Longs Peak Council
P.O. Box 1166
Greeley, Colorado 80632
Tel: 970-330-6305

"My troop has been to Ben Delatour Scout Ranch four straight years, and is upset when I mention trying another camp. There are two "sub-camps", Camp Jeffrey (where meals are served in a dining hall) and Camp Coffin (where patrol cooking is featured). There is a full merit badge program, including Aquatics, Rifle/Archery, Nature, Handicrafts and Scout Skills. "

ONE SCOUT RANCH - TWO CAMPS The Ranch is divided into Camp Jeffrey and Camp Ruth Coffin. It is one coordinated program, but two separate sleeping and eating locations. Camp Jeffrey is the dining hall camp where family style meals are served three times per day. Camp Ruth Coffin is the patrol cooking style camp where food and cooking equipment are provided so that each Scout patrol can prepare its own meals daily.

All camp sites are divided into patrol sites that vary in size. Each patrol site has at least one picnic table, a fire ring, and a varying number of two-person wall tents on wooden platforms. Each camp site is equipped with a latrine, wash stand, fire extinguisher, bulletin board, and cleaning supplies that can be checked out at the commissioner service area.

SCOUT PROGRAMS With over thirty merit badges to select from, Scouts can work toward the completion of the following: Camping, Cooking, Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, Canoeing, Astronomy, Orienteering, Pioneering, Environmental Science, Rowing, Geology, Fish & Wildlife Management, Mammal Study, Weather Soil & Water Conservation, Archery, Basketry, Rifle Shooting, Leatherwork, Metal Work, Reptile & Amphibian Study, Woodcarving, Indian Lore, Space Exploration, Archeology, Forestry, Shotgun Shooting, Bird Study, Fishing, Wilderness Survival, Climbing, Horsemanship

Other programs are also available: Open Handicrafts Open Rifle Shooting; Open Archery; Open Shotgun Shooting; Stream and Lake Fishing Conservation Projects; Volleyball; Horseshoes; Scout Lifeguard World Conservation Award; Monster Mash Overnight Special Friday All Camp Program; C.O.P.E. & Low C.O.P.E. Boundary Trail Hike; A First Class Challenge program that includes "basics" classes in the following: Orienteering First Aid Knots and Lashings

OLDER SCOUT PROGRAMS AVAILABLE: For the older Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer, and for some Scouts aspiring to greater adventure (some age restrictions may apply!), the following programs are available: Rock Climbing and Advanced Rock Climbing (Advanced must have Rock Climbing Merit Badge); C.O.P.E. and Advanced C.O.P.E. - two ropes courses available!; Gregg Boundary Trail Hike of 12 miles; Horseback Trail Rides; Whitewater Rafting on the Cache La Poudre River; Scout Lifeguard - May be done by adults also!

ADULT PROGRAMS AN EXTRA BONUS Adult leaders are invited to participate in a number of special programs and training sessions during their stay: Boy Scout Fast Start Training ; Youth Protection Training; Safe Swim Defense; No Trace Camping; Safety Afloat; Climb on Safely; Scoutmaster vs. Staff Volleyball Contest; Scoutmaster vs. Staff Rifle/Shotgun; Shoot; Scoutmaster C.O.P.E. Mountaineer Award; Scout Lifeguard .

SPECIAL SCOUT AND UNIT AWARDS Individual Scouts will have an opportunity to earn the following special awards: C.O.P.E. Achievement*; Rock Climbing Achievement*; Gregg Boundary Trail medal* or patch*; Project SOAR Award* (Save Our American Resources); Mountaineer Award. Units will be awarded a special ribbon for attending the Ranch, but they will also have an opportunity to earn the BDSR Pride Award.

Santa Fe Trail Council
304 North Main Street
Garden City, KS 67846
316-275-5162

Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch is located near Walsenburg, Colorado (6,167 ft). From Walsenburg, take highway 160 west to the edge of town. Turn south and continue 16 miles on Bear Creek Road. Walsenburg and Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch is located about 65 Miles south of Pueblo, Colorado, and about 40 miles north of the New Mexico border. The closest major highway is Colorado Interstate 25. This highway is about 16 miles east of the camp as the crow flies. (Philmont Scout Ranch is about 108 miles southwest of Spanish Peaks, and we are their nearest council camp.)

Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch nests in a north-facing valley located on the East Spanish Peak (12,683 feet elevation). Private lands and national forest surround this property. The camp is in a fairly isolated area. Huerfano County Road #340 is the access road leading to the camp then dead ending in private property south of us. The national forest adjoining the camp is the proposed Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area and encompasses about 69,000 acres.

