan

Prerequisites for Shooting Sports Director Section Enrollment

  • NRA Basic Rifle training
  • NRA Basic Shotgun training
  • NRA Instructor Rifle training
  • NRA Instructor Shotgun training

Evidence of these trainings MUST be presented before participants will be allowed to enroll in NCS (may be presented on-site). Participants without proper credentials will not be allowed to participate in NCS or will be enrolled in the Shooting Sports NRA track.

For information about these courses, please visit www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/shooting-sports 

7-day course: begins with lunch Day 1; ends Day 7 after breakfast

2024 Course fee: $695

For dates and locations of NRA Rifle and NRA Shotgun instructor training courses, please visit the BSA Shooting Sports website at www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/shooting-sports/

Shooting Sports Recertification

NEW in 2024:  The Shooting Sports Director Recertification Course begins on Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. and runs through Friday morning. Please make your travel plans accordingly.

A recertification course is available for those currently certified as shooting sports directors.  Course includes an update of items related to shooting techniques, range management, policies, and procedures.

Prerequisites for Shooting Sports Retraining

  • Score of 80% or higher on open book written test
  • Current certifications in NRA Rifle, NRA Shotgun, NRA Muzzleloading Rifle, and USA Archery Level 1.

Failure to pass the written test will require participation in the full-week course.

4-day course: begins with lunch Day 1; ends Day 4 after lunch

2024 Course fee: $590

For dates and locations of NRA Rifle and NRA Shotgun instructor training courses, please visit the BSA Shooting Sports website at www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/shooting-sports/

This course is designed for the person who will serve as or train staff guides for trek programs.

Highlights include:

  • Training in emergency procedures
  • Environmental ethics
  • Interpersonal relationships
  • Managing risk

7-day course: begins with lunch Day 1; ends Day 7after breakfast

(Course in New York state starts on Thursday to comply with New York state laws and runs nine days.)

2024 Course fee: $575

Resident Camp Director and Program Director Recertification

The National Camping School Camp Director and Program Director recertification courses were sunset in 2020. Individuals who wish to recertify as a resident camp director or resident program director can either attend National Camping School when their NCS certification expires (within 6 months of expiration) or can choose to participate in our Continuing Education Certification pathway.

The NCS Continuing Education Certification (CEC) pathway has been developed to help experienced camp directors and program directors learn new skills, improve their camp programs and operations and support the larger camp goals of their local council. Certification from a National Camping School for Resident Camp Director or Resident Program Director (2021 or later) is required prior to exercising the CEC option. CEC is not a requirement; individuals can still choose to attend National Camping School every five seasons.  CEC will become available in the 2025 season for those who attended NCS Camp Director or Program Director training in 2021, 2022 and beyond.

Download the Camp Director and Program Director Continuing Education Process and  Application. 

Download the Camp Director and Program Director Continuing Education Continuing Education Application only. 

2024 Resident (Long-Term) Camping Schools

Resident National Camping Schools will begin on SATURDAY unless noted below.  Recertification sections will also be offered for the following sessions when the Full-Week session is offered: Aquatics, COPE, Climbing, Shooting Sports. NOTE: If you would like to recertify as a Camp Director and Program Director, please review the Continuing Education Recertification information above. If you have further questions about the school, please contact your School Director or email ncs@scouting.org MailTo icon 

NOTE: You will need your BSA Member ID and Youth Protection Training date available to complete your registration.

You can utilize this NCS Registration Worksheet to gather the information required during the registration process. (DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET HERE)

 

Every Participant at National Camping School needs the following:

  • BSA Medical form – download here – Bring to NCS
  • Download the Scouter Code of Conduct
  • Self assess using the Pre-event Medical Screening Checklist  NOTE: the local council or host location may have additional medical screening protocols. Please contact the host council for additional information not listed below. 
  • The fees listed on the registration site are the on-time registration fees.

Hosted by: National Council 

Location: Cimarron, NM

Course Director: Billy Riley

Council Liaison: Danny Tucker

Sections Offered: Camp Director, Program Director, COPE Director, COPE Director Recertification, Climbing Director, Climbing Director Recertification, COPE and Climbing Program Trainer (CCPT), Shooting Sports Director, Shooting Sports Director Recertification, Shooting Sports NRA Track. 

