Camping

General Summer Camp Information

The lake at Camp Tadma, seen from Chapel Point.

Parent & Family Camping

Parent & Family camping is design for first-time campers and their parents or families to get a taste of camping, while allowing them to be close home. We camp locally, at various locations, so that scouts and families may come and go as needed. They are also welcome to come for the day only. Dinner, snack, and breakfast is provided, the cost is $10.00 per person. We usually camp locally in the fall and Memorial Day weekend.

Activities planned for typical Saturday may include:

Fishing, hiking, games, and other scout events.
12:00 PM - Campsite setup & Lunch - Bring picnic lunch.
1:00 PM - Rest period - (For parents)
Afternoon program - games, hike, camping demonstrations, etc.
5:30 PM - Dinner preparations
7:00 PM - Campfire - songs, skits, stories, and most importantly, S'mores

Sunday is a leisurely day. We will usually have an event or game after breakfast and pack-up, then the scouts usually relax and play. The tired adults have coffee and watch the kids run around. Our goal is to be packed up by 1oam, and enjoy the rest of the day. If camping gear is needed please contact me, or your den leader.

Our other camping trip is usually an overnight during January or February at heated cabin at Camp Tadma. We go during the winter months to give the scouts an outlet for winter fun & games, and to see Camp Tadma up close. We will explore and hike through the camp, play games in the Fort, and have a campfire in the evening. The activities planned are similar to the Tree Farm campout.

If you have any other questions regarding these events, please contact me, or your den leaders! I hope to see you there!

Steve Porcaro
Cubmaster

What to Bring for Camping

Why Do We Camp in Cub Scouts?

Simply put, to have fun. Most Cub Scouts love the outdoors, and there is no better place for the cubs to have fun and adventures. Lord Bayden-Powell, the founder of scouting, said “scouting is a game with purpose” For the Boy Scouts of America explanation, please see below.

One of the Purposes of Cub Scouting is Fun & Adventure, and one of the best ways to accomplish this is through camping.

Age-appropriate camping programs are packed with theme-oriented action that brings Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, and Webelos Scouts into the great out-of-doors. Day camping comes to the boy in neighborhoods across the country; resident camping is at least a three-day experience in which Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts camp within a developed theme of adventure and excitement. “Cub Scout Worlds” are used by many councils to carry the world of imagination into reality with actual theme structures of castles, forts, ships, etc. Cub Scout pack families enjoy camping in local council camps and other council-approved campsites. Camping programs combine fun and excitement with doing one’s best, getting along with others, and developing an appreciation for ecology and the world of the outdoors.

Campouts & Sleepovers

Pack 203 offers the boys and their families many opportunities to have fun and adventure away from home. Everyone can find something to pique their interest in the wide variety of sleepovers we offer. The following is a typical schedule of campouts/ sleepovers in our scouting year

October/November: The Big Trip Sleepover

Over the years, we’ve participated in sleepovers at historical sites, museums and wildlife sites. Battleship Cove in Massachusetts gives the boys a chance to explore different ships and then sleep on the USS Massachusetts, a WWII Battleship. The Boston Science Museum is a great place for the kids to learn about lightening and balance and turtles and pink flamingos and so many other interesting things. (This usually includes a side trip to the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument.) We’ve slept with the fishes at Mystic Aquarium and with the planes at the Bradley Air Museum. The Higgins Armory and Norwalk Aquarium are also being considered.

January: Movie Night at the Church

Consider this a giant sleepover at someone’ house, but with a lot more popcorn.

February/March: Camp Tadma Campout

We leave the tents at home and stay in one of the winterized buildings at Camp Tadma in Bozrah. We usually take a hike, sled (if there is snow), and generally explore this beautiful site. The campfire is always fun and who knows….you might meet Lou. Tadma is the only Connecticut Rivers Council Summer camp devoted strictly to Cub Scouts. Although the camp is hibernating, parents get an idea of all the great times their sons will have in the summer

Memorial Day Weekend: The Christmas Tree Farm

Boy Scout Troop 203 hosts a day and night of fun activities, great food and scouting skills. Located off of Palisado Avenue, the boys can enjoy the outdoors, but still make it to a baseball game if needed. The boys will also teach their parents how to pitch a tent. Need equipment? We can help you out.

July/August: Camp Tadma

This is our major trip of the year. The boys can swim and boat at the waterfront; learn how to shoot from highly trained, certified staff at the archery and BB gun ranges; have fun at the handicraft lodge; explore the camp from the Nature center. Older boys get to sleep in a teepee or across the lake.

August: New Britain Rock Cats

Enjoy the game and then sleep in center field.