Scouts BSA Resident Camp

Come to Mt. Norris - It's worth the trip

2027 Sessions & Specialty Weeks

Session 1: 7/11-17 Eagle Week
Session 2: 7/25-31 Stem/Trades

2027 Camp Fees

Co-op fee by 5/6: $
Regular fee by 5/6: $
Full fee after 5/6: $
Adults over formula: $

Build Your Summer Adventure

Scouts BSA Resident Camp brings troops together for a week of outdoor adventure, advancement, leadership, and friendship in northern Vermont.

Mt. Norris Scout Reservation covers more than 1,000 acres along the shores of Lake Eden. Therefore, Scouts have room to hike, camp, climb, swim, paddle, fish, and explore the outdoors.

Throughout the week, Scouts choose activities that match their interests, abilities, and advancement goals. Meanwhile, troops strengthen their patrols, develop youth leaders, and create memories together.

Whether a Scout attends camp for the first time or returns for another summer, Mt. Norris offers new challenges to explore.

Why Choose Scouts BSA Resident Camp in Vermont?

Summer camp gives Scouts opportunities that can prove difficult to recreate during regular troop meetings. For example, Scouts can spend extended time developing outdoor skills, completing merit badge requirements, and trying unfamiliar activities.

At the same time, camp offers much more than advancement. Scouts meet people from other troops, practice independence, and learn how their decisions affect the group.

Because Scouts live and work together throughout the week, they also strengthen teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving skills. As a result, many Scouts return home with greater confidence and enthusiasm for Scouting.

Our expanded programs

Mt. Norris offers merit badge programs that connect with the outdoor setting and available camp facilities. Depending on the annual schedule, Scouts may explore aquatics, nature, climbing, handicrafts, shooting sports, outdoor skills, STEM, trades, and other subjects.

We intentionally limit the merit badge class sizes to ensure Scouts learn valuable skills and insight during the week.

Many merit badges allow Scouts to complete most requirements during camp. However, some badges include prerequisites, written work, visits, or projects that Scouts must complete before arriving

Most importantly, Scouts should leave time for open activities, troop programs, and friendships. Camp should challenge Scouts, but it should also remain fun.

First Class Adventure

First Class Adventure helps newer Scouts build skills connected to the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. Through a structured progression, participants practice skills while gaining confidence in the outdoor environment.

Program topics may include:

The patrol method and citizenship
Flag skills and ceremonies
Maps, compasses, and orienteering
First aid and water-rescue skills
Knots and outdoor skills
Knife, axe, and saw safety
Fire building and fire safety
Tent pitching and overnight camping
Hiking

In addition, participants may join a challenging hike toward the summit of Mt. Norris. Along the way, Scouts practice endurance, preparation, teamwork, and trail skills.

Camp instructors teach and demonstrate each skill. However, troop leaders remain responsible for testing Scouts and approving rank requirements.

Programs for Older Scouts

Older Scouts often want challenges beyond a traditional merit badge schedule. That’s why Mt. Norris developed specialty programs that allow experienced campers to explore leadership, career interests, and advanced outdoor skills.

Depending on the session, specialty opportunities may include:

Eagle-required merit badges and Life-to-Eagle resources
Lifeguard Training: Red Cross/YMCA/StarGuard/Ellis model
STEM subjects such as engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence
Skilled trades such as welding, electricity, plumbing, and home repairs
Emergency services and public-safety programs
Motorboating, watersports, and advanced aquatics
Treks, side quests, and troop-designed adventures:
- Vermont Long Trail
- Smugglers Notch Arbor Trek
- Jay Peak Water Park
- Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
- Lamoille River Canoe & Kayak

Because specialty offerings depend on qualified instructors, equipment, and permits, the exact program changes from year to year. Therefore, families should review the current camp and merit badge guides before registration.

Merit Badge Specialty Weeks

Specialty weeks give Scouts additional reasons to return to camp. Although the themes may change, each session adds focused opportunities beyond the regular camp program.

For example, Eagle Week may offer Eagle-required merit badges and information for Scouts approaching the final ranks. In contrast, STEM and Trades programs may introduce engineering, robotics, construction, electricity, welding, or related career skills.

Other sessions may emphasize aquatics, emergency services, public safety, or advanced outdoor programs. As a result, troops can choose a week that best supports their Scouts’ interests and goals.

