Greetings!
 Swift Base at the S bar F Scout Ranch offers dozens of fun and exciting outdoor programs for Venture Crews. Swift Base is only one of two camps in the Boy Scouts of America designed specifically for the Venturing program.
In addition to hiking and camping, Venturers can ride horses, go rock climbing, sailing, canoeing, tubing, mountain biking and spend a day on a ropes course.  Special programs will be offered during three weeks at Swift Base:
- June 17-23: Aquatics Week/Sea Scout Emphasis
- June 24-30: Climbing/Land Navigation/Astronomy
- July 8-14: Shooting Sports/Wilderness Survival/Living History
Download Manuals For Summer Camps A successful summer camp begins with good preparation. An important first step is reviewing the manual for your summer camp. All 2012 summer camp manuals--for Webelos, Boy Scouts and Venturers--can be downloaded from the website. Here are the links to the PDFs:  Camp Lewallen-Boy Scouts
S bar F Scout Ranch-Boy Scouts Camp May-Webelos Camp May-Webelos Mini-Camp Camp Lewallen-Webelos Mini-Camp Swift Base-Webelos Mini-Camp Pine Ridge-Webelos Mini-Camp Swift Base-Venturing Parents, leaders and Scouts--especially Boy Scouts and Venturers--can begin planning a successful and fun week of camp by reviewing information in the manuals. Don't forget these important dates: - Saturday April 14: Summer Camp Preview meetings during Shawnee Lodge Spring Conclave at Beaumont Scout Reservation and Anpetu-We Lodge Spring Reunion at Pine Ridge Scout Camp.
- Tuesday, May 1: Pay summer camp fees by this day to receive a discount.
Special Summer Camps: Horse Camp, Ranger Program and Catholic Adventure Week at Swift Base also offer fun and exciting summer camp experiences. Summer Cub Scout Adventure Camps Approximately 40 Adventure Camps are available throughout our council this summer and each offers Cub Scouts a variety of fun outdoor experiences. Cub Scouts can attend with their den or other Scouts from their pack. Or, Cub Scouts can register on an individual basis for one of two weeks of Grizzly Adventure Camp at Beaumont Scout Reservation's Cub World. Cub Scouts can attend overnight camps. Contact your Cubmaster or den leader to see when your pack is registered for Dad & Lad and Mom & Me overnights. Webelos can enjoy a mini-camp or week-long experience. Contact your Cubmaster or den leader to see when your unit is going. Learn more at cubcamping.stlbsa.org. Let's Go Fishing Webelos, Boy Scouts, and Venturers are invited to come enjoy a day of fishing on Nims Lake on Saturday, May 19. Personal boats are permitted as long as trolling motors are used on the lake. Council canoes or rowboats will be available for use if requested. Everyone in a boat must be classified as a Swimmer according to the guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America and wear a PFD. Read more... Download A Reservation Form (PDF) Make Spring Time For Training
Several resources are available to help adults become better volunteer leaders. Start by visiting training.stlbsa.org for an overview of required training, including online courses at olc.scouting.org.
 Wood Badge is advanced training for adult leaders in Scouting. It develops contemporary leadership skills so they become effective Scout leaders. The first of two courses in 2012 will be held on weekends in May and June. Read more... National Youth Leadership Training: helps Boy Scouts and Venturers develop communication, teamwork, planning and organizational skills. There will be five one-week courses this summer, including a week of Pack & Paddle for Boy Scouts and Venturers over age 14. Read more...
 Leader Outdoor Experience is a supplemental training for all Cub Scout leaders. They receive instruction in providing a well-rounded program for youth members both indoors and outdoors. It teaches leaders to take their dens and packs outdoors with confidence in their abilities to provide a meaningful and memorable experience. The weekends are April 28-29 at Beaumont Scout Reservation and May 5-6 at Camp Lewallen. Read more...
569 To Be Recognized As McDonnell Eagle Scout Class On April 4  Boy Scouts who earned Scouting's highest rank in 2011 will be recognized as the Sanford N. and W. Randall McDonnell Eagle Scout Class during the council's Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, April 4, at the Chase Park Plaza Khorassan Ballroom in St. Louis. Invitations will be mailed to Eagle Scouts. Register online... Sanford N. McDonnell, a Distinguished Eagle Scout, served as president and chief executive officer of McDonnell Douglas Corporation. He also was president of the Greater St. Louis Area Council and the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. W. Randall McDonnell, his son, earned the rank of Eagle Scout and served on the council's summer camp staff. Sponsorship information... | 