Course start dates by section:
Camp Director (Full Course) – March 16
Program Director (Full Course) – March 16
Shooting Sports Director (Full Course) – March 16
Shooting Sports Director (Recertification Only) – March 19
NRA Track (Full Course) – March 16
Climbing Director (Full Course) – March 16
Climbing Director (Recertification Only) – March 16
COPE Director (Full Course) – March 16
COPE Director (Recertification Only) – March 16
CCPT (Full Course) – March 19

Welcome letter: 2024 NCS Philmont Welcome Letter

Hosted by: Connecticut River Council 

Location: Ashford, CT

Course Director: Pat Boyd

Council Liaison: Sean Fogle

Sections Offered: Camp Director, Program Director, Aquatics Director, Aquatics Director Recertification, COPE Director, COPE Director Recertification, Climbing Director, Climbing Director Recertification, Ecology/Conservation, Outdoor Skills, Shooting Sports Director, Shooting Sports Director Recertification. 

Course start dates by section:
Camp Director (Full Course) – April 26
Program Director (Full Course) – April 26
Aquatics Director (Full Course) – April 26
Aquatics Director (Recertification Only) – April 26
COPE Director (Full Course) – April 26
COPE Director (Recertification Only) – April 26
Climbing Director (Full Course) – April 26
Climbing Director (Recertification Only) – April 26
Ecology/Conservation (Full Course) – April 26
Outdoor Skills (Full Course) – April 26
Shooting Sports Director (Full Course) – April 26
Shooting Sports Director (Recertification Only) – May 3

Welcome letter: 2024 NCS June Webster Welcome Letter

Hosted by: National Council 

Location: Glen Jean, WV

Course Director: Greg Leitch

Council Liaison: Braxton Rhodes

Sections Offered: Camp Director, Program Director, COPE Director, COPE Director Recertification,  Climbing Director, Climbing Director Recertification, COPE and Climbing Program Trainer (CCPT), Shooting Sports Director, Shooting Sports Director Recertification,  Trek Director.

Course start dates by section:
Camp Director (Full Course) – April 27
Program Director (Full Course) – April 27
COPE Director (Full Course) – April 27
COPE Director (Recertification Only) – April 27
Climbing Director (Full Course) – April 27
Climbing Director (Recertification Only) – April 27
Shooting Sports Director (Full Course) – April 27
Shooting Sports Director (Recertification Only) – April 30
CCPT (Full Course) – April 30
Trek Director (Full Course) – April 27

Welcome letter: 2024 NCS SBR Welcome Letter

Hosted by: Atlanta Area Council 

Location: Covington, GA

Course Director: Matt Ragan

Council Liaison: Nicholas Scovanner

Sections Offered: Camp Director, Program Director, Aquatics Director, Aquatics Director Recertification, COPE Director, COPE Director Recertification,  Climbing Director, Climbing Director Recertification, Ecology/Conservation, Outdoor Skills, Shooting Sports Director, Shooting Sports Director Recertification. 

Course start dates by section:
Camp Director (Full Course) – May 11
Program Director (Full Course) – May 11
Aquatics Director (Full Course) – May 11
Aquatics Director (Recertification Only) – May 11
COPE Director (Full Course) – May 11
COPE Director (Recertification Only) – May 11
Climbing Director (Full Course) – May 11
Climbing Director (Recertification Only) – May 11
Ecology/Conservation (Full Course) – May 11
Outdoor Skills (Full Course) – May 11
Shooting Sports Director (Full Course) – May 11
Shooting Sports Director (Recertification Only) – May 14
CCPT (Full Course) – May 14

Welcome letter: 2024 Bert Adams Resident Welcome Letter

Hosted by: Heart of America Council 

Location: Kansas City, MO

Course Director: Dianna Marsh

Council Liaison: David Riker

Sections Offered: Camp Director, Program Director, Aquatics Director, Aquatics Director Recertification, COPE Director, COPE Director Recertification,  Climbing Director, Climbing Director Recertification,  Ecology/Conservation, Outdoor Skills, Shooting Sports Director, Shooting Sports Director Recertification, Shooting Sports NRA Track, Trek Director. 

Course start dates by section:
Camp Director (Full Course) – May 11
Program Director (Full Course) – May 11
Aquatics Director (Full Course) – May 11
Aquatics Director (Recertification Only) – May 11
COPE Director (Full Course) – May 11
COPE Director (Recertification Only) – May 11
Climbing Director (Full Course) – May 11
Climbing Director (Recertification Only) – May 11
Ecology/Conservation (Full Course) – May 11
Outdoor Skills (Full Course) – May 11
Shooting Sports Director (Full Course) – May 11
Shooting Sports Director (Recertification Only) – May 14
Trek Director (Full Course) – May 11

Welcome letter: 2024 NCS H. Roe Bartle NCS Welcome Letter

Hosted by: Crossroads of America Council

Location: Bloomington, IN

Course Director: Mic Mullins

Council Liaison: Aaron Vikemyr

Sections Offered: Camp Director, Program Director, Aquatics Director, Aquatics Director Recertification, COPE Director, COPE Director Recertification,  Climbing Director, Climbing Director Recertification, COPE and Climbing Program Trainer (CCPT),  Ecology/Conservation, Outdoor Skills, Shooting Sports Director, Shooting Sports Director Recertification.

