LEADERS' GUIDE Summer Camp 2026
Wente Scout Reservation Program
Your program should be based on the needs & desires of the individuals in your unit. To ensure your unit’s needs are met, we suggest that your unit have each youth decide, in advance, all the merit badges & other advancement & activities they want to do. Merit badge sign-ups will be accessed through https://scoutingevent.com/023-WSR2026. Our Merit Badge & Activity Schedule with prerequisites & the tentative schedule are located on this page.
If you are wondering just what check-in will look like, check out our Wentastical Check-In and Med-Check Video.
Climbing
All participants must wear long pants & closed toe shoes to participate.
Merit Badges
- Climbing (2-hr session)
Special Programs
- Troop/Patrol Climb—The Rock is available for Troop/Patrol Climbs during evening Open Climb, see the Climbing Director to sign-up. Be aware slots fill quickly during the week. Group size is limited to 12.
- Night Climb—Learn climbing & rappelling techniques in this extended evening program under & above the lights. Tuesday at 8:30pm. $5 per person, nummy snacks included!
Eagle Trail
When a Scout enters Eagle Trail, staff will guide them through requirements for rank advancement. The Scout will be taught the skill, then tested. If the scout is successful, he or she will be signed off on the Counselor Record which we post to the Advancement Board for troop leadership to review. Your troop leadership then test your Scout before officially signing off on a requirement in any handbook.
Eagle Trail can verify that a Scout has learned a skill, but the troop will have the ultimate authority to determine if the Scout has “passed the test”. Similarly, our staff cannot sign off requirements that only can be completed in a troop setting (attending troop or patrol activities, etc.) all while utilizing the EDGE method.
Merit Badges
- Scouting Heritage
Session Information
| Rank | Limit | Requirements Covered at Camp | M | T | W | Th | Other Information |
|
Scout |
20 |
1a-f; 2a-d; 3a (discussed); 4a-b; 5 |
5 |
1a-f |
2a-d, 3a |
4a-b |
Will earn Totin' Chip during Monday session. |
|
Tenderfoot |
20 |
3a-d; 4a-c (d discussed); 5a-c; 7a; 8 | 3a-d; 8 |
6a-b |
4a-c |
5a-c; 7a | Tuesday will be doing physical activities! |
| Second Class | 20 | 2f-g; 3a-d; 5a-d; 6a-e; 8a-b; 9a-b | 2f-g; 3a-d | 6a-e | 8a-b; 9a-b | 5a-d | Thursday come in swim gear! |
| First Class | 20 | 3a-c; 4a; 5a-d; 6a-e; 7a-f | 3a-c; 5a-d | 7a-f | 4a | 6a-e | Thursday come in swim gear! |
Handicraft
Handicraft is the Center for the Arts & Crafts. Here a Scout can fulfill the classic notion of bringing home something crafty that they handmade throughout the week. It is also where creativity and willingness to give something new a try can lead to a passion for creating.
Merit Badges
- Architecture
- Art
- Basketry
- Chess
- Composite Materials (ODD years)
- Entrepreneurship
- Fingerprinting
- Leatherwork
- Moviemaking
- Photography
- Pottery
- Salesmanship
- Textile (EVEN years)
- Wood Carving
Special Programs
- Open Crafting—Need a bit of extra help with your project? Want to use Handicraft equipment & tools to work on an independent crafting project? All campers, youth or adults can swing by during 7-8pm program M, T or Th. This does not include access to the pottery equipment. Pottery access only for those in one of the Pottery classes.
- Movie Night—Join our Staff just after evening program on Thursday for a full-length feature film. Soda, snacks & popcorn available for purchase. Bring a chair & jacket!
- Entrepreneurship / Salesmanship – Seeking Adult Leaders who are entrepreneurs eager to share their business experience with the Scouts in order to complete requirements in camp!
Lumberjack Academy
The Lumberjack Academy is aimed at older Scouts in their final push towards the rank of Eagle & the chance for those scouts who have “done everything at Camp” to explore new & exciting topics. Come study governments of the world or grab your mic to interview contestants of the Wentethalon as a budding Wente Journalist.
