Backwoods Engineering

SUMMER CAMP Backwoods Engineering FAQs

Q: I am attending the Backwoods Engineering Camp. What gear should I bring?

A: You should bring the same gear you would bring to a normal week of summer camp. Additionally, you need to bring work gloves and a sturdy pair of footwear to use as safety gear during some of our activities. You can get more information from your Scoutmaster.

Q: What are the living/campsite arrangements for the Backwoods Engineering Camp?

A: Scouts participating in the BEC stay together in a campsite with wall tents and army cots. They are organized as a provisional troop and elect their own Patrol Leaders and Senior Patrol Leader for the week. Adult staff members act as their Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster and live in the campsite with them throughout the week. The daily program is run by adult engineers and mentors with assistance from youth staff.

Q: What do we eat at the Backwoods Engineering Camp?

A: Scouts eat in the dining hall just like a regular week of summer camp.

Q: Do I have to take the swim test when I arrive at camp on Sunday?

A: Yes. We build rafts as one of our projects, and you need to pass the swim test in order to sail them on the lake. There will also be opportunities for free swim.

Q: Even if I already took the Swim Test when I went to camp earlier this summer?

A: Definitely yes if you attended a different camp. If you attended camp at MASR plan to take the test too, but if you kept your buddy tag you may be able to skip it at the Aquatics Director’s discretion.

Q: What other things will we do at camp besides Backwoods Engineering?

A: We try to schedule at least one optional fun activity per day. In the past this has included: open swim, open shoot, tomahawk throwing, trivia contest, and others. Additionally, we build several enormous campfires throughout the week.

Q: Can I earn any merit badges during the Backwoods Engineering Camp?

A: All Scouts attending the BEC have the opportunity to earn Pioneering Merit Badge. We complete most of the requirements as a group, but you will have to do some of the required splicing during your free time. Make sure to bring a Blue Card signed on the front by your Scoutmaster. No other merit badges are offered during the week, and you will not have time to work on completing any partial merit badges that you worked on earlier in the summer.

Q: I am thinking about engineering as a career. Can you give me any advice?

A: Some of our staff members are mechanical and chemical engineers who would be happy to share their experience with you. Additionally, we will have a visit from the American Society of Civil Engineers one evening to talk to you about engineering careers and education.

Q: My child is attending the Backwoods Engineering Camp. When can I come and see the projects that he has built?

A: When you pick up your sons from camp on Saturday we will take you on a tour showing off the Scouts’ work. Bring a camera so that you can take pictures. The tour starts at 9AM sharp, so please don’t be late.

Q: Are there restrictions on who can participate in the Backwoods Engineering Camp?

A: The Backwoods Engineering Camp is open to boys and girls. While there are no rank or gender restrictions on who can attend, participants do need to be 11 years old or entering grades 6-12.