Thank you for your interest in attending Camp Squanto for the 2021 summer season. We continue to work diligently with the Town of Plymouth Department of Public Health and in accordance with the changing reopening guidance from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with respect to the camping and youth services sector to determine how we can offer a safe and exciting program while doing everything we can to keep our Scouts, leaders, and staff healthy and safe.

We are excited to share with you that we have, with the approval of the Town of Plymouth, crafted a program schedule and a list of merit badge offerings. We will be offering the following merit badges for which cohorts can register over four different 50-minute blocks during the day: Sailing, Rowing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Swimming, Lifesaving, Archery, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting, Fly Fishing, Cooking, Camping, Pioneering, Emergency Preparedness, Orienteering, Wood Carving, Leatherwork, Metalwork, Mammal Study, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Bird Study, Sustainability, Environmental Science, and Climbing. An entire cohort will have to register for one badge and travel to the area of camp where that badge is offered, per current state guidelines. However, for Scouts that do not want to work on the badge, there will be a program area-related opportunity for Scouts to work on. For example, if a cohort registers for Cooking merit badge, but only 8 Scouts want to work on the requirements, the other 4 Scouts will have the option to work on another Scoutcraft related-skill.

We understand that current Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidance places many limitations on traditional flexibility. However, this does afford us some flexibility at camp this summer with our merit badge offerings. This year, rather than offering set merit badges at certain times, all merit badges will be available at all program areas, limited only by the number of cohorts that a program area can accommodate at one time. This means that, in a normal year, Ecology may offer one section each of Reptile and Amphibian Study, Mammal Study and Bird Study during the day and Scouts would have to find a way to work their schedules to get in to these badges if this is what they wanted to take. This year, if Ecology can accommodate 3 cohorts while maintaining the required social distancing, all three could work on the same badge in individual cohorts, if they all wanted to take the same badge. As part of the registration process, cohorts will select their program area, time slot (9:00-9:50, 10:00-10:50, 11:00-11:50, and 2:00-2:50), and then the badge that they would like to take.

We will be offering afternoon program offerings in shooting sports, boating, swimming, Scoutcraft, handicraft, and ecology in one hour blocks that cohorts will be able to sign up for prior to arriving at camp. In many ways, the afternoon will look similar to a normal week of summer camp. To go over this schedule in greater detail and to answer questions that you may have about summer at Camp Squanto in 2021, we will be holding another summer camp leaders meeting virtually using the same YouTube platform as our April meeting. Please join us on Monday, May 24 at 7:00pm.

Please keep in mind these important deadlines fast approaching:

NEW Unit Commitment Deadline: Friday, May 14
Please let us know your intentions by completing this form RICK – please add link

Early Bird Registration Deadline: Friday, May 28

We are working diligently to offer the greatest flexibility that current Commonwealth of Massachusetts guidance will allow and that is in keeping with the intent of the guidance – to keep everyone safe and healthy at camp this summer. Thank you for being part of the Camp Squanto family. We look forward to seeing you in just over two months for an exciting, fun-filled, and safe program at Camp Squanto!

Thank you for your interest in attending Camp Squanto for the 2021 summer season. As you know, the process for determining our exact program continues to be a challenge as we strive to develop a great program, implement the reopening guidelines provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and keep all of our Scouts, leaders, and staff healthy and safe.

Fire Up Your Scouts for the 2021 Virtual FREEZE OUT!

All Scout BSA units in Mayflower Council are invited to participate.

Have your patrols tune up those sleds for this year’s Freeze Out adventure. Your Scouts will hone cold weather skills, participate in a variety of races, competitions, and take home memories for a lifetime. There will not be any troop vs. troop competition this year, rather troops can compete Scout vs. Scout or patrol vs. patrol. Your choice!!

This is the first virtual Freeze Out!  Each unit can decide when, where, and how to hold your troop freeze out.  We are here to help you create a fantastic adventure for your Scouts.

Troops and Scouts will receive:

• Ribbons for each event (1st, 2nd, 3rd) these will be mailed to the troop when registration closes.
• Council support & some “suggested” outdoor winter ideas, suggestions and guidelines, these will be emailed to you.
• Special 2021 Freeze Out patch per participant will be mailed to the troop after the event.
• Additional patches can be purchased for $5.00 ea.

When:  Pick any weekend in March – troops will decide what day(s) works for them.