Course start dates by section:
Camp Director (Full Course) – May 11
Program Director (Full Course) – May 11
Aquatics Director (Full Course) – May 11
Aquatics Director (Recertification Only) – May 11
COPE Director (Full Course) – May 11
COPE Director (Recertification Only) – May 11
Climbing Director (Full Course) – May 11
Climbing Director (Recertification Only) – May 11
Ecology/Conservation (Full Course) – May 11
Outdoor Skills (Full Course) – May 11
Shooting Sports Director (Full Course) – May 11
Shooting Sports Director (Recertification Only) – May 14
CCPT (Full Course) – May 14

Welcome letter: 2024 Ransburg Welcome Letter

Hosted by: Old Hickory Council 

Location: Mount Airy, NC

Course Director: Bud Harrelson

Council Liaison: Hunter Day

Sections Offered: Camp Director, Program Director, Aquatics Director, Aquatics Director Recertification, Climbing Director, Climbing Director Recertification, Ecology/Conservation, Outdoor Skills, Shooting Sports Director, Shooting Sports Director Recertification, Trek Director. 

Course start dates by section:
Camp Director (Full Course) – May 18
Program Director (Full Course) – May 18
Aquatics Director (Full Course) – May 18
Aquatics Director (Recertification Only) – May 18
Climbing Director (Full Course) – May 18
Climbing Director (Recertification Only) – May 18
Ecology/Conservation (Full Course) – May 18
Outdoor Skills (Full Course) – May 18
Shooting Sports Director (Full Course) – May 18
Shooting Sports Director (Recertification Only) – May 21
Trek Director (Full Course) – May 18

Welcome letter: 2024 NCS Welcome Letter Raven Knob

Hosted by: Sam Houston Area Council 

Location: Coldspring, TX

Course Director: Linda Dieguez

Council Liaison: Brandon Lewis

Sections Offered: Camp Director, Program Director, Aquatics Director, Aquatics Director Recertification, COPE Director, COPE Director Recertification, Ecology/Conservation, Outdoor Skills, Shooting Sports Director, Shooting Sports Director Recertification. 

Course start dates by section:
Camp Director (Full Course) – May 18
Program Director (Full Course) – May 18
Aquatics Director (Full Course) – May 18
Aquatics Director (Recertification Only) – May 18
COPE Director (Full Course) – May 18
COPE Director (Recertification Only) – May 18
Ecology/Conservation (Full Course) – May 18
Outdoor Skills (Full Course) – May 18
Shooting Sports Director (Full Course) – May 18
Shooting Sports Director (Recertification Only) – May 21

Welcome letter: 2024 NCS Welcome Letter-Strake

Hosted by: Greater Los Angeles Area Council

Location: Cedar Glen, CA

Course Director: Russell Etzenhouser

Council Liaison: Landon Burtchell

Sections Offered: Camp Director, Program Director, Aquatics Director, Aquatics Director Recertification, COPE Director, COPE Director Recertification,  Climbing Director, Climbing Director Recertification, COPE and Climbing Program Trainer (CCPT),  Ecology/Conservation, Outdoor Skills, Shooting Sports Director, Shooting Sports Director Recertification, Trek Director. 

Course start dates by section:
Camp Director (Full Course) – May 18
Program Director (Full Course) – May 18
Aquatics Director (Full Course) – May 18
Aquatics Director (Recertification Only) – May 18
COPE Director (Full Course) – May 18
COPE Director (Recertification Only) – May 18
Ecology/Conservation (Full Course) – May 18
Outdoor Skills (Full Course) – May 18
Shooting Sports Director (Full Course) – May 18
Shooting Sports Director (Recertification Only) – May 21
Trek Director (Full Course) – May 18
CCPT (Full Course) – May 21

Welcome letter: NCS 2024 Welcome Letter – Hubert Eaton

Hosted by: Chippewa Valley Council

Location: Rice Lake, WI

Course Director: Chuck Walker

Council Liaison: Eric Muench

Sections Offered: Camp Director, Program Director, Aquatics Director, Aquatics Director Recertification, COPE Director, COPE Director Recertification,  Climbing Director, Climbing Director Recertification, COPE and Climbing Program Trainer (CCPT),  Ecology/Conservation, Outdoor Skills, Shooting Sports Director, Shooting Sports Director Recertification.  

