Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 25 limit include adults?
No. Your troop is limited to 25 scouts and 10 adults.

Do we have to bring any equipment for the competitions ( ie a compass or a first aid kit)?
No, you do not.

Are the scouts expected to hike with all their gear over Bull Hill?
No, they are not expected to, but the challenge is definitely encouraged.

Is the hike supervised?
Yes, we have cadets located at check points along the entire trail. However, an adult leader should travel with the scouts.

Timeline for Camporee Application Process
September-October: Submit application via the web.
If the server is down, wait a day and try again, if this is not successful then contact the Scoutmasters' Council via the S1 (Troops). We will process your application!
December: Applications processes
If you turn in an application on time, you are fine. No special privileges are given to those with early submission.
January-February Acceptance list made
Acceptance and welcome letters sent.
February-March-April Prepare for Camporee
Troops receive information. If any questions remain, make sure they are answered before you arrive!
May CAMPOREE!!!

What activities are there for the Scouts at the Camporee?
The following is a tentative list of activities for the Camporee
Camouflage
Knot Tying
Leadership Reaction Course
RB-15 (Zodiac) Paddle
Drill
Fire Building
Fitness Challenge
Swiss Seat / One-Rope Bridge
Commander's Challenge
Weapons and Communications Equipment Static Display
Land Navigation
Wilderness Survival
Assess and Treat Casualties (First Aid)

I'd like a brief description of these sites.

How do I get to the Camporee?

Directions here

Are there other camping opportunities around West Point besides the Camporee?
You bet. There are two options for you if you would like to camp around West Point.
We have two recreation areas available at West Point, one at Lake Frederick, and one at Round Pond. However, you must have a military ID in order to reserve and use the facilities. (Anyone in your group who has an active, reserve, or retired ID will do.)

For more information call:

Round Pond: (845) 938-2503 or (845) 938-3860
Lake Frederick: (in season) (845) 938-2132 (out of season - call Round Pond)
There are also numerous camping grounds and recreation areas in the local vicinity of West Point that would make excellent camping trips. Check the internet search databases or a NY phone book for more information. (Sorry, we can't list them because that would appear to provide government endorsement to some places over others. . .)

What is the procedure for a troop arriving after 6:00 p.m. since no one will be allowed on the trail after that time? How do they get to their campsite?
The troop must still in process at Natural Bridge. You can then drop off your people and equipment at Frederick. The troop is still responsible for parking all but one of your vehicles at Frederick.

The information packet describes the Bull Hill Hike as "particularly challenging for younger scouts." How should I take that as SM? Should I let my 11 and 12 year olds try it? What kind of support system is there if a boy cannot finish it and he's halfway through it?
Encourage your younger Scouts to participate! Unless they are physically injured upon arrival to the Camporee, they should do the hike. There is no time limit, but we require Scout troops to stay together during the hike for accountability purposes. There is approx. 1/2 mile of rocky uphill terrain and 1/4 mile of rocky downhill terrain. Any motivated Scout who wants to finish it, will finish it. Our trail staff will have vehicles operating along the trail. If a Scout becomes injured our physically unable to continue, we can transport that Scout (with an Adult leader) to their Camp Site at Lake Frederick or seek medical attention if needed.