2026 January-February Edition

Now that the summer camp season is over, this is the perfect time to review what worked, what created challenges, and what leaders wished they had known sooner. With experiences still fresh, the post-season window is ideal for updating your long-term camp leader guide, so it better supports unit leaders before the next summer begins. 

Tip #1: Start With the Big Picture 

Open your leader’s guide by clearly setting expectations. A short welcome that explains the purpose of camp, its values, and how the program supports youth development helps leaders understand the why behind the experience, not just the logistics. 

Tip #2: Make Planning Information Easy to Find 

If leaders must hunt for deadlines or payment details, the guide isn’t doing its job. Clearly outline: 

• Reservation and registration processes (including items like merit badge registration for Scouts BSA camps and adventure loops for Cub Scouts) 

• Key dates and payment schedules 

• Refund policies and financial assistance options 

Pro tip: Use checklists or timelines so leaders can see everything at a glance. 

Tip #3: Put Health and Safety Front and Center 

Health and safety details should never be buried. Make sure your guide clearly spells out: 

• Medical form requirements, deadlines and reminders on dietary needs and medication storage. 

• Supervision expectations 

• Activity prerequisites and emergency procedures 

Clear guidance up front prevents last-minute issues and sets leaders up for success. 

Tip #4: Explain What Daily Camp Life Looks Like 

Leaders and Scouts do better when they know what to expect. Include an overview of: 

• Arrival and departure procedures 

• Typical daily schedules 

• Meals, campsite responsibilities, and visitor policies 

This helps units settle in faster and reduces anxiety for first-time campers. 

Tip #5: Help Leaders Plan a Balanced Program 

A strong leader’s guide doesn’t just list activities it helps leaders make informed choices. Share guidance on: 

• Reasonable advancement and activity loads for Scouts 

• Additional program costs and how to reserve spots 

• Options and recommendations for first-year campers 

• Planning ahead for camp-wide games, troop competitions, and special events that require Scout participation and preparation 

• Any restrictions, prerequisites, or limits tied to merit badges and other activities, including age requirements, physical demands, or scheduling constraints 

• Balancing structured classes, troop time, free time, and camp-wide activities 

The goal is a well-rounded experience that allows Scouts to fully participate in the program and not an overbooked schedule that limits flexibility or fun. 

Tip #6: Set Clear Expectations for Scout Behavior and Responsibility 

Camp is a growth opportunity. Use your guide to reinforce expectations around: 

• Personal responsibility and teamwork 

• Respectful behavior and camp rules 

• Leadership opportunities within the unit 

Clear expectations create a positive camp culture for everyone. 

Tip #7: Highlight How Leaders Can Get Help 

Let leaders know they are not on their own. Clearly explain: 

• How to access camp staff support 

• When and where leader meetings occur 

• How feedback and concerns should be shared 

• Volunteer and service opportunities, many leaders bring valuable skills that can support camp operations 

When leaders know where to turn, small issues stay small. 

Tip #8: Don’t Forget the Parents 

A strong leader guide also serves families by providing clear, parent-focused guidance on: 

• Packing and spending money: Include examples of items available in the trading post. 

• Communication and mail: Clarify whether mail is allowed and which items are permitted or prohibited. 

• Missing home and first-time camper support: Offer tips to help families prepare their Scouts. 

Tip #9: Learn From Other Councils 

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Reach out to other councils and camps to see how they structure their leader’s guides, what formats they use, and what information leaders find most helpful. Sharing best practices can spark improvements and elevate the overall quality of your guide. 

Tip #10: Use Off-Season to Improve and Align 

The most effective leader’s guides are living documents. During the off-season, take time to: 

• Get a head start: Summer will be here before you know it. 

• Collect feedback: Hear from leaders and staff about what works and what doesn’t. 

• Spot trends: Identify recurring questions or common challenges. 

• Check for consistency: Ensure branding, images, and terminology align with Scouting America and National Camp standards. 

• Update policies and procedures: Confirm they reflect current Scouting America and National Camp Accreditation program standards. 

Small adjustments now can save time and prevent dozens of questions when summer arrives. 

Your long-term camp leader’s guide isn’t just an information packet; it’s a confidence builder. When it’s clear, organized, and proactive, leaders arrive prepared, Scouts settle in quickly, and camp staff can focus on delivering great program. 

At its best, a leader guide does more than outline rules and schedules. It empowers leaders, aligns expectations, and strengthens partnerships between camps, units, and families. When leaders are prepared, Scouts are free to focus on adventure, growth, and creating the memories that make summer camp a cornerstone of the Scouting experience. 

One of the many things that distinguish Scouting from other youth organizations is the amount of training available to help our volunteers and professionals fill their roles. That is the good news. However, the challenge can often be finding the right training to support your team’s ongoing growth. In addition, training can be expensive, far away, scheduled inconveniently, or lack quality.  

As much as you can help your people navigate those challenges and access the training that builds their skills, a minor investment in the right training can reap major benefits to your program’s quality and in your team’s loyalty. Your dedication to helping them get where they want to go gives your team a reason to stay. This is true for camp staff, district/council volunteers, and professionals.  

Where can you find this training?  

Inside Scouting:  

• Monthly Outdoor Programs Webinars: Join us for camping topics and program updates. Also find past recorded presentations on many outdoor program topics.  

• National Camping Schools: good for council outdoor committee leaders (think climbing, range and target, aquatics, conservation/ecology), up and coming camp staff leaders, and current camp staff leaders. Builds skills, creates depth, coverage, and succession plan for hard to fill roles. Gives council leadership “inside perspective” to camping operations. 

• National Outdoor Conference (every other year): provides sessions on topics impacting outdoor activities in Scouting with top-notch national speakers. Introduces new programs and is a great networking opportunity with Scouting’s national committees and prospective vendors. 

• For Camp Staff at least 18 years old: Climbing Level 1, Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (think new camp commissioners) 

• For Camp Staff not yet 18 years old: NYLT, Angling Educator and Certified Angling Instructor. 

Outside Organizations*: 

• American Camping Association (ACA): Regional and National Conferences held annually bring together speakers on topics urgent to the camping industry. These are also solid networking and vendor vetting opportunities. 

• American Red Cross: Lifeguard training, First Aid/CPR, Wilderness First Aid/First Responder, and Wilderness EMT 

• Leave No Trace: (Under 18) Leave No Trace skills and LNT trainer, (18+) Leave No Trace Instructor (Level 1 and 2) 

• Mental Health First Aid training: (18+) Basic preparation to support youth and adults having mental health issues 

• National Rifle Association: (Under 18) Basic shooting courses, Apprentice Instructor. (18+) Assistant Instructor 

*Note: Many Scout councils offer these trainings utilizing Scouting volunteers and partnerships with these outside organizations. 

Other: 

Outdoor retailers such as REI Co-op and Bass Pro Shop offer various courses from bike repair, to orienteering, wilderness survival, and more. Check websites for topics/dates. 

Private training organizations offer outdoor skills courses helpful to summer camp staff and leaders. Examples include:  

• National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) 

• Bike Instructor Certification Program (BICP) 

• The Survival University 

• ServSafe Food Management Certification 

Do you have a “go-to” training experience that has helped your team? Let us know at OutdoorPrograms@scouting.org.