Course start dates by section:
Camp Director (Full Course) – June 1
Program Director (Full Course) – June 1
Aquatics Director (Full Course) – June 1
Aquatics Director (Recertification Only) – June 1
COPE Director (Full Course) – June 1
COPE Director (Recertification Only) – June 1
Ecology/Conservation (Full Course) – June 1
Outdoor Skills (Full Course) – June 1
Shooting Sports Director (Full Course) – June 1
Shooting Sports Director (Recertification Only) – June 4
CCPT (Full Course) – June 4

Welcome letter: Welcome Letter 2024 – L.E. Phillips Scout Reservation

Hosted by: Greater New York Councils

Location: Narrowsburg, NY

Course Director: John Bickel

Council Liaison: Scott Dellosso

Sections Offered: Camp Director, Program Director, Aquatics Director, Aquatics Director Recertification, COPE Director, COPE Director Recertification,  Climbing Director, Climbing Director Recertification, Ecology/Conservation, Outdoor Skills, Shooting Sports Director, Shooting Sports Director Recertification.

Course start dates by section:
Camp Director (Full Course) – June 1
Program Director (Full Course) – June 1
Aquatics Director (Full Course) – June 1
Aquatics Director (Recertification Only) – June 1
COPE Director (Full Course) – June 1
COPE Director (Recertification Only) – June 1
Climbing Director (Full Course) – June 1
Climbing Director (Recertification Only) – June 1
Ecology/Conservation (Full Course) – June 1
Outdoor Skills (Full Course) – June 1
Shooting Sports Director (Full Course) – June 1
Shooting Sports Director (Recertification Only) – June 4

Welcome letter: 2024 Ten Mile River – Welcome Letter

TMR NCS Website Link

Hosted by: Chief Seattle Council

Location: Snohomish, WA

Course Director and Council Liaison: Bill Beaumont

Sections Offered: Camp Director, Program Director, Aquatics Director, Aquatics Director Recertification, COPE Director, COPE Director Recertification, Climbing Director, Climbing Director Recertification, Ecology/Conservation, Outdoor Skills, Shooting Sports Director, Shooting Sports Director Recertification, Shooting Sports NRA Track.

Course start dates by section:
Camp Director (Full Course) – June 8
Program Director (Full Course) – June 8
Aquatics Director (Full Course) – June 8
Aquatics Director (Recertification Only) – June 8
COPE Director (Full Course) – June 8
COPE Director (Recertification Only) – June 8
Climbing Director (Full Course) – June 8
Climbing Director (Recertification Only) – June 8
Ecology/Conservation (Full Course) – June 8
Outdoor Skills (Full Course) – June 8
Shooting Sports Director (Full Course) – June 8
Shooting Sports Director (Recertification Only) – June 11
NRA Track (Full Course) – June 8

Welcome letter: 2024 NCS Welcome Letter – Camp Pigott

Hosted by: Seneca Waterways Council 

Location: Tupper Lake, NY

Course Director: Matt Bull

Council Liaison: Liane Richardson

Sections Offered: Camp Director, Program Director, Aquatics Director, Aquatics Director Recertification, COPE Director, COPE Director Recertification,  Climbing Director, Climbing Director Recertification, Ecology/Conservation, Outdoor Skills, Shooting Sports Director, Shooting Sports Director Recertification, Shooting Sports NRA Track, Trek Director. 

Course start dates by section:
Camp Director (Full Course) – June 15
Program Director (Full Course) – June 15
Aquatics Director (Full Course) – June 15
Aquatics Director (Recertification Only) – June 15
COPE Director (Full Course) – June 15
COPE Director (Recertification Only) – June 15
Climbing Director (Full Course) – June 15
Climbing Director (Recertification Only) – June 15
Ecology/Conservation (Full Course) – June 15
Outdoor Skills (Full Course) – June 15
Shooting Sports Director (Full Course) – June 15
Shooting Sports Director (Recertification Only) – June 18
NRA Track (Full Course) – June 15
Trek Director (Full Course) – June 15

Welcome letter: 2024 NCS Massawepie Welcome Letter

Hosted by: National Council 

Location: Cimarron, NM

Course Director: Gary Decker

Council Liaison: Daniel Tucker

Sections Offered: Camp Director, Program Director, COPE Director, COPE Director Recertification,  Climbing Director, Climbing Director Recertification, COPE and Climbing Program Trainer (CCPT), Shooting Sports Director, Shooting Sports Director Recertification, Shooting Sports NRA Track, Trek Director. 

