Cub Scout Bear Camp

Bear Resident Camp

**Online registration will be available beginning 9:00 a.m. on Monday, February 5, 2018 until Bear Camp has met its pre-determined capacity OR through Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 5:00 p.m., whichever comes first. After that, you will need to sign-up campers for Bear Camp by contacting Barbara Thatsanithone at Barbara.Thatsanithone@scouting.org.

2018  Bear Camp Sessions

Session Number Session Date Session Number Session Date
Session 1 June 3-4, 2018 STEM June 30-July 1, 2018
Session 2 June 8-9, 2018 Session 9 July 6-7, 2018
Session 3 June 10-11, 2018 Session 10 July 8-9, 2018
Session 4 June 15-16, 2018 Session 11 July 13-14, 2018
Session 5 June 17-18, 2018 Session 12 July 15-16, 2018
Session 6 June 22-23, 2018 Session 13 July 20-21, 2018
Session 7 June 24-25, 2018    
Session 8 June 29-30, 2018    

**Pre-order Bear Camp T-shirts here.**

  • We will only collect the $30.00 non-refundable deposit per full-time camper fee at the initial online registration.  You are not expected to pay the full payment or provide names during this online sign-up process.  You should be prepared to enter the following information when you enter the online Bear Camp registration page:
    • The total number of all full-time youth and adult campers your unit is signing-up
    • Credit Card or Debit Card payment information or you can also choose the mail check within 5 days option (just follow instructions given at time of sign-up).
    • Primary and Secondary Bear Camp Contact Person Information (strongly recommended to be individuals going to Bear Camp)
  • The 2018 Bear Camp fee is $75.00 per Scout and $55.00 per leader/adult if paid on or before April 25, 2018 or $95.00 per Scout and $75.00 per leader/adult after. The cost for Den Chiefs is $35.00 if paid on or before April 25, 2018 or $45.00 after.
  • Bear Resident Camp is a one-on-one camping experience.  Therefore, every youth attending camp must have an adult partner.  Special circumstances require the approval of a Heart of America Council Representative.
  • There are no part-time youth campers or adult leaders at Bear Camp.
  • All youth campers attending Bear Camp must be registered members of the BSA.  There are no exceptions to this policy.  At least two adults camping at Bear Camp must be registered with the BSA; it is encouraged that all adults attending Bear Camp be registered with the BSA.  Please notify the HOAC Camping Office of any Den Chiefs attending Bear Camp with your Pack and the Boy Scout Troop with which the Den Chief is registered.
  • The names of all Bear Scouts and leaders/adults attending Bear Camp along with your final payment will be due on or before April 25, 2018.  Each unit who is signed up for Bear Camp by April 11, 2018 will receive their unit billing statement and pack roster in the mail.  This information will be sent to the person listed as the Primary Bear Camp Contact Person at the time of registration.  The pack roster and final payment must be submitted on or before April 25, 2018. The final payment cannot be made online. It must be made at the Service Center or by mail.
  • You may review the Council Camp Refund Policy and download many other resources for your Bear Camp experience at the HOAC Camping Resources page.
  • The Bear Camp fee includes a T-shirt for all participants.
  • To adjust your existing registration or for any questions or concerns regarding Bear Camp, contact Barbara Thatsanithone, Program Assistant at Barbara.Thatsanithone@scouting.org or 816-569-4948.
  • There will be one Bear Leader's Orientation Meeting for the 2018 Camping Season. At least one (1) leader/adult from your unit who is also camping with you this summer at Bear Camp should attend this meeting.
    • Sunday, May 20 beginning promptly at 7:00 p.m. at the Theodore Naish Scout Reservation Cub World Pavilion, 1100 Martinek Lane, Kansas City, KS 66111
  • Not sure what Bear Camp is all about?  Are you looking for information to distribute to your Den Leaders, parents and scouts to answer some questions about Bear Camp? Check out our 2018 BEAR LEADER'S GUIDE and our 2018 BEAR CAMP ADVANCEMENT.

Cost, Fees, and General Information

The cost to attend Bear Camp in 2018 is $75.00 per Scout and $55.00 per leader/adult if paid on or before April 25, 2018 or $95.00 per Scout and $75.00 per leader/adult after with a deposit of $30.00 per person made at the time of online registration. The cost for Den Chiefs is $35.00 if paid on or before April 25, 2018 or $45.00 after.