Merit Badges
- American Heritage (EVEN)
- American Labor (ODD)
- Citizenship in the Nation & World
- Communication
- Emergency Preparedness
- Engineering
- Game Design
- Journalism
- Public Health
- Public Speaking
Special Programs
- Finbar O’Riley’s Discovery Trail—Where camp history goes beyond Scouting back to when the Finney Valley was a thriving logging camp. Sites of interest include an abandoned KYBO across the lake, a suspected old COPE course, and a spring that was the original water source for camp. Stop by the office to checkout a trail guide with historical information, imagery and a map!
- Game Night – Come play games with the Staff or your fellow Scouts! Is MTG your thing? Checkers?
- Journalism Field Trip - Drivers needed Friday morning as we head to a radio station in Willits. We will see firsthand how radio works, what you can say on the air, and all participants can record a station identifier that will be played in the future!
Mountain Biking
Challenge yourself on some of the best trails in Northern California. Mountain Biking at Wente is a unique, safe program for campers to explore, push their limits, & have fun! Wente offers an inspiring trail system with almost 20 miles of purpose-built single-track trails. Mountain Biking is open to all skill levels, & we encourage both Scouts & Adult Leaders to participate. All bikes are for recreational riding of designated trails, not for around camp transportation.
Shorts are highly recommended for this program area. Long pants with loose cuffs are strongly discouraged.
Merit Badges
- Cycling (T & Th 7pm)
Special Programs
- Trail Rides—Check-in at the Mountain Biking program area, where your skill will be assessed, equipment will be checked out & you will be sent on a trail ride. The Mountain Biking program is a drop- in activity where anyone can participate during Open Ride.
- Pump Track—A fun bike course with rollers & berms designed to teach individuals bike-handling skills. While challenging at first, the pump track is quickly mastered & is loads of fun! Pump track skills translate directly to more effective & safer trail riding ability.
What to Bring
- Buddy to go on a ride with
- Personal Water (water bottle, camelback, etc)
- Closed toe shoes worn on your feet.
Do I need to bring my own bike? No. Wente has a fleet of high-quality mountain bikes of all sizes. Helmets are also provided.
May I bring my own bike? Yes. We encourage you to ride the bike you feel most comfortable with; however, your personal bike is required to be checked-in & stored in the Mountain Biking program building, for the entire week unless you are on the trail riding.
Nature
Learn to be a good steward of Nature while enjoying over 2,000 acres of new & old growth Douglas Firs, sprawling meadows, natural springs, hundreds of plant & animal species. You may even spot the Wente Wooly, our elusive resident sasquatch.
Merit Badges
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Special Programs
- Kali-Ama—Enjoy the beauty of Nature while honing your orienteering & map reading skills on this self- guided challenging adventure in Nature. ALL groups must check-out in person at the Admin Office before embarking on the trail you blaze! (hint: Sign-up for Lunch Around the Lake & the Dining Hall will pack you a sack lunch for your journey.)
- Speed Kali-Ama available strictly as part of Camp-wide Games on Friday
- Kali-Ama: the “basic” course achievable by most & only available during Summer Camp!
- King Kali-Ama: on a 5-yr rotation these offer a challenge not all are up Earn your map by completing the Kali-Ama early in the week. If you don’t finish while at Summer Camp don’t fret…you can finish those last points while weekend camping with your troop (or at Family Camp) in the off-season.
- Dali-Ama: still feeling the need to conquer even more the great outdoors? Earn your map by completing the King Kali-Ama. This course is not for the faint of heart!
- Forestry Field Trip—Drivers needed! Friday we head into Willits to tour the local working Lumber Mill. We will be gone through lunch. Bag lunches are provided.
- Fishin’ the Lake—There’s nothing like spending a day on the shore of a lake fishin’ for that big ol’ Largemouth Bass. Wente’s 80-acre lake offers great fishing of both Bluegill & Largemouth Bass. We recommend bringing your own fishing gear as the Trading Post has a limited stock of bait, lures, & rods. Please note that the lake is Catch-and-Release ONLY!
