Fill up your backpack with program and collect those awards.
Embedded Files
CAMP PROGRAMS
CAMP PROGRAMS
Morning Camp Flag Raising
Morning Camp Flag Raising
Flag-raising is held immediately following breakfast Monday through Friday. Units line up and report attendance in creative ways. The Program Director will make announcements about the day’s activities.
Evening Retreat
Evening Retreat
For over 100 years, Units attending summer camp at Camp Manatoc have paid respect to our Nation with evening retreat. Since the current camp opened in 1932, Units line-up on the Parade Field and report to the Program Director. A bugler plays “Retreat” and then the large American flag is lowered from our 99 1/2-foot flagpole as “To The Colors” is played. Units then pass in review in front of the Butler Memorial. While marching directly in front of the Memorial, Scouts render a Scout salute paying respect to our camp’s founder, H. Karl Butler, who donated or bequeathed most of the camp property to the then Akron Area Council. In inclement weather or under a Health Lodge red flag, Evening Retreat is shortened to the lowering of the flags.
Senior Patrol Leaders Meetings
Senior Patrol Leaders Meetings
The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is the primary Units youth leader. Senior Patrol Leader’s will meet with the Program Director on Sunday evening and on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at the Sanders Shelter. The Program Director will brief the SPL’s on camp events and activities.
Adult Leaders Meetings
Adult Leaders Meetings
The Camp Director, Program Director, and Camp Commissioner will meet with adult Unit leaders on Tuesday and Friday in the Sanders Shelter immediately after morning flag raising. These brief meetings are opportunities to exchange information and ask questions.
Camp Wide Game
Camp Wide Game
The core of Scouting is the patrol method established by the Scouting Movement’s founder, Lord Badin-Powell in his book, “Scouting for Boys.” The camp wide game is a friendly opportunity to test the skills practiced by patrols in Scouting America units through the completion of challenging tasks and tests of Scout skills.
Color Trails and Nature Trail
Color Trails and Nature Trail
There are six color trails found in the Manatoc Scout Reservation. These trails were established beginning in the 1960’s and are a challenging and fun way for Scouts to explore the over 600 acres of reservation property. Each trail is blazed with a color (red, white, blue, yellow, green and orange) in both directions. Color trail maps and hiking staff stickers for each color trail are available at the Trading Post. Additionally, campers can learn about modern conservation and sustainability practices by hiking the interactive Nature Trail that was established and dedicated in 2023 through the efforts of a Scouter as part of their Wood Badge ticket in conjunction with the Great Trail Council SCAT (Sustainability, Conservation and Trails) Committee. All trails begin at the kiosk found near Outdoor Skills.
Flag Retirement Ceremony
Flag Retirement Ceremony
On Tuesday evenings, join our Outdoor Skills staff for a formal flag retirement ceremony. Units are welcome to bring flags for retirement from their own Units or home. Scouts and Adult leaders should be dressed in field uniform for this ceremony. Any camper who is a veteran or active service member is welcome to attend in their military uniform.
Instructional Boating (NEW)
Instructional Boating (NEW)
Summer camp provides many Scouts with their first opportunities to experience boating on open water. This year, the Lakefront staff is offering instructional open boating time so that Scouts and leaders can learn hands-on how to boat safely and develop confidence in their abilities to use rowboats, canoes and/or kayaks on Lake Litchfield.
Instructional Swim
Instructional Swim
One of the requirements to complete the rank of First Class Scout is to successfully complete the Scouting America swim test. While learning to swim takes time and steady practice, the Pool staff offers a hands-on opportunity for swimmers of all levels to improve their skills in the water.
Leaders’ Lunch
Leaders’ Lunch
On Thursday, join the Scout Executive and members of the Great Trail Council Executive Board in the Lewis Family Conference Center for lunch and fellowship. This lunch is a way of thanking those adult volunteers spending the week at camp for supporting youth and Scouting America.