We encourage you to register by Pack rather than individually.  However, either form of registration for Bear Camp will be accepted!

These fees cover the cost of all patches for Scouts, t-shirts for Scouts and adults, program supplies, participation awards, meals, lodging, insurance, etc.

Sessions have a limited capacity. Bear Camp programs are conducted during the summer at the Theodore Naish Scout Reservation as a two-day, one-night experience.  It is designed especially for boys going into 3rd grade and their parents.  Each Scout spends 2 full days and 1 night of fun in the wilderness of Cub World.  Boys and their adult partner will participate in many exciting activities listed below.

  • Water Park — Swimming

  • Theme Related Activities — Crafts, Games

  • Outdoor Cooking

  • Special Events

  • Exciting Campfire with Staff and Cub Scout Participation

  • Field Sports — BB Guns, Action Archery

  • Nature and Conservation

  • Campsite Living

  • Central Camp Trading Post

Frequently Asked Questions About Bear Camp

How are refunds handled?

A unit is expected to pay for the number of campers and leaders at registration. No refunds will be granted after that fee payment is made, however, transfers within the unit will be allowed. For certain circumstances an exception may be made, however, you will need to follow the refund policy to request a refund. Refund requests are considered after all summer camps are over and the books have all been reconciled (around mid-August).

Where is Bear Camp?

Bear Camp is at the Theodore Naish Scout Reservation in Bonner Springs, Kansas. (map)

What kinds of things will I be doing at Bear Camp?

There are lots of exciting things to do at Bear Camp. You can do things like shooting BB Guns, swimming, making rope, making wood projects, participating in campfires, and meetings lots of other Bear Cubs just like you.

Where do I sleep?

You will be sleeping in a 2 person canvas wall tent that includes a cot and floor boards, electricity is not available.

What should I take to Bear Camp?

Your leader can help you decide what to take and what not to take to camp. Your leader has a list in their Bear Camp Leader's Guide, but generally, you should take basically the same things that you would take to spend the night at a friends house plus your Scout uniform, your Bear book, bug repellant, and a few other things.

Bear Camp sounds awesome, can I go?

If you are a Bear Cub you can go. All you need to do is check with your leader to find out how to sign up.

What if there are twins or triplets in my Pack?

If there are multiple children from the same family, only one parent is required to go. Please contact the Camping office for further questions or concerns regarding this issue.

What if I'm the only one in my unit that wants to attend Bear Camp?

Great! We encourage units to sign up together, but if you're the only one that wants to attend Bear Camp, we will find a unit for you to camp with. Contact the Council office and we will get you camping!

What if both parents want to attend with their Scout to Bear Camp?

It is not required for both parents to attend, but if both want to attend, that is acceptable. Just reserve slots for both adults.

What Health Forms do I need to attend Bear Camp?

The Annual Health and Medical Record with parts A and B completed is the appropriate form. It can be found here: Annual Health and Medical Record A&B. Bring the completed and signed health form with you when you check into Bear Camp.

Is there a list of advancements the Scout could have earned attending Bear Camp?

Yes, in the Bear Camp Leader's Guide Appendix, there is a list of advancements that could have been earned.

Should we sign up collectively or individually?

You should sign up everyone at one time, not individually, if you want everyone in the same session. You will have the option to pay by credit card or to mail in a check within 5 days. You will pay a $30 non-refundable deposit per camper when you register in February and the remaining balance is due by April 25, 2018.

What is a Den Chief? Are they required for camp?

A Den Chief is a Scout (10-12) that helps the Den Leader. It is not required for camp, but each Bear must have an adult paired with them.

What does the cost cover for camp?

The cost covers patches for Scouts, t-shirts for both Scout and adult, program supplies, awards, meals, lodging, insurance, and any other costs for running the camp.

Can a Scout attend camp with anyone besides a parent?

They can attend with another relative over the age of 21; most will attend with their grandparent.

Can parents tag team Bear Camp? One attend one day, another attend the next?

Yes, this is fine. You only need to register one adult. You will need to check in at the camp office when you swap places.

Do the campsites have an electrical outlet nearby for my CPAP machine?

There are electrical outlets in the Pavilion where these campers can sleep, although it is without a tent and the cot is in the open. The best idea is to run it off of a battery. (We had one adult run his off a battery pack from a desktop computer.)

Other Questions

If you have any other questions please contact your District Executive or Barbara Thatsanithone in the Camping Office.