- Complete Angler Award—Do you love all types of fishin’ no matter what time of day it is? By earning all 3 Fish related Merit Badges & teaching a fishing skill to your troop you can earn the Scouting America Complete Angler Award while at camp!
- Star Parties—Come on down to Redwood Grove after evening program on Tuesday and Thursday night to explore the starry night sky with the Nature Staff. Attendance at BOTH star parties is mandatory for scouts in the Astronomy merit badge. Days are subject to change depending on weather.
Risin’ W Corral
Do you love horses? the ol’ West? Maybe even horsin’ around a bit? Mosey on down to the Risin’ W Corral meet the herd, learn to ride, how to care for livestock & even a bit of lassoing. Long pants & closed-toed shoes are REQUIRED for all Scouts & Adults to ride horses.
Weight limits are dependent on the availability of horses.
Merit Badges
- Animal Science
- Horsemanship
Special Programs
- Lasso & Branding Night—Thursday evening in Redwood Grove its all things cowboy learn to lasso, pioneer-era games, country music & don’t forget to bring something to brand with the Risin’ W or Wente’s Stick on a String or the Scouting America fleur de lis!
- Trail Rides—A Wentastical way to see the many sights & sounds of Wente. The Trading Post will only sell one ride per person, & you must purchase your own ride. All rides go on sale Sunday evening. Sign up early because space is limited. Tickets sold only at the Trading Post!
- Sunset Ride (M)—This hour-and-half trail ride weaves through parts of camp the average Scout doesn’t get to see, then head back as the sun sets & the light begins to fade. Cost is $30.
- Cowboy Lunch Ride (W)—Wentelicious food & a trail ride you won’t forget! Cost is $40
- Be-A-Wrangler Outpost—Start out on a late afternoon, long, meandering ride up to the Back Country Corral, a BBQ dinner & a sunset ride back to the Corral for a night of Wrangler fun & a sleepover in the barn or under the stars. In the morning, help feed the herd then head back to Camp in time for breakfast with your troop. Bring all personal gear with you to the barn. For Youth only. Cost is $50.
Scoutcraft
Sharpen your outdoor abilities at Scoutcraft. Here, a Scout can have fun & memorable experiences while learning & practicing the skills at the heart & soul of Scouting.
Merit Badges
- Camping
- Cooking
- Exploration (ODD years)
- Fire Safety
- First Aid
- Geocaching (EVEN years)
- Hiking (ODD years)
- Orienteering
- Pioneering
- Search & Rescue (EVEN years)
- Signs, Signals & Codes (ODD years)
- Wilderness Survival*
*There must be at least one (1) female adult leader present during the Wilderness Survival outpost on Wednesday night, if there are female scouts participating. If none are available, camp staff will have a female staff member instead.
Special Programs
- Firem’n Chit—Earning the Firem’n Chit allows a Scout to carry fire-lighting devices. Offered 7-8pm M, T or Th.
- Totin’ Chip—Earning Totin’ Chip gives a Scout the right to carry or “tote” your own pocketknife & other wood tools. Offered 7-8pm M, T or Th.
- Paul Bunyan Woodsman Award—Paul Bunyan, much like our own Finbar O’Riley, was a woodsman skilled in the use of a variety of woodworking tools. An advanced axemanship course that requires extended time to complete. For Scouts of any age who want to learn more advanced woodsman skills. Scouts 14+ have the option to learn & use axes. Long pants, boots, & Totin’ Chip are required. It starts Monday, Tuesday & Thursday.
- Fire Safety Field Trip—Drivers needed! This Merit Badge session takes a field trip to Willits’ own Little Lake Fire Department Wednesday through lunch.
Target & Range Sports
Target & Range sports will discipline the mind & the body, so relax & have a great time. As with all program areas, the main aspect of shooting ranges is safety. The rules may seem strict, but are designed to ensure a fun, safe space for Scouts to hone their shooting skills.
All Youth who wish to enter any of the Shooting Ranges MUST have a signed Firearms Use Permission Slip.