Course start dates by section:
Camp Director (Full Course) – September 21
Program Director (Full Course) – September 21
COPE Director (Full Course) – September 21
COPE Director (Recertification Only) – September 21
Climbing Director (Full Course) – September 21
Climbing Director (Recertification Only) – September 21
Shooting Sports Director (Full Course) – September 21
Shooting Sports Director (Recertification Only) – September 24
NRA Track (Full Course) – September 21
Trek Director (Full Course) – September 21

Welcome letter: 2024 Philmont Fall Welcome Letter

Cub Scout Day Camp

For Cub Scout resources and information about Cub Scout Day Camp – click HERE

NOTE: You will need your BSA Member ID and Youth Protection Training date available to complete your registration.

You can utilize this NCS Registration Worksheet to gather the information required during the registration process. (DOWNLOAD WORKSHEET HERE)

2024 Day Camp Administration School Dates : 

Hosted by: Piedmont Council 420

Course Director: Wendy Henderson

Council Liaison: Kara Miller

Welcome letter: 2024 CSNCS Welcome Letter Bud Schiele

Hosted by: National Capital Area Council

Course Director: Chip Smith

Council Liaison: Eric Smith

Welcome letter: 2024 CSDCS Camp Snyder Welcome Letter

Hosted by: Michigan Crossroads Council

Course Director & Council Liaison: Dianna Marsh

Welcome letter: 2024 CSNCS Welcome Letter Camp Rotary

Hosted by: Southwest Florida Council

Course Director: Nancy Ziccardi

Council Liaison: Lori Laumeyer

Welcome letter: 2024 CSNCS Welcome Letter Flying Eagle

Hosted by: Chief Seattle Council

Course Director: Jeni Gates

Council Liaison: Dave Buterbaugh

Welcome letter: 2024 CSNCS Welcome Letter Pigott

Hosted by: Crossroads of America

Course Director: Kenneth King

Council Liaison: Aaron Vikemyr

Welcome letter: 2024 CSNCS Welcome Letter Belzer

Hosted by: Las Vegas Area Council

Course Director: Debbie Spohn

Council Liaison: Joshua Fisher

Welcome letter: 2024 CSNCS Welcome Letter Las Vegas

Hosted by: Crossroads of the West Council

Course Director: Linda Vaughn 

Council Liaison: Jeremy Bell

Welcome letter: 2024 CSNCS Welcome Letter Camp Kiesel

Hosted by: Old North State Council

Course Director: Jennifer Evans

Council Liaison: Bud Harrelson

Welcome letter: 2024 Camp Cherokee Welcome letter

Hosted by: Black Swamp Area Council

Course Director: Cheryl Burrows

Council Liaison: Drew DeMull

Welcome letter: 2024 DCNCS Camp Berry Welcome Letter

Hosted by: Three Harbors Council

Course Director: Kenneth King

Council Liaison: Wally Smith

Welcome letter: 2024 CSNCS Welcome Letter-ODKT

Hosted by: Heart of America Council

Course Director: Jeff Tyler

Council Liaison: Tanner Fuson

Welcome letter: 2024_CNCSWelcomeLetter_Naish

Hosted by: Spirit of Adventure Council

Course Director: Angela Rzeszut

Council Liaison: Darrin Johnson

Welcome letter: 2024_CNCSWelcomeLetter_NEBC

Hosted by: Greater Los Angeles Area Council

Course Director: Debbie Spohn

Council Liaison: Landon Burtchell

Welcome letter: 2024 DCNCS Welcome Letter HESR

Hosted by: Laurel Highlands Council

Course Director: Bill Hedrick

Council Liaison: Kim Daniher

Welcome letter: 2024_CNCSWelcome Letter Guyasuta

Hosted by: Atlanta Area Council

Course Director: Stephanie Daniels

Council Liaison: Nick Scovanner

Welcome letter: 2024 CSDCS Welcome Letter Bert Adams

Hosted by: Quapaw Area Council

Course Director: Jamie Green

Council Liaison: Mike McLoughlin

Welcome letter: 2024_CSNCSWelcomeLetter_Rockefeller

Hosted by: Northern Lights Council

Course Director: Sheryl Oakman

Council Liaison: Missy Hendrickx

Welcome letter: 

Hosted by: Greater New York Councils

Course Director: Dan Albert

Council Liaison: Michael Morrell

Welcome letter: 

Hosted by: Southeast Louisiana Council

Course Director: Tia Lopez

Council Liaison: Torrey Hayden

Welcome letter: 

Resources

National Camping School Staff Resources Page – password protected

 

Interested in hosting a future National Camping School? Click here to download the NCS Host Council RFP.

 

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.