Location: Troops decide on a location that works for them and their group size(s). You may now schedule to hold your event at one of the Mayflower Council camps.  Tent camping is now open at Camp Resolute, Camp Squanto, and Nobscot Scout Reservation or another location of your choosing.

Cost:  $10.00 per Scout, adults are free

Proposed activities but are not limited to:

1. fire starting
2. knot knowledge
3. lashing structure build
4. bear bag
5. obstacle course
6. patrol winter emergency shelter
7. cross the creek (crates and planks)
8. panning for gold (tarp and ping pong balls)

Video contest – Troops are invited to have their Scouts take short videos of their event.  Videos will be judged and ribbons awarded for funniest video, best original event, best appearance of Scout spirit.  You will receive a link to upload your videos once registration closes.

This event is being sponsored by the Headwaters District.

Make Your Summer Camp Plans Now!

Mayflower Council is giving you more options for the Summer of 2021!

Cub Scouts Rock!

Cub Adventure Day Camp, located at Camp Resolute in Bolton, MA will once again offer an outstanding weekday program for boys and girls completing grades 1-4. Now in its 48th year, Adventure Day Camp provides traditional Scout games and achievement opportunities, archery, BB instruction, nature, sports, swimming, fishing and outdoor camp skills. From 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday-Friday, our young people are challenged with ongoing activities that will help them develop self-confidence, independence and teamwork skills. Cub Adventure Day Camp will run six one-week sessions from July 12 – August 20. Get set for a rockin’ great time!

Weekly Overnight Troop Adventures!

Camp Squanto is Mayflower Council’s designated resident summer camp, for 2021, for week-long summer camp fun! Located in Plymouth, MA, Camp Squanto is situated on 650 acres deep in the woods of Myles Standish State Forest with its own private, natural pond. With 14 campsites to choose from, since 1925, Camp Squanto continues to offer a unique, Cape Cod-style wooded experience with archery, .22 rifle and skeet ranges, nature, sports, swimming, sailing, fishing and outdoor Scout skills. Typically, Scout Troops attend as a unit for a Sunday-Saturday experience. However, individual Scouts are also encouraged to attend and join in with other Scouts who form a Troop for a week. Camp Squanto is fully equipped with activity areas, expansive waterfront, new showers, flush toilets, a trading post, Scout Museum and a beautiful Dining Hall pavilion. Camp Squanto will offer six one-week sessions from July 11 – August 21. Let the adventures begin!

Scouts BSA Day Experiences!

Camp Resolute re-imagined! An exciting new day program is being developed that will offer a weekly summer day experience for all Scouts BSA members. Think of it as an outdoor adventure park operating daily Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm! You’ll be able to choose traditional Scout activities and advancement programs like nature, campcrafts and outdoor cooking or enjoy our outdoor climbing course, archery, rifle shooting, fishing, boating, sailing and swimming and much more! Our Resolute day experience program will run six one-week sessions from July 12 – August 20. You set your pace – you set your experience!

But that’s not all for Camp Resolute – stay tuned as we set the future course for a brand new twist on the camp we all love. We promise you an entirely new experience! Stay tuned for more information and details!

Philmont Scout Ranch!
This promises to be the highlight of your Scouts life – many consider it a life-changing experience!
A special contingent limited to 12 Scouts will head to the 200 square mile BSA’s premier National High Adventure area located in New Mexico for a 12 day backpacking adventure traversing at least 50 miles along the rocky, rugged terrain of the Sangre De Christo mountains. Along the way, our Crew will participate in programs that combine the best of the old West – horseback riding, burro packing, gold panning, rock climbing, burro racing, meals over stoves and fires and campfires under a gazillion stars that light up the night sky. Scouts must be at least 14 years old and advisors at least 21.

More info on all these Summer 2021 experiences now available
Adventure Day Camp
Scouts BSA Day Camp
Scouts BSA Resident Camp

Mayflower Council Camps
All Mayflower Camps are led by trained camp and program directors who are certified by National BSA Camp Schools. Our camps are certified by a camp visitation team approved by the Boy Scouts of America, licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Accredited by the American Camp Association and comply with regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and are licensed by the local board of health. All adults involved in our Camp Programs have undergone specific leadership training as well as updated Youth Protection certification.

Do you need your BSA Swim test? Join us at Camp Resolute or Camp Squanto. We have three dates available. Space is limited.