Merit Badges
- Archery
- Rifle Shooting
- Shotgun Shooting
Special Programs
- Open Shoot—Archery, Rifle & Shotgun Open Shoots are open to all Campers. Tickets for shotgun &
- Rifle targets must be purchased at the Trading Post or Handi-Post before going to the Tickets are $2.00 each.
- Archery is Free
- Rifle: 1 Ticket = 1 target, 5 shots per
- Shotgun: 1 Ticket = 1 clay pigeon, 1 shot per pigeon (Shotgun Open shoot only from 11 am)
- Scoutmaster Shoot—Throughout the week each range will host a Scoutmaster Shoot for a bit of Adult-only range time & a little friendly competition.
- Troop Shoots—Archery or Rifle are available for Troop Shoots during evening program. There is a limited capacity & high demand so sign up for the Troop Special Events Lottery during your camp tour on Sunday.
Waterfront
Wente’s Waterfront on the north shore of our private 80-acre lake simply can’t be beat! Non-swimmers & beginning swimmers can take advantage of our wading areas & beginning swim instruction. ALL Campers MUST pass the Swimmers Test as a prerequisite for ALL Waterfront activities— whether they are merit badges or recreational activities. If a camper qualifies as a non-swimmer or beginning swimmer, please see the Waterfront Director about your swim & boating options.
Swim tests are done during your camp tour sooner after arrival – or – your Troop may perform swim tests prior to camp using the “Swim Classification Record”. The Wente Waterfront Director at camp will accept pre-camp swim classification test that are conducted following the procedures specified in Aquatic Supervision, No. 34346. The Wente Waterfront Director reserves the right to retest all participants to ensure that the swim standard have been met.
Merit Badges
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Lifesaving
- Rowing
- Small-Boat Sailing
- Swimming
Special Programs
- Swim Instruction—Any camper who did not pass the Swim Test can get extra swim skills help during 7-8pm program, based on Staff availability. Attendance is limited to 8 Scouts & is on a first-come, first-served basis. Scouts enrolled in a Waterfront Merit Badge that do not pass the Swimmer Test, will have the ability to retake the Swim Test on Monday before their MB or they will be removed from those sessions allowing other Scouts to take that session.
- Lunch Across the Lake—For a change of scenery, Adult Leaders will have the chance to use their Safety Afloat training as they venture out in boats with their Scouts for a picnic lunch at Black Oak Point. Sign up for the Troop Special Events Lottery during your camp tour on Sunday.
- Mile Swim—Scouts and Scouters need to be in good physical shape to complete the rigorous requirements of this award. Before swimming the mile, all participants must attend the 3 training sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before completing the Mile swim on Thursday at 5:30 am.
- Each swimmer must bring a rower & an accompanying spotter Wednesday & Thursday. Join the Waterfront Staff Monday morning at 6:00 am to start your journey.
- Scoutmaster Float—Friday mornings! Come enjoy some adult only time in the lake swimming or out on the water boating around while your Scouts are off doing merit badge make-ups.
- Stand Up Paddleboarding—T & Th from 7-8 pm. Due to limited equipment session size is 6; and Youth only!
- Wente Wooly Wash—Early as the tulle fog rises off the lake the Wooly, will at times, sneak down from the hills for a refreshing dip. Come for a splash of fun & you may even see our elusive sasquatch!
- Attend any three mornings at 6:00 am to earn the Wente Wooly Wash patch! Troops wishing to participate altogether must sign up with the Waterfront Director at least 1 day prior so we can have enough lifeguards on duty.