Outpost Camping and Hiking

Scouts who want a deeper outdoor experience may have opportunities to join an outpost adventure. During an outpost, participants navigate to a campsite, prepare meals, camp away from the main program area, and return before scheduled activities resume.

This experience challenges Scouts to apply navigation, cooking, teamwork, and camping skills in a less structured environment. Likewise, the Mt. Norris hike gives Scouts an opportunity to test their endurance while exploring the reservation’s trails.

Because these programs require suitable staffing, weather, and participant preparation, availability may vary. Unit leaders should speak with the program team well in advance of attending camp.

Exciting Camp Activities

Scouts can experience many program areas throughout the week. While scheduled classes provide structure, open-program periods allow Scouts to revisit favorite activities or try something new.

Activities may include:

Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing
Climbing and other adventure programs
Rifle, shotgun, and archery activities
Tomahawk or approved range activities
Nature study and conservation projects
Handicrafts, tie-dye, and silk-screening
Outdoor cooking and camping skills
Hiking and trail exploration
Team games and camp-wide challenges

Additionally, afternoon open periods give Scouts time to strengthen skills, have fun or complete unfinished requirements. This flexibility allows each participant to shape a more personal camp experience.

Evening Activities and Camp Traditions

The adventure continues after dinner. Depending on the weekly schedule, Scouts may choose from several evening activities.

Programs may include:

Sunset canoeing or kayaking on Lake Eden
Open swimming, climbing, or range activities
Game nights and Vermont-themed competitions
Karaoke and movie nights
Staff visits and camp-wide games
Ice cream socials
Campfires, songs, skits, and stories
Order of the Arrow activities
Vespers or other reflective programs

Meanwhile, long-standing traditions help connect current campers with generations of Scouts who visit Mt. Norris. These traditions may include themed clothing days, campfire programs, mountain hikes, troop competitions, and special recognition.

Together, these experiences create a shared camp culture that encourages friendship, enthusiasm, and Scout spirit.

Provisional Campers

At MNSR we firmly believe that all Scouts who want to attend camp should be able to, no matter what week their unit is coming. Scouts are welcome to attend Mt. Norris as patrols, groups of friends, or on their own.

Solo “Troops,” or groups with 10 or more Scouts will stay in their own campsites with a camp-assigned Scoutmaster aged 21+ years and an Assistant Scoutmaster aged 18+ years.

Smaller groups or individual solo Scouts will be placed with a Host Troop in that unit’s campsite. Solo Scouts have the same opportunities as any other Scout in camp during the week.

Campsites and Troop Life

Mt. Norris names its campsites after well-known Vermont mountain peaks. However, most sites provide level areas where troops can establish a comfortable home for the week.

Each troop uses its campsite as a place to gather, organize equipment, hold patrol meetings, and relax between activities. In addition, campsite responsibilities teach Scouts to care for shared spaces and contribute to troop life.

Troops can also develop their own activities, traditions, and challenges during the week. Therefore, unit leaders should build enough flexibility into the schedule for patrol time and troop programs.

A Staff Committed to Your Troop

Camp staff members teach program skills, maintain activity areas, prepare meals, guide troops, and help solve challenges throughout the week.

Many team members return because they value the Mt. Norris community and enjoy working with Scouts. Furthermore, program-area leaders complete training appropriate to their responsibilities.

Although the staff provides instruction and support, troop leaders remain central to the experience. Together, staff members and unit leaders create a safe, organized, and memorable week for every Scout.

Prepare for Scouts BSA Resident Camp

Before arriving, Scouts and leaders should review the current camp guide, Merit Badge Guide, packing list, medical requirements, and arrival instructions.

Scouts should also complete any merit badge prerequisites and bring proof of their work. Meanwhile, unit leaders should confirm supervision, transportation, dietary needs, medications, and required forms.

Because Vermont weather can change quickly, campers should bring rain gear, warm layers, sturdy footwear, and extra dry clothing. Proper preparation allows Scouts to spend less time solving equipment problems and more time enjoying camp.

Join The Camp Staff

Join the Mount Norris camp staff and spend your summer outdoors. Along the way, you will teach Scouts valuable skills, gain leadership experience, and build lasting friendships.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance requests for summer programs are due April 15th. Click this box for more information.

Join the Mt. Norris Alumni Association

Support the Green Mountain Council in developing and sustaining Mt. Norris Scout Reservation as a premier, four season camp to the benefit of all scouts and adult leaders.