Individual Activities

2009 Program and Leader Guide

Remember:  Badges are continually changing and when possible, Ockanickon always uses the most recent requirements.  Please check resources like usscouts.org merit badge requirements.  Not all camp programs are listed below.  Only regular offerings from departments that run merit badges are listed.  For special programs like River Rafting, Scuba activities and Horseback Riding, please see Offsite and Extended Programs. 
Pre-Requisites:  Many badges offered at Ockanickon have pre-requisites so please review our pre-requisite policy here.
Times: Many listed activities don't include an end time such as Cloths Inflation and the Volleyball Tournament.  These activities run until they're done, weather interferes or the camp curfew of 10:00pm is reached.
Sessions: Merit badges and other activities often list multiple times for that activity.  A Scout need only attend one of these sessions each day of the week rather than all.  Once a Scout has picked a time, the Scout should return at that time each day but may switch after discussing it with the instructor.  Some badges do not run the full week but may if deemed necessary by the instructor.

Clicking on the merit badge or activity name will take you to the usscouts.org page containing the merit badge requirements.  Please use this as a reference for pre-requisites.  These links will not work if you do not have an active Internet connection.

This page changes the most often and these changes are documented on the updates page.

Quick Links to Departments: Adventure Sports | Aquatics | Dan Beard | DROP | Eagle | Ecology | Golf | Handicraft |Handicraft | Horseback Riding | Law | Music | Photography | Radio | Science | Scoutcraft | Shooting Sports | Woodburning | Other

Adventure Sports

Ockanickon's advanced outdoor activities are designed with your older scout in mind.  We offer programs that are designed to physically and mentally challenge mature scouts as they climb REAL rock walls at High Rocks, overcome obstacles in our tree top COPE course, pedal high quality Cannondale mountain bikes over rugged trails, and develop their balance as they ride mountain boards down a steep incline.  Additionally, our Sailing Program gives scouts the chance to develop their nautical skills as they help sail across scenic Lake Nockamixon. Scouts will experience the best adventures Ockanickon offers. These programs are an adrenaline packed way to keep your older scouts involved.  The Adventure sports curriculums may even help scouts recruit older troop members as Adventure Sporters brag about the awesome things did this summer.  We are here to thrill!

The Adventure sports’ Crew programs, Challenge & Endurance, offer physical activities designed to challenge Older Scouts (13+) who have mastered basic Scouting skills. Each half-day, weeklong program, blends activities from Ockanickon's traditional Rock Climbing and COPE programs in a coherent weeklong experience. Mountain Biking & Mountain Boarding’s programs are a single session, half day commitment that are open to all scouts.

Ages and Stages Recommendations - Adventure Sports Crew activities hold some of the most physically challenging activities offered at Ockanickon and this consideration is important when unit leaders help their Scouts determine appropriate activities. The recommended age for Challenge and Endurance Crew participation is 13. The recommended age for Sailing activities is 12. As always, Scouts with proven experience may try an activity if they are slightly younger while under-developed Scouts or those with no outdoor experience should seriously consider waiting before attempting these activities.

Unit Activities: Limited space is available for unit Adventure Sports activities like low COPE, Mountain Biking, and Sailing.  Units interested should speak with the area director early in the week of their stay to arrange for activities.  Adventure Sports' staff availability changes from week to week so unit activities may have limited availability.  Units wanting to complete high COPE or Rock Climbing as a unit may want to register for COPE Weekends in the spring or fall.

Endurance and Challenge Crew Schedules

Challenge Crew (high ropes at the OSR COPE Course)- Scouts will develop their ability to work with a group to overcome physical challenges and solve problems. The focus of the Challenge Crew is the COPE course with a taste of rock climbing. Scouts completing this program will receive an Ockanickon COPE Certificate.