Wente Merit Badges Offerings
| American Heritage | Hard | 20 | 14+ | Coming Soon | Offered EVEN years only. | Lumberjack Academy |
| American Labor | Med. | 20 | 14+ | Coming Soon | Offered ODD years only. Complex discussion topics. | Lumberjack Academy |
| Animal Science | Med. | 15 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. | Corral | |
| Archery | Hard | 24 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. Bow pull required on Sunday! May require extensive practice outside session. Older Scout priority. | Target & Range Sports | |
| Architecture | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | Handicraft | ||
| Art | Easy | 20 | Coming Soon | May require work outside session. | Handicraft | |
| Astronomy | Hard | 25 | Coming Soon | Requires observation time outside session. | Nature | |
| Backpacking | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Offered combined with Camping EVEN years only. | Scoutcraft | |
| Basketry | Easy | 25 | Coming Soon | Requires extensive time outside session. | Handicraft | |
| Bird Study | Hard | 25 | Coming Soon | Requires observation time outside session. | Nature | |
| Camping* | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Offered combined with Backpacking (Even years) & Hiking (Odd years). | Scoutcraft | |
| Canoeing | Med. | 16 | Coming Soon | 1-1/2hr session. MUST be able to launch, carry & store boat with partner! | Waterfront | |
| Chemistry | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | Offered EVEN years only. | Nature | |
| Chess | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Requires time outside session to complete tournament. | Handicraft | |
| Citizenship in the Nation* | Med. | 20 | 14+ | Coming Soon | Lumberjack Academy | |
| Citizenship in the World* | Med. | 20 | 14+ | Coming Soon | Lumberjack Academy | |
| Communication* | Hard | 16 | 14+ | Coming Soon | Requires extensive time & planning outside session. Req 3 and 4 also require planning outside of class. | Lumberjack Academy |
| Composite Materials | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | Handicraft | ||
| Cooking* | Hard | 24 | Coming Soon | 1-1/2 hr session. We can't accommodate all dietary restrictions. | Scoutcraft | |
| Cycling** | Hard | 18 | 14+ | Coming Soon | Riding requirements completed outside session/camp. | Mtn Biking |
| Emergency Preparedness* | Hard | 20 | 14+ | Coming Soon | Must have First Aid merit badge to complete. | Lumberjack Academy |
| Engineering | Med. | 15 | Coming Soon | Lumberjack Academy | ||
| Entrepreneurship | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | Offered combined with Salesmanship. Requires time outside session. | Handicraft | |
| Environmental Science** | Hard | 30 | Coming Soon | Requires observation time & extensive writing outside session. | Nature | |
| Exploration | Hard | 15 | Coming Soon | Scoutcraft | ||
| Fingerprinting | Easy | 30 | Coming Soon | 1-1/2 hr session Monday OR Tuesday. | Handicraft | |
| Fire Safety | Hard | 20 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. Field Trip to local Fire Station requires drivers. Bag lunch provided. | Scoutcraft | |
| First Aid* | Hard | 12 | Coming Soon | 1-1/2 hrs. Scouts must attend all 4 sessions throughout the week AND a 1-hr session on Friday from 11-12. | Scoutcraft | |
| Fish & Wildlife Management | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Req. 5d requires extensive design, construction & observation outside session. | Nature | |
| Fishing | Med. | 12 | Coming Soon | Fishing gear is provided by camp! Requires fishing outside session. | Nature | |
| Fly Fishing | Med. | 12 | Coming Soon | Fly Fishing gear is provided by camp! May require fishing outside session. | Nature | |
| Forestry | Med. | 12 | Coming Soon | Field trip Friday to local Lumber Mill. Bag lunch provided. | Nature | |
| Game Design | Hard | 16 | 14+ | Coming Soon | Requires technical writing & extensive work outside session. | Lumberjack Academy |
| Gardening | Med. | 15 | Coming Soon | Offered combined with Fish & Wildlife Management. req. 3 & 5 require time outside session. | Nature | |
| Geocaching | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | Offered EVEN years only. | Scoutcraft | |
| Geology | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Requires collection & observation time outside session. Offered EVEN years only. | Nature | |
| Hiking** | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Offered combined with Camping in ODD years only. | Scoutcraft | |
| Horsemanship | Med. | TBD | 13+ | Coming Soon | 3-hr session Monday-Friday. Must wear long pants & closed toe shoes every day. | Corral |