September 5th – 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm

September 8th – 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

September 9th – 5:30 – 7:00 pm

• Each registrant will be given a time slot in 15 min increments and must adhere to COVID restrictions.
• Please arrive on time and in your bathing suit, there are no changing areas.
• Be prepared to do you your swim test and immediately exit the water, there is no free swim time.
• Please wear a mask at all times when not in the water and maintain social distancing.
• Upon arrival there will be a pre-screening of COVID related questions.

The various components of each test evaluate the several skills essential to the minimum level of swimming ability. Each step of the test is important and must be followed as listed below:

SWIMMER’S TEST:

Jump feet first into water over the individual’s head in depth, level off, and begin swimming. Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: sidestroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy resting backstroke (elementary backstroke). The 100 yards must be swum continuously and include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.

BEGINNER’S TEST:

Jump feet first into water over the individual’s head in depth, level off, swim 25 feet on the surface, stop, turn sharply, resume swimming as before, and return to the starting place.

NON-SWIMMER TEST:

This is reserved for anyone that attempts one of the swim tests above and does not complete it to a satisfactory degree, subject to the test’s administrator (Lifeguard or Scout Leader). Anyone who does not attend swim tests is automatically assigned a “Non-Swimmer” classification. Please do not sign up for these swim tests if you are planning to attempt a non-swimmer test, you will be sent home.

Guide to Safe Scouting; what do Swimmers vs Beginners vs Non-Swimmers do?

Guide to Safe Scouting online version

Age appropriate Guidelines for Scouting activities

The Mayflower Council Stay Safe CSP sold out in only a few short weeks. We have received numerous requests to purchase one. Another order for 250 has been placed. It is the same design but the border color has been changed to orange. This limited edition CSP can be yours for a donation of $20.00 per CSP. Proceeds from this CSP run will be used to cover the expenses of the personal protection equipment (PPE) purchased for the camp properties, Adventure Day Camp and the council service center.

Pre-Order yours now – before they are gone!

Looking for a new way to have camp this summer while staying safe from COVID?  Introducing Camp in a Box!  We have partnered with five other councils to bring you this awesome program!  Individuals or troops can sign up to be a part of this historic program!  We will have Scouts from at least 4 different states all joining in the fun.

Each Scout gets to choose up to 5 merit badges or programs from 45 different options.  For the low price of $135, we will ship you a box of everything that you’ll need for the week including camp swag, program materials, and more to be ready for the action!  This is sure to be Not Your Typical Summer Camp!  Click here to download the Camp Guide.

Click here to sign up today!

Dear Scouting Family:

It is with great disappointment that the Mayflower Council announces that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will not allow resident camp programs to be conducted before the summer of 2021. As we stated from the initial decision to move forward, we would only do so if we could conduct a safe program, within the guidelines of national, state, and local authorities. Based on this latest information, we will not be able to provide a resident camp experience to our Scouts this summer.

We appreciate your continued patience and understanding over the past 7 weeks, as we pursued all available options and program modifications to offer a safe resident camp experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our staff was looking forward to greeting you and bringing you another year of fun, but this will have to wait until next year. All along, our first priority has been the health and safety of our Scouts, their parents, our leaders, staff and all their extended families and communities.

While this news is disappointing, we are providing a Scouts BSA virtual camp option offering each Scout the opportunity to choose up to 5 merit badges or programs from 45 different options.  Plus, we will ship you a box of everything that you’ll need for the week including camp swag, program materials, and more to be ready for the action! Click here for all the information and to sign-up.

We will be issuing full refunds to each troop by the end of the month and there is no need to contact the council service center for the refund of the camp fees paid. We ask for your patience as we work through processing all of the refunds. Check our council COVID-19 website for additional updates.

This decision by the Commonwealth does not affect our ability to operate our Cub Scout Adventure Day Camp at Camp Resolute. We are continuing with our plans to offer that program for our Cub Scouts.

We know you are eager to get back to our camps, which is why we have already begun planning bigger and better resident camp programs for next year.

Take care and be well,

Mike Rotar
Council President

Joshua Paulin
Council Commissioner

Bryan Feather
Scout Executive / CEO

This is the one spot where you will find the most up to date answers to your frequently asked questions regarding our Mayflower Council resident camp.

Click here to download as a PDF

May 18, 2020

Hello Scouting Families,

As you’ve proven over the last few weeks, our Scouting communities are resilient, prepared, and able to adapt to any situation. Now, as we look ahead to the 2020 camping season, the question on everyone’s mind is, “What is Scouts BSA resident camp going to look like and is it safe to attend?”