• Water - Arrive with a full water bottle.
• Proper Footwear
• Sneakers with good socks
• Extra shoes for crossing the Tohickon Creek are recommended for Rock Climbing
• Climbing Shoes: High-quality climbing shoes are available for rental and are strongly recommended for Rock Climbing participants.  A week-long rental is only $5.00 and is paid for at the trading post.  Please bring the receipt to the climbing staff to claim your pair for the week.  This option is far cheaper than buying climbing shoes and is also much cheaper than many rock gyms charges for only a day rental.
• Appropriate Clothing
• Long pants are recommended for days when a crew will be doing High COPE activities
• Many Adventure Sports activities are run rain or shine so participants should have appropriate raingear

Mountain Biking and Boarding Schedules

Single Session Activities

Mountain Biking (meet at the COPE Course): Scouts will pedal our premier Cannondale mountain bikes across a variety of terrain including single track trails, open fields, and country roads.  Mountain biking trips leave from the COPE course each morning at 9:00 and each afternoon at 2:00.  Please check the chart for a trip with an appropriate challenge level.  Trip sizes are limited based on the number of bikes available (about 10 per trip), so Mountain Biking Works on a first come, first served basis. 

• Water - Arrive with a full water bottle.
• Proper Footwear - Sneakers with good socks

Rock Climbing

Climbing Merit Badge: To complete climbing merit badge, each participant must participate complete at least three belays, three climbs, and three rappels within the week.  This can take three or more all morning or all afternoon sessions, and can be seriously affected by weather.

Climbing Shoes: High-quality climbing shoes are available for rental and are strongly recommended for all participants especially those taking the merit badge.  A week-long rental is only $5.00 and is paid for at the trading post.  Please bring the receipt to the climbing staff to claim your pair for the week.  This option is far cheaper than buying climbing shoes and is also much cheaper than many rock gyms charges for only a day rental.

Climbing Group Size: The BSA has provided very specific guidelines as to the number of climbers allowed at a time.  Based on Ockanickon's projected staff that group size will be 12.  Campers taking either Climbing Merit Badge or Instructor Certification will be given priority while all other slots will be first-come first-serve.

Instructor Certification: Adults interested in becoming a Climbing Instructor may earn this certification through the Ockanickon Climbing Department.  This program shows learners how to properly set up ropes for climbing trips and more advanced safety concerns than covered in the simpler Climb On Safely program.  This program is available only to leaders over 21 and may take significant time during the week and several climbing sessions.  Please talk to the climbing director at the Sunday Leader Meeting to arrange meetings for this program.

Doylestown Rock Gym/Bad Weather Alternative: Climbing merit badge can be severely restricted by weather so in the case of a long period of inclement weather, Climbing may take place at the Doylestown Rock Gym but only if deemed necessary by the Climbing Director.  Participants are strongly encouraged to complete and bring the Doylestown Rock Gym Hold Harmless Agreement so he can complete the badge there.  Scouts that choose to participate in Rock Gym sessions are encouraged to arrange carpooling.  The Rock Gym sessions cost $12.00 for a full day.

Red Runner, Blue Runner and White Runner Programs:During free climb periods, participants may attempt the Red, Blue, and White Runner programs which recognize Scouts who've progressed significantly in climbing abilities. Red and Blue Runner may be attempted during any free climbing period and White is available.

Rock Climbing Training, For Leaders 21 and Up

Sailing

Sailing at Nockamixon State Park (meet at Foster Hall message board)- Scouts will travel to Nockamixon State Park and use wind power to propel them to target destinations. This program is the expanded Sailing program first offered in 2007 and weather-permitting Scouts completing this program will earn Small Boat Sailing merit badge.

Sailing Lottery Procedures: During check-in, Small Boat Sailing lottery entry forms will be available on the front counter in the Main Office.  Complete one for each Scout interested in taking Sailing merit badge by 5:00 PM.  Before 5:30 PM, if more than 6 Scout signed-up, 6 names will be drawn at random from submitted forms and a list containing these names will be posted at the main office.

Drivers for Sailing Merit Badge: To allow full participation, Sailing needs the assistance of two adults to provide transportation for a total of 10 participants, two instructors, six youth and the two drivers. If you have a vehicle that can fit five people and would like to spend some quality time at lake Nockamixon, please sign-up, sailing thanks you. Driving is first come first serve, if you’d really like to go, you may work any preferences out with the other listed drivers. Adults may participate in the badge if they like or simply enjoy quality time at Lake Nockamixon.  Adults who volunteer to drive and don't choose to say may have the youth of their choice go in their place.