| Insect Study | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Offered EVEN years only. | Nature | |
| Journalism | Med. | 10 | Coming Soon | Requires extensive writing & time outside session. Field Trip. | Lumberjack Academy | |
| Kayaking | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | 1-1/2 session. | Waterfront | |
| Leatherwork | Easy | 20 | Coming Soon | Handicraft | ||
| Lifesaving** | Hard | 16 | 13+ | Coming Soon | 1-1/2 hr session. 400 yard swim at start of class (4x length of Swim Test) | Waterfront |
| Mammal Study | Easy | 30 | Coming Soon | Req. 3 & 5 may require work outside session. | Nature | |
| Mining in Society | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | Offered ODD years only. | Nature | |
| Moviemaking | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | MUST bring own digital video camera. May not share with others. Requires film & edit time outside session. | Handicraft | |
| Music | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | Handicraft | ||
| Nuclear Science | Hard | 20 | 14+ | Coming Soon | Offered ODD years only. | Nature |
| Oceanography | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Requires observation time outside session. | Nature | |
| Orienteering | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | May require extensive time outside session. | Scoutcraft | |
| Photography | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | MUST bring own digital camera for use all week. May not share with others. | Handicraft | |
| Pioneering | Med. | 20 | 1st Class | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. | Scoutcraft |
| Plant Science | Med. | 15 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session offered combined with Gardening. Requires work outside session. | Nature | |
| Pottery | Med. | 12 | Coming Soon | Handicraft | ||
| Public Speaking | Med. | 10 | Coming Soon | Requires time outside session. Requires speech writing & delivery with audience. | Lumberjack Academy | |
| Pulp & Paper | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Requires work outside session. | Nature | |
| Reptile & Amphibian Study | Med. | 30 | Coming Soon | Requires observation time outside session. Offered ODD years only. | Nature | |
| Rifle Shooting | Med. | 32 | Coming Soon | 2-hr session. May require practice shooting outside session. | Target & Range Sports | |
| Rowing | Med. | 12 | Coming Soon | Waterfront | ||
| Salesmanship | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | Offered combined with Entrpreneurship. Requires time outside session. | Handicraft | |
| Scouting Heritage | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | Eagle Trail | ||
| Search & Rescue | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | Offered EVEN years only. | Scoutcraft | |
| Shotgun Shooting | Hard | 6 | Coming Soon | now 1-1/2-hr session. May require practice shooting outside session. | Target & Range Sports | |
| Signs, Signals & Codes | Easy | 20 | Coming Soon | Offered ODD years only. | Scoutcraft | |
| Small-Boat Sailing | Hard | 14 | 14+ | Coming Soon | Limit based on operable boats, extra spaces may be available at camp. | Waterfront |
| Soil & Water Conservation | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | Nature | ||
| Space Exploration | Med. | 20 | Coming Soon | Nature | ||
| Swimming** | Med. | 15 | Coming Soon | 1-1/2-hr session. Water contains fish & lake weed. | Waterfront | |
| Textile | Easy | 20 | Coming Soon | Offered EVEN years only. | Handicraft | |
| Weather | Med. | 35 | Coming Soon | Requires observation outside session. Req 11 requires planning and delivering a speech on hazardous weather, ideally at the Scout's Wednesday night campfire. | Nature | |
| Wilderness Survival | Med. | 25 | Coming Soon | Requires Overnight Outpost to complete, you build your shelter & spend the night in it. | Scoutcraft | |
| Woodcarving | Med. | 15 | Coming Soon | Handicraft | ||
| *Eagle Required ** |
Merit Badge Schedule
Camp-Wide Games
On Friday afternoons, all program areas will transition to Camp-Wide Games. The games give Scouts the chance to have some well-earned recreation time at the end of the week. Things may get silly, messy, wet & sweaty - - so come prepared to have a barrel of laughs & a boat-load of fun.
Theme Days
Join our Camp theme days & show us your Scout Spirit!
- Monday is Troop Pride Day…wear your Troop Shirt, hat, socks, - while they’re still clean!
- Tuesday is Timberrr Tuesday: Show us your Finney Valley flare in Lumber-Jack & Jill gear.
- Wednesday is Wear Your Helmet Wednesday (show off all your safety gear).