To alleviate some concerns, we thought it would be helpful to share with you our current decisions as well as modifications to our pre-camp preparations and to the camp experiences offered this summer.

First and foremost, the health and safety of our Scouting families, volunteers and staff remains our number one priority as we continue to adapt to this unprecedented situation. Our council continues to develop new plans and review existing procedures that will keep our Scouts and volunteers safe.

The decision to operate our council camps will be based on our ability to operate safely within the CDC’s summer camp guidelines, in addition to recommendations from local, state and BSA authorities. Rest assured that the council will only conduct camp if it is legal, safe, and practical to do so.

This summer may not look like all the summers that have come before or any of the summers that will come after. What we do know is that camp plays a vital role in the lives of our Scouts and Scouters. At this time, we are taking steps to determine how we can best serve our Scouting community this summer.

As of today, May 18, 2020, we are announcing the following decisions: 

The following camps and programs have been cancelled for 2020.

• Resident camping at Camp Resolute. All troops will be accommodated at Camp Squanto.
• National Youth Leadership Training: June 28  – July 4 at Camp Squanto
• Trail to Eagle Week: July 19 – 24 at Camp Resolute
• Venture Week: July 19 – 24 at Camp Resolute
• National Youth Leadership Training: August 2 – 7 at Camp Resolute

Scouts BSA resident camping at Camp Squanto has been postponed to later in the summer. The modified schedule is as follows:

• July 12 – 18
• July 19 – 25
• July 26 – August 1
• August 2 – 8
• August 9 – 15

The following Scouts BSA resident camp modifications will be made:

• Weekly attendance will be capped at 250 campers
• Tent occupancy will be limited to one camper
• Leaders will need to remain in camp for the whole week

For those that had signed up for any of these events, you will receive an additional email with steps regarding refunds, transfers, and additional information about the event. For any event cancelled you will receive a 100% refund.

So what can you expect this summer? 

Just because some of our planned outdoor experiences cannot happen as expected, we are still committed to helping you and other families experience camp in a safe environment. We understand the importance of an outdoor in-person experience, and we will find ways to help your family experience the fun of camp this summer. It will look different from a traditional camp and that is ok. In the coming days you will see us roll out the opportunity to participate in a virtual Scouts BSA camp this summer, for those not comfortable with the in-person experience.

Allow us to share a glimpse of some of the additional elements of what “safely operating” our camps in this new environment will entail. While this list is not comprehensive and our review is an  ongoing process, you can expect some significant updates to many of the following:

• Check-in Screening – Upon arrival at our camps, staff and participants will be screened and their temperature will be taken. Those with temperatures above 100.4 will not be allowed entry; those who travelled with them will also not be allowed entry.
• Food Service – We will be eliminating all self-service options during meals (including beverages and salad bars) and all serving will be done by trained staff.
• Sickness at Camp – Participants presenting symptoms of COVID-19 will be sent home.
• Visitors – Will not be allowed into camp.
• Sub-camps – Units will be divided into sub-camps within Camp Squanto to reduce exposure risk for participants.  A number of activities will be managed within each sub-camp or on a scheduled rotation where cleaning can be done between groups.
• Family Day & Closing Campfire – Will NOT be held this summer.
• Hand Washing – Participants will be directed to wash their hands often.  Additional hand washing and sanitizing stations will be available.
• Accommodation Cleaning – Camp provided lodging, such as tents and cabins, will be disinfected before new participants arrive.
• Shower Houses & Restrooms – Shower houses and restrooms will be cleaned 3 times a day.
• Protective Gear – We will be reviewing best methods for use of gloves, masks, etc., while on our properties.
• Camp Equipment – We will properly sanitize all community and reusable program equipment after each use.
• Social Distancing – We will avoid activities where appropriate social distance cannot be maintained.

These items and many more are all under review as part of the comprehensive evaluation now underway of our standards and policies. As we move forward, you can expect a comprehensive list complete with instructions.

We thank you for your continued commitment to Scouting and for helping us prepare and adapt to any situation. We will continue to monitor the situation daily and relay any updates as they become available on our council website and through our social media channels. If you have specific questions please email them to covid19@mayflowerbsa.org and we will respond to them as quickly as possible.

Please stay safe and keep Scouting!

Mike Rotar
Council President

Josh Paulin
Council Commissioner

Bryan Feather
Scout Executive / CEO