Additional Sailing Merit Badge Information: Groups that have been sailing at Nokamixon are often late back to camp. We always ensure that the group returns in time for their lunch, either Meal A or Meal B. Please make sure your Scout Master is aware of this.  Merit badge requirements can be done during the free sail periods, but Scouts wishing to pursue the badge during these periods must attend the Monday evening merit badge session and tell the staff members present that you'd like to participate in the badge then.  Like all sessions, free sail periods are limited by boat capacity and require drivers.

Aquatics

BSA Lifeguard: The BSA Lifeguard program is a rigorous training program open to both youth and adult strong swimmers.  This program can take 30 or more hours to complete and because of the time constraints make-ups are not available.  The other times listed above change from week to week but include all mornings and several evenings during the week.

BSA Lifeguard Recertification:  Scouts or Scouters who have already done BSA Lifeguard certification may request to recertify rather than repeating the entire course to extend their certification period.  Participants must complete the theory and skill tests successfully.  Please see the Aquatics director early in the week to arrange times for the tests.  Scouts and Scouters wishing to do this must be staying in camp during the week.

Scuba BSA and Discover Scuba: More information is available on the Offsite and Extended Activities Page.

Swim Tests - Questions about swim tests are answered in the Camp Policy Section.

Onsite Underwater Program

Discover Scuba

Discover Scuba is a wonderful introduction to diving available to even the non-swimmer.  This program assembled by the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) and instructed by O’Donnel Diving is open to all Scouts and adults and has been enjoyed even by Scouts who don’t normally enjoy the water.  When you take the air with you, it’s a lot harder to drown.
Time:  Tuesday from 7:15 until finished or Thursday from 7:15 until finished.
Cost per Scout:  $6 for each Scout or adult
Transportation:  Held at the Pool
Participation Limit: None.
Additional Information:  Participant does not need to pass a BSA swim test but must complete the Bubblemaker's Questionairre. This form must be signed by a parent or guardian so it is strongly recommend this is completed by anyone interested in participating.
Before You Come to Camp:  All participants must have a proper swim suit.  We also encourage, but do not require, Scouts to participate with a buddy.

Scuba BSA

Scuba BSA is a great underwater experience for Scouts looking for an expanded experience compared to Discover Scuba.  Scuba BSA offers significantly more time under water, at greater depth and with more expansive instruction into the fundamentals of Scuba diving.  This program constructed by National with assistance from PADI is also run by O’Donnel Diving and as always in organized and presented with competent and charismatic dive instruction.

Time:  offered Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, from 6:00 PM until finished.
Cost per Scout:  $40, covering all equipment and instruction
Transportation:  Held at the Pool
Additional Information:  Participants must pass BSA swim test. Download the entire Scuba BSA packet here.
Before You Come to Camp:  All participants must complete a brief medical questionnaire.  Download this questionnaire here.  Scuba BSA only requires completion of the 1^st page.  If a potential participant is experiencing sinus problems during his stay at camp, he may have difficulty participating in this activity due to pressure changes.

Dan Beard

The Dan Beard Department runs a full-week day-long first year Scout program to help new Scouts quickly fulfill many requirements for ranks up to First Class as well as gain experience with patrol camping and activities.  The Full Day program is the cornerstone of the department and program is both fun and comprehensive.

Depending on the size of the group, a second Dan Beard Swimming Merit Badge session may be held from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. Some Dan Beard participants would then go to this session and do the activities normally scheduled at this time in the morning from 10:30 AM to noon.

Notes and Reminders:
Second Class 7a, 7b & 7c as well as First Class 9a, 9b & 9c are covered during Swimming merit badge
Swimming Merit badge takes place every day, Monday through Friday. Please arrive each morning prepared to swim.
Please bring three completed merit badge cards to Dan Beard on Monday morning for Swimming, Fire Safety and Mammal Study.

Totin Chip certification is offered to Scouts not in the Full Day program (Totin' Chip training is completed as part of the Full Day program) on Tuesday night starting at 7:00pm.  Scouts do not need to bring a knife for this training as one will be provided but Scouts should bring a flashlight and a buddy.

DROP (Delaware River Outdoor Program)

DROP is an advanced canoeing and outdoor skills program designed for experienced Scouts and Scouters.  DROP takes place on the Delaware River where participants will enjoy nearly a week of special program no available elsewhere including Leave No Trace camping, 54 miles of river canoeing and treks involving some of the Mid-Atlantic's richest natural and cultural sites.