Terrain and Topography: The camp is located on the Spanish Peaks 7.5 minute quadrangle map. The camp's elevations range from 8300ft. to about 9000ft. The general terrain is timbered and hilly with valleys extending out of the mountain. There are small streams in some of these valleys with various types of timbered forest surrounding them. These forests are very diverse, containing many types of trees and shrubs.

The area is also abundant with plants, wild flowers, and wild animals. Precautions must be taken for there are bears, raccoons, and other small scavenger animals in the area. A clean campsite utilizing bear bags, no food in the tents, and trash taken out of the campsite each day will help assure that there are no problems with the animals. They will walk through the campsite, but finding no food or smells of food, they will wonder off.

Many of the plants in the area have herbal uses according to local elderly people.

The area is considered semi-arid, but the camp usually gets afternoon showers throughout the summer. The temperature can vary greatly, and the thermometer has been known to drop into the mid 30's even in June, July, and August. The hiking and backpacking trails utilized by the camp of the areas mountains high as 13,600ft. There are also a few "Fourteeners" nearby (within 50 miles). Spanish Peaks has an interesting history and spectacular geology!

Advancement is an important part of the Boy Scout program, and the program at Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch. Although the advancement program is designed for theindividual scout to work at his own pace and encourages him to make his own decisions, your guidance as a scoutmaster is crucial. each scout should arrive at SPSR with a plan. You or another adult leader should review his plans for Merit Badge work before attending camp. Some badges require preparation before attending camp.

The merit badge program at SPSR offers 25 different merit badge classes for your scouts. The Following merit badges are covered: Backpacking; First Aid; Environmental Science; Camping; Emergency Preparedness; Fish & Wildlife Management; Cooking; Basketry; Fishing; Orienteering; Leatherwork; Forestry; Pioneering; Wood Carving; Geology; Wilderness Survival; Indian Lore; Insect Study; Mammals; Nature; Reptile Study; Soil and Water Conservation; Archery; Rifle Shooting; Shotgun Shooting; Space Exploration; Hiking; Climbing.

SPSR has an in-camp trail system. These hikes vary from 1/2 hour to 3 hours in length. They loop around the area, in and outside the camp property above the dikes and in the valleys. A bulletin board style marker will be posted at the COOP Building showing the trailheads. Each trailhead is marked with a wooden hiking boot. These hikes are suitable for groups of 3 or more. Available to all ages.

HIGH ADVENTURE PROGRAM -- Due to our location, we can offer some very exciting trips and experiences. Programs are available for all age groups although some programs are limited to older Scouts and Scouters.

Crews of 4-15 participants are organized from the many different troops that are attending camp that week. The program is developed by each crew utilizing the resources of camp and the summer staff. The participants choose their own program. Troops that have enough scouts and leaders to form their own crew are able to develop their program.

The available activities include: 3-5 day Backpacking Treks to the location of your choice; Rock-Climbing (3-day) with Repelling down off the dikes which are up to 100ft high; Lumber Jack Pole-Climbing (1 Day); 1 or 2 Day Summit Assaults to the top of the East Spanish Peak (12,708ft); Climbing Merit Badge.

Overview of our High Adventure Treks: Cost for high adventure is $20 higher than the fee for base camp because those that participate receive: Use of specialized equipment including tents, water filters, backpack stoves, cooking equipment, and maps; Trained and experienced rangers to guide. There will be a ratio of one ranger for every eight participants; Food quality and quantity will be greater; National Forest Fees will be paid for you; A limited edition patch for each participant. The requirements include: (Age 14 years or older; Good physical condition (Most of the activities are very strenuous); Two adult leaders per Backpacking Crew (The camp will provide one staff ranger)

TROOP SITES Each Troop site has several standard equipment items which include latrine with wash stand, drinking fountain, and running water, flagpole and dishwater sump.

PATROL SITES Each troop site is divided into patrol sites. Each site includes several 7' x 9' wall tents with platforms for two people, picnic table with benches, dining fly, fire box, fire extinguisher and fire barrel. A pack frame with a food carrier basket will be issued with the first meal.

PATROL COOKING SPSR is a patrol cooking camp. Saturday Evening, Sunday Morning, Thursday Evening, and Friday Morning meals will be served at the commissary. Scouts in the Patrol Sites will cook all other meals. Food will be issued with cooking instructions prior to each meal.

Notice for groups traveling: Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch provides 2-man wall tents, wooden platforms for the tents, a campsite, with latrine and running water, open shower facilities (with hot water) and food. Normally all other patrol and cooking gear are brought by the troop. The camp has enough equipment to provide for approximately 6 patrols, remember we are a patrol cooking camp with very limited dining hall capabilities. WE ARE VERY PRIMITIVE COMPARED TO MANY SCOUT CAMPS!!! Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch is a real "back to the basics" Scout camp. Our aims are to emphasis the patrol method and organization. Your weekend camp out with the patrols cooking & cleaning, hiking, and going to shower houses are great practice for your camping experience at SPSR.