- Alternative Uniform Thursday: Wear any alternate or historical Scouting gear!
- Aloha Friday: Wear your loudest Hawaiian shirts!
Order of the Arrow - On Tuesdays, show your OA Pride by wearing your sash or an OA T-shirt. Then join us at the OA Evening Social at the Dining Hall for fellowship, news, fun, patch trading, & as with all good meetings, snacks.
Special Programs at Wente Scout Reservation
Adult Dutch Oven Cook-off
- You can start your coals whenever you like…but your entry should be brought to Admin for judging during Tuesday evening program! Entries can be in one or both categories: Sweet or Savory!
- Leaders may NOT accept help (prep, cook OR clean-up) from the Youth! Winners in each category will be announced at flags. Wente has Dutch Ovens, but Adults must bring all of their own ingredients…just be careful not to give away that secret recipe!
Campfires
- Troop Campfire night. Your Troop can settle into your campsite for a Wednesday night of bonding or reserve the Amphitheater & get together with other Troops (say from your home district) for a larger Campfire. Don’t forget to invite your counselors!
- Closing Campfire - - Scouts perform skits, Camp Staff presents awards earned during the week & our progressive camper Finney Valley Ceremony rounds out the evening. Closing Campfire Auditions are on Thursday, during the lunch shift your troop is not a part of.
Exploring Camp
There are many ways to explore the vastness of Wente safely while having an incredible time, whichever option you choose make sure both your Youth & Adult Unit leadership know your plans, take a buddy & plenty of water! See program area pages for more details. For any and all hiking that involves you at any point not remaining within main camp, you must sign out at the office.
- Finbar O’Riley Discovery Trail (Lumberjack Academy)
- Kali-Ama (Nature)
Outposts
- Lunch Across the Lake (Waterfront)
- Trail Rides (Mtn. Biking)
- Trail Rides (Risin’ W Corral)
Outposts are a wonderful way to experience the adventurous activities outside of regular Merit Badge programs. Some can be done as a Unit, others as a Patrol & some on an individual basis. See program area pages for more details.
O’Riley’s Outpost (Shooting Sports)
Be A Wrangler Outpost (Risin’ W Corral) Wilderness Survival Outpost (Scoutcraft)
Troop Cobblers
Does a bubbling fruit cobbler fresh out of a Dutch Oven sound good? Depending on fire conditions, we offer Units the chance to make Dutch oven cobblers in their Troop’s Campsite. To take advantage of this great experience sign up the night before you want to make cobblers, at the Trading Post. Flavors available vary week to week.
Hiking / Unit Expeditions / all Kali-Ama!
A group of Scouts or entire units may leave the main part of camp to explore the backcountry. Groups leaving the main part of camp must abide by the following:
- Have permission from their unit Adult
- Sign-Out at the Office & provide an itinerary indicating route/Kali-Ama points & estimated time of return.
- Sign-In at the Office upon return.
- Must have a buddy and abide by Scouting America’s Safeguarding Youth rules. Must have a water bottle.
- Swimming/playing in creeks must be supervised by an adult (21 or more years old) who has a current safe swim defense card. It is advised that at least one person be a certified
- Hiking Hours: 9AM - 5PM, 7-8PM (NOT DURING BREAKFAST AND DINNER)
- If hiking during lunch, a bagged lunch must be prepared by the hikers and shown to office staff before departing. PB&J sandwiches are a Kali Ama favorite!
- NO NIGHT HIKING ALLOWED.
Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS)
Calling all adult leaders! New to Scouting? Looking to become an ASM in your troop? Or just looking to meet fellow Scout leaders? Drop into our IOLS Adult Leader Training! This hands-on program gives adult leaders a practical introduction to the patrol method of a Scout-led troop by teaching many of the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the outdoors. Outdoor skills range from hiking & orienteering, to dutch oven cooking, to first aid, to knife safety, to flag ceremonies, and more! IOLS meets 10:30AM-12PM, Monday through Thursday. More information will be given at camp by our Commissioners!