Time:  Sunday Evening to Thursday Afternoon
Cost per Scout:  Please see DROP registration form.
Transportation:  As provided by your unit, the camp will also need assistance in moving gear and canoes.
Participation Limit: Up to 20 each week unless special arrangements are made
Additional Information:  Participants must be physically and socially able to spend extended periods on the open water.  Few facilities will be available and Scouts must have a strong background in canoeing and swimming (we recommend having completed both Swimming and Canoeing merit badges.)
This program is open to Scouts and Scouters attending and participating with their units as well as provisional campers.
Detailed Program Information:  More information about DROP is available in a Printable Brochure Brochure.
Before You Come to Camp:  Each participant must complete a DROP registration form and we recommend brushing up on basic canoeing skills.

Eagle

The checklist used for the Emergency Preparation is available here.

Ecology

Many Ecology badges involve extensive outdoor activities, many of which occur rain or shine.  If instructed, lease be prepared with good shoes for all sessions and rain gear or all-weather clothing if rain is expected.

Bird Study-At least once during the week, the session will go bird watching from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM.  The date will be announced during the first merit badge session and can change due to weather.  Please allow additional time for bird watching on your own as the bird watching quota is not always met during the early morning bird watching session.

Fishing-Fishing merit badge requires each Scout to catch two fish.  While this can be done at camp with provided gear, there is no guarantee that this requirement can be completed in camp.  Scouts with previous experience may bring pictures of two fish they have caught to receive credit for this requirement.  Scouts are also welcome to bring their own fishing gear but some will be available to borrow.

Geology-One day involves a hike to the Tohickon Creek and Scouts must bring appropriate footwear for this trip as well as a bottle of water.  The date is weather dependent and will be announced during the first or second day of this badge.

Golf

Time:  Tuesday 12:45 PM - 6:45 PM (approximate) Scouts must arrive at Fairways at 12:45PM. Most participants choose to eat out after the event. Units that'd like to eat dinner at camp must notify the office so food can be arranged.
Cost per Scout:  $40.00, this includes greens fees, club rental, and lesson.  Participants must register by Monday Lunch.  If adults wish to play and provide their own equipment, please see http://www.fairwaysgolfclub.com for rates and fees.
Transportation:  As provided by your unit, carpooling may be available but is not guaranteed.
Participation Limit: The Tuesday session can support at most 20 Scouts.  Should there be more, a Thursday session will open to take the overflow.  If a unit specifically wants to do the Thursday session, please speak with the Program Director to make this arrangement.
Additional Information:  Get information about the greens and facilities at http://www.fairwaysgolfclub.com.
Before You Come to Camp:  Each participant must have clean golf attire to play.  This includes khaki shorts or pants, sneakers, and a polo shirt or better.  This is a spikeless golf facility, if you wish to bring your own shoes, remove the spikes or wear sneakers.  Also bring a wide-brimmed hat or visor, a water bottle, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Handicraft

Ages and Stages- Woodcarving has a minimum age of 13.  The instructor may ask a participant to pursue another activity if the instructor believes the participant cannot complete the badge or if the participant is a danger to himself or other participants.  All other Handicraft badges are open to all Scouts.

Evening Time-  The Handicraft Lodge is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:00PM to offer extra help with Handicraft Badges.  Scouts may not start a new badge at these evening sessions.

Session Requirements- Art, Leatherwork, Pottery and Woodcarving use the first two sessions to teach basic skills and the rest of the week to complete projects.  Scouts should attend the same session slot for those days but may attend any listed time for that badge afterwards to complete projects.  Projects must be finished and reviewed by 5:00pm on Friday

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is once again an activity option for your Scouts and provides an opportunity to get Horsemanship merit badge.  This sometimes demanding activity introduces Scouts to the world of equestrian activities few average youth get to experience.  Our partner, Rainbow Ridge Farm Equestrian Center, has tailored a program specifically for Scouts that meet the requirements of both the BSA and Horsemanship merit badge.