Blackhawk Area Council
P.O. Box 4085
Rockford, IL 61110
815-397-0210

"Please don't forget Canyon Camp in Apple River IL. Operated by Blackhawk Area Council (Rockford), it's strength is the number of 20 and 30-year veteran staffers who have the knowledge to build on success instead of re-creating the wheel each year. Good to very-good facilities, and because it's a smaller camp, the staff -really- gets to know Scouts and leaders each year."

"This camp takes its program so seriously that the Blackhawk Council has created two commercially available Campfire Books which have sold thousands of copies to Scouters all over the United States. The popularity of the Canyon Campfire Companion Series (Volume 1 & 2) are a testament to the emphasis on programming at Canyon camp."

The camp offers programs for the first year camper which get them started along the right Scouting trail. There is a "First Class Emphasis" program for those Scouts working on advancement in rank. And, for the "experienced" Scouts and Scouters, there is the Operation O.W.L. program which offers high adventure experiences such as river canoe trips, repelling, and woodsman camping.

Crossroads of America Council
1900 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
(317) 925-1900

The 624-acre Ransburg Scout Reservation is located on beautiful Lake Monroe-near Bloomington, Indiana. Nestled in the Hoosier National Forest, the camp offers four different opportunities for troops and individual Scouts.

The first is Main Camp, a traditional Boy Scout camp troop experience with full dining hall service and wall tents on platforms in the campsite. Second is Adventure Point, a lone troop experience, with minimal camp staff (for aquatics and shooting sports). Troops swill prepare all of their meals from the food provided by the camp. Third is Wilderness Point, which has two unique opportunities for a Scout or a troop. Choose a canoe trip through southern Indiana or the Iron Scout high adventure experience. Finally, the Provisional Scout program provides the opportunity for Scouts to attend a Ransburg session if they cannot attend with their troop. They will have camp leadership or leadership from another troop.

Older Scout Programs Older scouts in the troop often are the role models and leadership for younger scouts. It is important that we try and keep these older scouts interested in scouting. At Ransburg, we are aware of this, and have a number of programs to try and give younger scouts something to look forward to, as well as keep older scouts interested in summer camp. The following are a few main camp programs designed for older scouts.

The Ransburg Rendezvous This is a chance for older Scouts to experience making their own lead shot and shooting it from a muzzle loader. Adding to the adventure, some staff members are dressed in period clothing as they teach the art of muzzle loading and tomahawk throwing.

Project C.O.P.E. This is not an obstacle course, its events are meant to inspire an individual’s potential, not measure it. C.O.P.E.’s activities have been carefully designed and constructed to offer its participants a challenging and exciting arena in which to pit their skills. Climbing, swinging, balancing and experiencing the zip line are just a few of the activities that Scouts will encounter. Scouts must be 13 years of age by January 1, of the year they are in camp, to participate in C.O.P.E.

Eagle Quest Program The Eagle Quest Program is for first year Ransburg campers. The program will be run in the Scoutcraft area. It will provide activities for the new campers and opportunities to work on the Firecrafter rank of Camper, Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class advancement ranks. Each Scout should register for at least two merit badges in the morning. The afternoon will be a 2:00pm instructional swim and from 3:00pm - 5:00pm Scouts should be working on advancements at the Scoutcraft area.

Hiking Opportunities Troops can choose to take hikes around Ransburg or the Hoosier National Forest. Maps are available in the Trading Post for the trails listed below and for the surrounding area. Nature (one mile) This trail is set up and maintained by the Ecology staff. It leads to areas abundant in plant species and frequented by wildlife. Various items of interest are labeled along the trail to draw the hikers attention. Adventure Point (five miles) Here’s a great trail that stays within the camp boundaries. Just follow the rifle range road until it ends at Adventure Point, then return to main camp. Water and latrines are available at Adventure Point.

Patton’s Cave (six miles) This small cave is located within the Hoosier National Forest. It is a nice place to stop for lunch. Canoeing Opportunities If troops are interested in taking canoe trips, a float plan can be picked up at the office. Once you have completed the float plan, you should review it with the aquatics director at least 24 hours before the trip to ensure that you meet Safety Afloat standards. Allen’s Creek The trip takes about 5 hours and offers a great opportunity to combine good fishing and good camping. It is located at Allen’s Creek State Recreational Area. All food and equipment must be packed in, and waste must be packed out. The trip should include a service project of litter removal to help insure that future campers enjoy clean facilities. A charge can be expected for use of the state property. Patton’s Cave This trip is seven miles in length and takes about 6 hours round trip. The cave can be reached by hiking as well as by canoe, therefore some troops might want to divide up with some scouts hiking and some scouts canoeing.