King Skunk
Adult leaders! Ready for a challenge this week? We invite you to take on the King Skunk Award! To earn this award, you’ll dive into the Wente community and explore a variety of activities across all our Wentastical program areas! If you want to experience all that Wente has to offer—and step out of your comfort zone—take on the challenge and go for the King Skunk Award! Stop by the Camp Office to begin your journey.
Special Awards
- Honor Troop & Honor Patrol - At Wente Scout Reservation we feel that each unit should depart stronger than they arrived. The Honor Unit Awards Program one way we try & help this process. The Admin staff will work with your Unit Leadership on these requirements. Leaders submit Unit # & Patrol Names to the office before Friday dinner.
| HONOR PATROL
Complete ALL of the following: 1. Have & display a patrol flag. 2. Conduct a patrol meeting at camp. 3. Do a patrol yell at a camp-wide event or meal. 4. Each Scout earns a Finney Valley Rocker 5. Show Scout Spirit 6. Tent & Campsite kept clean & orderly.
Complete 4 of the following: 1. Go on a patrol hike, shoot or bike ride 2. All members in Class-A uniform for all evening Flags 3. Work on a Merit Badge or Rank Advancement as a patrol 4. Build a Pioneering project together as a patrol. 5. Perform a patrol song/skit at a Troop Campfire at camp 6. Participate in Camp-wide Games & turn in score sheet.
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HONOR TROOP
Complete ALL of the following: 1. Conduct a Patrol Leader’s Council at camp 2. Troop attends every Flag Assembly (unless on outpost as a Unit) 3. Demonstrate Troop Spirit 4. Represented at all Adult & SPL meetings 5. Conduct a Troop Campfire at camp 6. Each Scout earns a Finney Valley Rocker
Complete 4 of the following: 1. All patrols earn Honor Patrol. 2. All Troop members in full Class-A uniform for all evening Flag Assembly 3. All Troop members in full Class-A uniform for all evening Flag Assembly 4. Complete a campsite improvement project (must have approval before starting) 5. Have 1 Troop Activity: hike, Troop Shoot, Lunch-Across-the-Lake, Outpost, Ride, etc. 6. Invite another Troop to an inter-Troop Activity! 7. Complete a Troop Service Project
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Wente Scout Reservation Traditions
The spirit of Wente whispered its way into the Finney Valley long before the scouts arrived. It came with Finbar & the O’Riley clan, as they homesteaded in the southern hills foraging the plentiful forest, planting fruit trees, & drinking from the many springs to sustain life. Its voice grew as the Finney Valley Lumber Company logged the area leaving behind roads for future access to our beloved camp & beginning a long-standing relationship with the forest that continues today in the Wente Forest Health & Conservation. Scouting & the Wente land seemed destined to join forces to teach the youth then, now & into the future that we are all stewards of Nature…and what better place than this slice of heaven many of us consider our second home.
Wente prides itself on adapting to the needs of our campers & what program best suits their needs at that time. So, although we do have traditions, our favorite one is serving the Youth & giving back to our wonderful camp. Through the years Wente has steadily added new program areas, more campsites, adventures into the backcountry, & off-season opportunities for Units, Scouters & their families to enjoy a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.
Finney Valley Lumber Company
Our progressive Camper program is designed to guide Youth through the wonderful world of Wente. Below is each year’s award & how to earn it. All Scouts who earn a rocker may join the Finney Valley Ceremony during Closing Campfire. Scoutmasters will pick up all rockers at the Trading Post during check-out & are asked to reimburse Camp for the awards’ cost, just as they would a Merit Badge or other emblem. Scouts can only earn one per year. Cost is $3.
| 1st Year (Choker Setter)
Do 6 of the Following:
2nd Year (Cedar Savage) Do 6 of the Following:
3rd Year (Straw Boss) Do 6 of the Following:
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4th Year (Top Man)
Do 5 of the Following:
5th Year (Bull of the Woods) Do the Following:
6th Year (Legend of Finney Valley) Do the Following:
7th Year (Legacy of the Stick on a String) Do the Following:
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Weekly Schedule