Life to Eagle Presentation
Life to Eagle Presentation
The Great Trail Council Advancement Committee hosts an information session Wednesday evening for Star and Life Scouts, and adult leaders interested in learning more about topics related to Eagle Scout advancement and procedures.
Morning Nature Walk
Morning Nature Walk
On Tuesday and Thursday morning, interested campers can take part in an early morning nature walk through specific sections of our Color Trails. The focus of the walks is the identification of animals that might be more active in the morning, such as birds. These walks will focus on quiet observations, reflective thought, perhaps some short episodes of “Seton Watching,” which is sitting for 20 minutes and observing the world using the five senses to discover the wonder of the natural world around you.
Opening Program
Opening Program
On Sunday evening, our staff presents the Opening Program. Join the Camp Manatoc Players as they present an interactive blend of songs, skits, and short plays.
Order of the Arrow Call-Out Ceremony and Ice Cream Social
Order of the Arrow Call-Out Ceremony and Ice Cream Social
On Wednesday night, Marnoc Lodge will conduct a call-out ceremony to recognize those who have been elected to the Order of the Arrow in 2025 whether or not those elected have already completed the Ordeal. The ceremony is held in the Manatoc Council Ring. Afterwards, all adult leaders in camp and youth members of the Order of the Arrow (including those just called-out) are invited to the OA Ice Cream Social on Wednesday nights for dessert and fellowship. Members of Marnoc Lodge can pay their annual membership renewal at this event.
Orientation Trail
Orientation Trail
On Sunday evening, all first-year campers or any Scout units new to Camp Manatoc will attend the Orientation Trail. Staff members will guide the group to each camp program area where an area’s director will give the participants a brief overview of the area’s activities and merit badge offerings.
Out Trips
Out Trips
Camp Manatoc offers two half-day, off-property out trips for Scouts who are third year campers or above and adult leaders. A kayaking trip on the Cuyahoga River is offered through our partners at Burning River Adventures. The cost of each out trip is in addition to the summer camp fees and registration for these events is through your GTC registration portal.
Patch Trading
Patch Trading
A favorite activity among Scouts and Adult leaders, patch traders can bring their collections to Outdoor Skills on Wednesday evening for an opportunity to trade patches with fellow collectors.
Pool Party
Pool Party
Take a dip in the Manatoc Swimming Pool during the Monday night Pool Party.
Scouts’ Own Worship Service
Scouts’ Own Worship Service
A Scout is reverent. Scouts’ Own Worship Services are held on Monday and Wednesday nights in the Rev. Frank Basa Chapel located directly behind the Butler Memorial. These interfaith services are open to Scouts and Adult leaders of all faiths and religions.
Tomahawk Throwing Range
Tomahawk Throwing Range
Also on Wednesday nights, campers can learn the art of throwing a tomahawk at the new Tomahawk Throwing Range located between the Archery and Shotgun Ranges.
CAMP AWARDS
CAMP AWARDS
Retreat Banner
Retreat Banner
Since 1923, members of camp staff have chosen one Units to receive the daily Retreat Banner. The winning Unit is chosen based on their level of esprit de corps, Scout Spirit, presentation, and adherence to our Retreat traditions such as marching in step and saluting sharply at the proper time when passing in front of the Butler Memorial.
Cairn Awards Program
Cairn Awards Program
The Manatoc Cairns (pronounced “karens”) are historical landmarks found throughout the entire Manatoc Reservation. Back in the 1920’s and 30’s these were marked by heaps of stones the Scouts would leave. Today they are marked with Native-American symbols and there are more than fifty cairns. The program is designed for Scouts who are at least second year campers or all adult leaders. There are four award levels, and the Cairn Awards must be earned in order: Brave, Chief, Spirit, Cairn Master. A booklet defining the requirements for each level and for recording a participant’s progress is available at the Administration
Building or the Red Oak Nature Center. Booklets are due at 7:00 PM on Thursday night and must be submitted at the Red Oak Nature Center for review. Cairn location maps are available for purchase in the Trading Post. Those campers interested in the Cairn Awards will meet on Monday afternoon at the Nature Center for program orientation.