Adventure Point Adventure point is a challenging satellite camp of Ransburg. It is located on a 100-acre peninsula across the cove from main camp. Adventure Point provides troops with a "lone troop" experience. The purpose of Adventure Point is to allow a troop to operate at its own pace. The troop’s leadership plans a specific program to meet the needs of the troop. The Adventure Point staff will have skill in shooting sports and aquatics. The staff is available as a resource for the troop’s planning.

Wilderness Point Been to summer camp for a few years? Looking for a new adventure? Wilderness point is your answer. The Wilderness Point program is a unique opportunity for scouts 13 years of age and older to explore new adventures at summer camp. Scouts may participate as individuals instead of being with their troop. Scouts from various troops come together to form a crew. Experienced camp staff will serve as the leadership for weeks adventure. Crew size is limited, so plan ahead. Adults may attend, and the fee is the same. The experience consist of two main programs from which scouts can choose: (1) the Iron Scout program and (2) the 100 mile canoe trip. Each Scout should come prepared with all of the equipment listed and be ready for high adventure excitement! A Scout must choose either the canoe trip or the Iron Scout program when he registers. The canoe trip and Iron Scout program do not run in parallel, please check with the council office to know what weeks the program you are interested in is running.

Iron Scout Program (maximum crew size of 10) The Iron Scout program has been designed to provide a week’s activities in parts of Ransburg Scout Reservation and Hoosier National Forest not seen by traditional campers. Each day is a new experience. The program combines backpacking and low-impact camping with programs such as C.O.P.E., wilderness survival skills, western lore, climbing and rappelling, etc. You will not only explore the vastness of the land, but the vastness of your capabilities. (Personal Provisions: All participants must be physically fit and must have a completed and up-to-date medical form. Personal gear should include: Backpack for 10 - 20 mile hike; Proper footwear for hiking, climbing, canoeing and spelunking; Knee pads for canoeing and cave exploring; Eating utensils: Knife, fork, spoon, dish, bowl, cup, etc.; Long pants; Plastic water bottle; Sleeping bag, clothes, toiletries, etc.; Camp Provisions; Food: dehydrated trail food and campsite cooking; Tents: 3-man timberlines; Stoves: peak one propane stoves; Chef’s kit; Solar shower; Two trip guides)

Wilderness Point Canoe Trip (maximum crew size of 10) is a 100 miler along the east fork of the White River, starting in Columbus, Indiana and making it’s way to Bedford. The east fork of the White River is a slow meandering stream along the river with general stops being near Rockford, Brownstown, Sparksville, Lawerenceport and Bedford. They also have the chance to earn the 50 miler Afoot/Afloat by meeting requirements along the way. (Personal Provisions: All participants must be physically fit and must have a completed and up-to-date medical form; Each participant must past the swimmers test; Prior completion of Canoeing merit badge; Each participant will follow Safety Afloat; Waterproofing of personal gear; Personal gear should include: Backpack or dry bag; Proper footwear for hiking and canoeing (wet shoes); Knee pads (canoes do not have seats); Cotton gloves; Eating utensils: Knife, fork, spoon, dish, bowl, cup, etc.; Long pants; Plastic water bottle; Sleeping bag, clothes, toiletries, etc.; Camp Provisions: Food: dehydrated trail food; Tents: 3-man timberlines; Stoves: peak one propane stoves; Canoes, PFDs, paddles; Chef’s kit; Solar shower; Two trip guides.

Baden-Powell Camp Baden-Powell Camp is a merit badge day camp where Boy Scouts have the opportunity to earn up to five Eagle Scout-required merit badges. The camp is located at Camp Belzer. There are two different programs, the BADEN-POWELL I and BADEN-POWELL II at Belzer Scout Camp. These two programs offer the following merit badges: Citizenship in the Community; Environmental Science; Citizenship in the Nation; Safety; Citizenship in the World; Personal Fitness; Emergency Preparedness; Family Life; First Aid; Communications. The program runs Monday - Thursday 9:00am to 3:00pm and the fee is $40. For more information please contact one of our four scout service center. (Personal Provisions: Bring a sack lunch, notebook, pen Scout handbook, merit badge pamphlet, Scoutmaster pre-signed merit badge cards, Class 1 health forms, swim suit and a towel. Complete pre-requisites before attending Baden-Powel camp. Reservations limited to 15 Scouts per session, sign-up early!)

Dan Beard Camp A new program, the Dan Beard Camp located at Camp Belzer is geared towards helping your scouts reach First Class. This four-day program conducted at the same time of Cub Scout Day Camp is another opportunity to help guide your scouts towards Eagle. For more information about the program, please contact the local scout service center nearest you.