Time: MWF 2:00PM - 4:00PM (we recommend Scouts leave after B Lunch at 1:30 PM and not take a 4:00 PM activity)
Cost per Scout:  $60.00
Transportation:  As provided by your unit, carpooling may be available but is not guaranteed
Participation Limits: The participation limit is now 10.  Many leaders mentioned that this program was tough to plan for because of the lottery system and registration has been modified to the following:  The first 8 slots in a given week will be available through registration.  Registration can be done either by phone or email, only the camp coordinator can place reservations and reservations placed will result in a unit being financially responsible for that slot.  The remaining four slots and any further open slots will be determined normally through the lottery system.  Both reserved and lotteried Scouts must have transportation and Ockanickon strongly encourages car-pooling. Adults may participate if youth from their unit are registered or if there are open slots after the lottery.
Additional Information:  Get information about the facilities and horses at http://www.rainbowridgefarmequestriancenter.com/
Before You Come to Camp:   Bring long paints, sun glasses and a shoe with a small heel like a boot.  All participants must also complete a permission slip and release.

Law

Music

Photography

Photography Lottery Procedures: During check-in, Photography lottery entry forms will be available on the front counter in the Main Office.  Complete one for each Scout interested in taking Photography merit badge by 5:00 PM.  Before 5:30 PM, if more than 16 Scout signed-up, 16 names will be drawn at random from submitted forms and a list containing these names will be posted at the main office.

Radio

Science

Check out the weather around the Science Center in realtime

Telescope Observations for Astronomy Merit Badge: If weather, staffing, and light levels permit, the Science Director will determine if the Science Center telescopes will be used.  An announcement will be made during both A and B Dinner if the telescopes will be out.  No announcement will be made if they are not.

Note: Other special evening programs are available at the discretion of the Science Director.  If your unit would like to arrange an evening please see the Science Director early in your stay to see what is available.

Scoutcraft

Orienteering: Ockanickon has set up orienteering courses to complete requirement 7.  These courses will not be completed in the normal course of the badge and Scouts that wish to complete this requirement in camp should dedicate at least 4 hours later in the week to complete these courses.

Wilderness Survival: Allow time early in the week to construct shelter for Wilderness Survival Overnighter.  Additionally, Scouts taking Wilderness Survival must bring the following for the overnighter:  pocketknife, personal first-aid kit, extra set of clothing, rain gear, water bottle, flashlight, matches or fire starters, compass, tarp and 50 feet of rope (3/8th inch or thicker)

Dietary Restrictions and Overnighters: Scouts with dietary restrictions can participate in the Wilderness Survival Overnighter but must give the badge instructor advance notice so he or she can request the right food.  Please inform the instructor no later than Tuesday so help guarantee food availability.

Shooting Sports

Thursday is reserved for merit badge work at at all ranges.  Scouts not shooting to complete requirements will be able to shoot if range spaces are need for badge participants.

Evening Rifle Merit Badge Shooting - Thurday evening, Scouts taking Rifle Merit badge may shoot at the range from 7:00 PM until sunset.

Shooting Sports Badge Time Requirements - There is no set time required to complete a Shooting Sports badge.  Besides the mandatory lectures, please allow time early in the week to complete the accuracy components of each badge.  Fridays are a very bad time to complete requirements due to the popularity of the Shooting Sports ranges one other activities have ended.

Shooting Sports Age and Size Requirements - The Shooting Sports department has a sterling safety record and unit leaders are vital to maintaining this.  Scouts that are immature, too small, or physically weak can prove very dangerous when given firearms and the Shooting Sports staff will remove or deny any Scout in which the staff does not have full confident.  In almost all cases, Scouts will one day be able to safely handle firearms so don't hesitate to recommend that small or weak Scouts try other activities.  Also, these Scouts are being set-up to fail as even if an exception were made, progress is unlikely and the Scout may injure themselves.

Shooting Sports Lectures - Scouts attempting any Shooting Sports badges must attend the Sunday and Monday meetings and Shotgun Shooting and Rifle Shooting participants must attend the Tuesday meeting as well.  Scouts interested in simply shooting must attend the Sunday meeting and pass the appropriate range safety test.

Guns in Camp -  Camp provides unscoped rifles and shotguns for program participants.  Campers may not bring their own shotguns and rifles nor scopes. No one may bring a firearm to camp including leaders and Scouts attempting Shooting Sports badges.

Additional Shooting Times - Additional shooting time may be available based on weather and range conditions.  Extra times will be announced through the Summer Times or at meals.

Woodburning