Cowboy Action Shoot
Cowboy Action Shoot
Join our Range & Target Activities staff at the Rifle Range on Wednesday night for the Cowboy Action Shoot. Participants will have the opportunity to shoot a .22 caliber revolver, a .22 caliber lever action rifle, a double-barreled shotgun, and a black powder musket. There is an added fee for this event and participation is limited to twenty Scouts age 14 to 17. There is no adult participation this year. Pre-camp signup for this event is available through the Troop’s on-line account.
Critter Contest
Critter Contest
A long-time Camp Manatoc summer camp tradition, we bring a 21st century update to the contest. In the spirit of our commitment to sustainability and conservation, participants in the Critter Contest will use the iNaturalist app to record the animals they observe. Points are awarded to a Units for observing any mammal, reptile, bird or insect recorded on the iNaturalist app. The winning Units receives a prize at the end of the week. More details will be available at the April Leaders’ meeting.
Dutch Oven Cook-Off
Dutch Oven Cook-Off
Another long-time Camp Manatoc Summer Camp tradition, on Monday evening, the Scout Leader Dutch oven cook-off pits our Unit leaders and their best Dutch Oven concoctions. You don’t have to cook to enjoy this event. Bring a copy of your recipe to share with your fellow leaders and enjoy the fellowship time.
Duty to God
Duty to God
The Duty to God Promotion Patch is a four-segment “puzzle” type patch. Only one segment is offered in any given year. Participants are encouraged to earn all four segments over a four-year span. The Units Chaplain Aide is provided with a book of suggested daily devotions and the requirements for each scout and adult in the Units to earn the Duty to God award.
Environmentalist Award
Environmentalist Award
The Manatoc Environmentalist Award is open to all Scouts and Adult leaders in residence at Camp Manatoc for six or more consecutive days. It may take up to two years to complete the requirements for the award. All requirements must be verified. To earn the award, an individual must complete six (6) of the listed requirements. The Camp Manatoc Nature Director shall evaluate all submissions and decide whether they meet the criteria. A list of requirements is available at the Red Oak Nature Center.
Leaders’ Shootout Challenges
Leaders’ Shootout Challenges
Adult leaders are invited to take part in friendly shooting competitions at the Rifle, Shotgun, and Archery ranges all week during open program area times. Awards will be given out at the Saturday Morning Awards Presentation. Adult leaders are encouraged to shoot for scores early in the week when range time is more available. The deadline for competing is Thursday at the end of open program time.
Medicine Man Adult Engagement Award
Medicine Man Adult Engagement Award
For adult leaders who come to camp, the Medicine Man award is designed with four accomplishments in mind: relaxation, learning, fellowship, and fun. Different tasks earn different points and participants who earn 300 points receive a commemorative patch which is different each year. Task lists/scoresheets are available at the Administration Building
Mile Swim
Mile Swim
Swimmers can attempt the ultimate Scouting America swimming challenge, the Mile Swim, on Thursday night at the Swimming Pool. In order to qualify for the Mile Swim, interested participants will have to attend scheduled practices and show the ability to swim a half mile to qualify for the Mile Swim on Thursday night. The event is open to both youth and adult swimmers.
Units Campsite Gateway Contest
Units Campsite Gateway Contest
Campsite gateways have always played a big part in the traditions of Camp Manatoc. Showing Units from other cities and states what is unique or interesting about your Units or hometown is a time-honored Scouting tradition and gateways are one of the most visible ways to do that. Leaders and Scouts should allow their imaginations to go wild to create a winning gateway. Site Commissioners will judge Units gateways on Thursday morning and gateways are judged on appeal, demonstration of Scout skills (knots and lashings are tied correctly, gateway adheres to the Guide to Safe Scouting policies), and creativity in relation to our annual summer camp theme. The rules for the Gateway Contest are found in the Units Orientation Packet.
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