Longs Peak Council
P.O. Box 1166
Greeley, Colorado 80632
Tel: 970-330-6305

"My troop has been to Ben Delatour Scout Ranch four straight years, and is upset when I mention trying another camp. There are two "sub-camps", Camp Jeffrey (where meals are served in a dining hall) and Camp Coffin (where patrol cooking is featured). There is a full merit badge program, including Aquatics, Rifle/Archery, Nature, Handicrafts and Scout Skills. "

ONE SCOUT RANCH - TWO CAMPS The Ranch is divided into Camp Jeffrey and Camp Ruth Coffin. It is one coordinated program, but two separate sleeping and eating locations. Camp Jeffrey is the dining hall camp where family style meals are served three times per day. Camp Ruth Coffin is the patrol cooking style camp where food and cooking equipment are provided so that each Scout patrol can prepare its own meals daily.

All camp sites are divided into patrol sites that vary in size. Each patrol site has at least one picnic table, a fire ring, and a varying number of two-person wall tents on wooden platforms. Each camp site is equipped with a latrine, wash stand, fire extinguisher, bulletin board, and cleaning supplies that can be checked out at the commissioner service area.

SCOUT PROGRAMS With over thirty merit badges to select from, Scouts can work toward the completion of the following: Camping, Cooking, Emergency Preparedness, First Aid, Canoeing, Astronomy, Orienteering, Pioneering, Environmental Science, Rowing, Geology, Fish & Wildlife Management, Mammal Study, Weather Soil & Water Conservation, Archery, Basketry, Rifle Shooting, Leatherwork, Metal Work, Reptile & Amphibian Study, Woodcarving, Indian Lore, Space Exploration, Archeology, Forestry, Shotgun Shooting, Bird Study, Fishing, Wilderness Survival, Climbing, Horsemanship

Other programs are also available: Open Handicrafts Open Rifle Shooting; Open Archery; Open Shotgun Shooting; Stream and Lake Fishing Conservation Projects; Volleyball; Horseshoes; Scout Lifeguard World Conservation Award; Monster Mash Overnight Special Friday All Camp Program; C.O.P.E. & Low C.O.P.E. Boundary Trail Hike; A First Class Challenge program that includes "basics" classes in the following: Orienteering First Aid Knots and Lashings

OLDER SCOUT PROGRAMS AVAILABLE: For the older Scout, Varsity Scout, or Venturer, and for some Scouts aspiring to greater adventure (some age restrictions may apply!), the following programs are available: Rock Climbing and Advanced Rock Climbing (Advanced must have Rock Climbing Merit Badge); C.O.P.E. and Advanced C.O.P.E. - two ropes courses available!; Gregg Boundary Trail Hike of 12 miles; Horseback Trail Rides; Whitewater Rafting on the Cache La Poudre River; Scout Lifeguard - May be done by adults also!

ADULT PROGRAMS AN EXTRA BONUS Adult leaders are invited to participate in a number of special programs and training sessions during their stay: Boy Scout Fast Start Training ; Youth Protection Training; Safe Swim Defense; No Trace Camping; Safety Afloat; Climb on Safely; Scoutmaster vs. Staff Volleyball Contest; Scoutmaster vs. Staff Rifle/Shotgun; Shoot; Scoutmaster C.O.P.E. Mountaineer Award; Scout Lifeguard .

SPECIAL SCOUT AND UNIT AWARDS Individual Scouts will have an opportunity to earn the following special awards: C.O.P.E. Achievement*; Rock Climbing Achievement*; Gregg Boundary Trail medal* or patch*; Project SOAR Award* (Save Our American Resources); Mountaineer Award. Units will be awarded a special ribbon for attending the Ranch, but they will also have an opportunity to earn the BDSR Pride Award.

Santa Fe Trail Council
304 North Main Street
Garden City, KS 67846
316-275-5162

Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch is located near Walsenburg, Colorado (6,167 ft). From Walsenburg, take highway 160 west to the edge of town. Turn south and continue 16 miles on Bear Creek Road. Walsenburg and Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch is located about 65 Miles south of Pueblo, Colorado, and about 40 miles north of the New Mexico border. The closest major highway is Colorado Interstate 25. This highway is about 16 miles east of the camp as the crow flies. (Philmont Scout Ranch is about 108 miles southwest of Spanish Peaks, and we are their nearest council camp.)

Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch nests in a north-facing valley located on the East Spanish Peak (12,683 feet elevation). Private lands and national forest surround this property. The camp is in a fairly isolated area. Huerfano County Road #340 is the access road leading to the camp then dead ending in private property south of us. The national forest adjoining the camp is the proposed Spanish Peaks Wilderness Area and encompasses about 69,000 acres.

Terrain and Topography: The camp is located on the Spanish Peaks 7.5 minute quadrangle map. The camp's elevations range from 8300ft. to about 9000ft. The general terrain is timbered and hilly with valleys extending out of the mountain. There are small streams in some of these valleys with various types of timbered forest surrounding them. These forests are very diverse, containing many types of trees and shrubs.

The area is also abundant with plants, wild flowers, and wild animals. Precautions must be taken for there are bears, raccoons, and other small scavenger animals in the area. A clean campsite utilizing bear bags, no food in the tents, and trash taken out of the campsite each day will help assure that there are no problems with the animals. They will walk through the campsite, but finding no food or smells of food, they will wonder off.

Many of the plants in the area have herbal uses according to local elderly people.

The area is considered semi-arid, but the camp usually gets afternoon showers throughout the summer. The temperature can vary greatly, and the thermometer has been known to drop into the mid 30's even in June, July, and August. The hiking and backpacking trails utilized by the camp of the areas mountains high as 13,600ft. There are also a few "Fourteeners" nearby (within 50 miles). Spanish Peaks has an interesting history and spectacular geology!

Advancement is an important part of the Boy Scout program, and the program at Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch. Although the advancement program is designed for theindividual scout to work at his own pace and encourages him to make his own decisions, your guidance as a scoutmaster is crucial. each scout should arrive at SPSR with a plan. You or another adult leader should review his plans for Merit Badge work before attending camp. Some badges require preparation before attending camp.

The merit badge program at SPSR offers 25 different merit badge classes for your scouts. The Following merit badges are covered: Backpacking; First Aid; Environmental Science; Camping; Emergency Preparedness; Fish & Wildlife Management; Cooking; Basketry; Fishing; Orienteering; Leatherwork; Forestry; Pioneering; Wood Carving; Geology; Wilderness Survival; Indian Lore; Insect Study; Mammals; Nature; Reptile Study; Soil and Water Conservation; Archery; Rifle Shooting; Shotgun Shooting; Space Exploration; Hiking; Climbing.

SPSR has an in-camp trail system. These hikes vary from 1/2 hour to 3 hours in length. They loop around the area, in and outside the camp property above the dikes and in the valleys. A bulletin board style marker will be posted at the COOP Building showing the trailheads. Each trailhead is marked with a wooden hiking boot. These hikes are suitable for groups of 3 or more. Available to all ages.

HIGH ADVENTURE PROGRAM -- Due to our location, we can offer some very exciting trips and experiences. Programs are available for all age groups although some programs are limited to older Scouts and Scouters.

Crews of 4-15 participants are organized from the many different troops that are attending camp that week. The program is developed by each crew utilizing the resources of camp and the summer staff. The participants choose their own program. Troops that have enough scouts and leaders to form their own crew are able to develop their program.

The available activities include: 3-5 day Backpacking Treks to the location of your choice; Rock-Climbing (3-day) with Repelling down off the dikes which are up to 100ft high; Lumber Jack Pole-Climbing (1 Day); 1 or 2 Day Summit Assaults to the top of the East Spanish Peak (12,708ft); Climbing Merit Badge.

Overview of our High Adventure Treks: Cost for high adventure is $20 higher than the fee for base camp because those that participate receive: Use of specialized equipment including tents, water filters, backpack stoves, cooking equipment, and maps; Trained and experienced rangers to guide. There will be a ratio of one ranger for every eight participants; Food quality and quantity will be greater; National Forest Fees will be paid for you; A limited edition patch for each participant. The requirements include: (Age 14 years or older; Good physical condition (Most of the activities are very strenuous); Two adult leaders per Backpacking Crew (The camp will provide one staff ranger)

TROOP SITES Each Troop site has several standard equipment items which include latrine with wash stand, drinking fountain, and running water, flagpole and dishwater sump.

PATROL SITES Each troop site is divided into patrol sites. Each site includes several 7' x 9' wall tents with platforms for two people, picnic table with benches, dining fly, fire box, fire extinguisher and fire barrel. A pack frame with a food carrier basket will be issued with the first meal.

PATROL COOKING SPSR is a patrol cooking camp. Saturday Evening, Sunday Morning, Thursday Evening, and Friday Morning meals will be served at the commissary. Scouts in the Patrol Sites will cook all other meals. Food will be issued with cooking instructions prior to each meal.

Notice for groups traveling: Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch provides 2-man wall tents, wooden platforms for the tents, a campsite, with latrine and running water, open shower facilities (with hot water) and food. Normally all other patrol and cooking gear are brought by the troop. The camp has enough equipment to provide for approximately 6 patrols, remember we are a patrol cooking camp with very limited dining hall capabilities. WE ARE VERY PRIMITIVE COMPARED TO MANY SCOUT CAMPS!!! Spanish Peaks Scout Ranch is a real "back to the basics" Scout camp. Our aims are to emphasis the patrol method and organization. Your weekend camp out with the patrols cooking & cleaning, hiking, and going to shower houses are great practice for your camping experience at SPSR.

Blackhawk Area Council
P.O. Box 4085
Rockford, IL 61110
815-397-0210

"Please don't forget Canyon Camp in Apple River IL. Operated by Blackhawk Area Council (Rockford), it's strength is the number of 20 and 30-year veteran staffers who have the knowledge to build on success instead of re-creating the wheel each year. Good to very-good facilities, and because it's a smaller camp, the staff -really- gets to know Scouts and leaders each year."

"This camp takes its program so seriously that the Blackhawk Council has created two commercially available Campfire Books which have sold thousands of copies to Scouters all over the United States. The popularity of the Canyon Campfire Companion Series (Volume 1 & 2) are a testament to the emphasis on programming at Canyon camp."

The camp offers programs for the first year camper which get them started along the right Scouting trail. There is a "First Class Emphasis" program for those Scouts working on advancement in rank. And, for the "experienced" Scouts and Scouters, there is the Operation O.W.L. program which offers high adventure experiences such as river canoe trips, repelling, and woodsman camping.

Crossroads of America Council
1900 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
(317) 925-1900

The 624-acre Ransburg Scout Reservation is located on beautiful Lake Monroe-near Bloomington, Indiana. Nestled in the Hoosier National Forest, the camp offers four different opportunities for troops and individual Scouts.

The first is Main Camp, a traditional Boy Scout camp troop experience with full dining hall service and wall tents on platforms in the campsite. Second is Adventure Point, a lone troop experience, with minimal camp staff (for aquatics and shooting sports). Troops swill prepare all of their meals from the food provided by the camp. Third is Wilderness Point, which has two unique opportunities for a Scout or a troop. Choose a canoe trip through southern Indiana or the Iron Scout high adventure experience. Finally, the Provisional Scout program provides the opportunity for Scouts to attend a Ransburg session if they cannot attend with their troop. They will have camp leadership or leadership from another troop.

Older Scout Programs Older scouts in the troop often are the role models and leadership for younger scouts. It is important that we try and keep these older scouts interested in scouting. At Ransburg, we are aware of this, and have a number of programs to try and give younger scouts something to look forward to, as well as keep older scouts interested in summer camp. The following are a few main camp programs designed for older scouts.

The Ransburg Rendezvous This is a chance for older Scouts to experience making their own lead shot and shooting it from a muzzle loader. Adding to the adventure, some staff members are dressed in period clothing as they teach the art of muzzle loading and tomahawk throwing.

Project C.O.P.E. This is not an obstacle course, its events are meant to inspire an individual’s potential, not measure it. C.O.P.E.’s activities have been carefully designed and constructed to offer its participants a challenging and exciting arena in which to pit their skills. Climbing, swinging, balancing and experiencing the zip line are just a few of the activities that Scouts will encounter. Scouts must be 13 years of age by January 1, of the year they are in camp, to participate in C.O.P.E.

Eagle Quest Program The Eagle Quest Program is for first year Ransburg campers. The program will be run in the Scoutcraft area. It will provide activities for the new campers and opportunities to work on the Firecrafter rank of Camper, Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class advancement ranks. Each Scout should register for at least two merit badges in the morning. The afternoon will be a 2:00pm instructional swim and from 3:00pm - 5:00pm Scouts should be working on advancements at the Scoutcraft area.

Hiking Opportunities Troops can choose to take hikes around Ransburg or the Hoosier National Forest. Maps are available in the Trading Post for the trails listed below and for the surrounding area. Nature (one mile) This trail is set up and maintained by the Ecology staff. It leads to areas abundant in plant species and frequented by wildlife. Various items of interest are labeled along the trail to draw the hikers attention. Adventure Point (five miles) Here’s a great trail that stays within the camp boundaries. Just follow the rifle range road until it ends at Adventure Point, then return to main camp. Water and latrines are available at Adventure Point.

Patton’s Cave (six miles) This small cave is located within the Hoosier National Forest. It is a nice place to stop for lunch. Canoeing Opportunities If troops are interested in taking canoe trips, a float plan can be picked up at the office. Once you have completed the float plan, you should review it with the aquatics director at least 24 hours before the trip to ensure that you meet Safety Afloat standards. Allen’s Creek The trip takes about 5 hours and offers a great opportunity to combine good fishing and good camping. It is located at Allen’s Creek State Recreational Area. All food and equipment must be packed in, and waste must be packed out. The trip should include a service project of litter removal to help insure that future campers enjoy clean facilities. A charge can be expected for use of the state property. Patton’s Cave This trip is seven miles in length and takes about 6 hours round trip. The cave can be reached by hiking as well as by canoe, therefore some troops might want to divide up with some scouts hiking and some scouts canoeing.

Adventure Point Adventure point is a challenging satellite camp of Ransburg. It is located on a 100-acre peninsula across the cove from main camp. Adventure Point provides troops with a "lone troop" experience. The purpose of Adventure Point is to allow a troop to operate at its own pace. The troop’s leadership plans a specific program to meet the needs of the troop. The Adventure Point staff will have skill in shooting sports and aquatics. The staff is available as a resource for the troop’s planning.

Wilderness Point Been to summer camp for a few years? Looking for a new adventure? Wilderness point is your answer. The Wilderness Point program is a unique opportunity for scouts 13 years of age and older to explore new adventures at summer camp. Scouts may participate as individuals instead of being with their troop. Scouts from various troops come together to form a crew. Experienced camp staff will serve as the leadership for weeks adventure. Crew size is limited, so plan ahead. Adults may attend, and the fee is the same. The experience consist of two main programs from which scouts can choose: (1) the Iron Scout program and (2) the 100 mile canoe trip. Each Scout should come prepared with all of the equipment listed and be ready for high adventure excitement! A Scout must choose either the canoe trip or the Iron Scout program when he registers. The canoe trip and Iron Scout program do not run in parallel, please check with the council office to know what weeks the program you are interested in is running.

Iron Scout Program (maximum crew size of 10) The Iron Scout program has been designed to provide a week’s activities in parts of Ransburg Scout Reservation and Hoosier National Forest not seen by traditional campers. Each day is a new experience. The program combines backpacking and low-impact camping with programs such as C.O.P.E., wilderness survival skills, western lore, climbing and rappelling, etc. You will not only explore the vastness of the land, but the vastness of your capabilities. (Personal Provisions: All participants must be physically fit and must have a completed and up-to-date medical form. Personal gear should include: Backpack for 10 - 20 mile hike; Proper footwear for hiking, climbing, canoeing and spelunking; Knee pads for canoeing and cave exploring; Eating utensils: Knife, fork, spoon, dish, bowl, cup, etc.; Long pants; Plastic water bottle; Sleeping bag, clothes, toiletries, etc.; Camp Provisions; Food: dehydrated trail food and campsite cooking; Tents: 3-man timberlines; Stoves: peak one propane stoves; Chef’s kit; Solar shower; Two trip guides)

Wilderness Point Canoe Trip (maximum crew size of 10) is a 100 miler along the east fork of the White River, starting in Columbus, Indiana and making it’s way to Bedford. The east fork of the White River is a slow meandering stream along the river with general stops being near Rockford, Brownstown, Sparksville, Lawerenceport and Bedford. They also have the chance to earn the 50 miler Afoot/Afloat by meeting requirements along the way. (Personal Provisions: All participants must be physically fit and must have a completed and up-to-date medical form; Each participant must past the swimmers test; Prior completion of Canoeing merit badge; Each participant will follow Safety Afloat; Waterproofing of personal gear; Personal gear should include: Backpack or dry bag; Proper footwear for hiking and canoeing (wet shoes); Knee pads (canoes do not have seats); Cotton gloves; Eating utensils: Knife, fork, spoon, dish, bowl, cup, etc.; Long pants; Plastic water bottle; Sleeping bag, clothes, toiletries, etc.; Camp Provisions: Food: dehydrated trail food; Tents: 3-man timberlines; Stoves: peak one propane stoves; Canoes, PFDs, paddles; Chef’s kit; Solar shower; Two trip guides.

Baden-Powell Camp Baden-Powell Camp is a merit badge day camp where Boy Scouts have the opportunity to earn up to five Eagle Scout-required merit badges. The camp is located at Camp Belzer. There are two different programs, the BADEN-POWELL I and BADEN-POWELL II at Belzer Scout Camp. These two programs offer the following merit badges: Citizenship in the Community; Environmental Science; Citizenship in the Nation; Safety; Citizenship in the World; Personal Fitness; Emergency Preparedness; Family Life; First Aid; Communications. The program runs Monday - Thursday 9:00am to 3:00pm and the fee is $40. For more information please contact one of our four scout service center. (Personal Provisions: Bring a sack lunch, notebook, pen Scout handbook, merit badge pamphlet, Scoutmaster pre-signed merit badge cards, Class 1 health forms, swim suit and a towel. Complete pre-requisites before attending Baden-Powel camp. Reservations limited to 15 Scouts per session, sign-up early!)

Dan Beard Camp A new program, the Dan Beard Camp located at Camp Belzer is geared towards helping your scouts reach First Class. This four-day program conducted at the same time of Cub Scout Day Camp is another opportunity to help guide your scouts towards Eagle. For more information about the program, please contact the local scout service center nearest you.