14th Annual
TOUGHER SCOUT CHALLENGE WEEKEND
J. Warrent Cutler Scout Reservation

May 1-3, 2026

About the Tougher Scout Challenge

This event is a patrol vs. patrol challenge weekend, where teams face scouting skill-based challenges that test teamwork, skills, scouting spirit, and leadership.

• Patrols receive a map location for a challenge. Once completed, they are given the next location.
• The patrol with the most points at the end of the day earns the title of "Toughest Patrol."
• Inspired by National Geographic’s "Are You Tougher Than a Boy Scout," this event brings back old-school Scouting challenges that emphasize teamwork and skills.
• Patrols of 5 to 9 Scouts will compete in both side-by-side and adventure challenges.

So, grab your compass, brush up on your knots and lashings, and show how 'tough' your patrol really is!

Interest Survey - Please use this link to the survey form to give us an estimate of the number of patrols and count of Scouts and Adults who are expected to attend from your unit by April 3th, 2026

Interest Survey ->

Registration closes April 20, 2026

This year we will be utilizing black pug for units to register and pay,  please click the green Register button

NOTE: There is a maximum of 30 patrols to register

Cost

The cost of the event is $17 per Scout.  There is no charge for adults to attend.

What is included in the cost:

•  Camping
•  1 - 2026 Tougher Scout Challenge Weekend Patch for each Scout and Adult
•  1 Scout Stave and 100ft of rope for Challenges per patrol
•  1 Event ribbon
•  Camp-wide Friday night cracker barrel

These fees also go to equip the challenges with the supplies required and awards.

NOTE: 

• Units/patrols are responsible to bring and prepare their own food.
• Units/patrols are responsible to bring their own camping gear.
• For camp gadget competition, units/patrols should bring their own rope and supplies.

Planning Meetings

Each troop is invited to send 1 Scout and 1 Adult to at least 1 of our 3 planning meetings.  Here, we will review the schedule and make patrol assignments for the different duties to make this event a success.  Duties include: Opening ceremony team, Closing ceremony team, Scouts Own team, Fire building team, Campfire M.C., Service Project Setup team, etc. 

4/15 – 7:30pm – Wednesday – zoom
4/20 – 7:30pm – Monday - zoom
4/21 – 7:00pm – Tuesday - zoom

Event Execution

This event is a Scout-run event with Adults running the challenges so that each Scout is able to compete.  

Scout patrols will be assigned to the various responsibilities during the weekend:

• Opening flags
• Closing flags
• Bugling
• Campfire building
• MC-ing the campfire
• Scouts-own service lead and execution
• Service project leadership
• etc.

NOTE: Weekend Scout Camp Chief - If you have a Scout who would be interested in being the Camp Chief for the weekend, please send a message to Scoutmaster Madison  tougher@scoutshare.org

Running Challenges - Adult Volunteers are needed

To enable each Scout to participate in the challenges, we ask each unit's Adults to help with running the challenges. 

Challenges  

The challenges are patrol based, team oriented challenges based on Scouting skills.  Units are invited to send us a challenge ideas that could be used during the Adventure Challenge portion of the event.  These challenges must be submitted to the Tougher Staff at least 2 weeks prior to the event for review and approval to avoid duplication of challenges.

Other challenges

In addition to the side-by-side and adventure challenges, patrols are able to compete in these challenges:

- Best Camp Gadget

Schedule

• Friday
  • 5:30pm and after - Arrival and setup troop site
  • 8:30pm - All camp PLC
  • 8:30pm - All camp Adult/Leader meeting
  • 9:30pm - All camp orientation campfire and cracker barrel
  • 10:45pm - Call to quarters
  • 11:00pm - Taps
• Saturday
  • 7:00am - Reveille and Breakfast with your unit/patrols
  • 7:30am - Adults start placing and setting up challenges
  • 10:00am - Opening Ceremony and Morning Challenges
  • 12:00pm - Lunch with your unit/patrols
  • 1:00pm - Adventure Challenges
  • 4:00pm - Challenges close & Free time
  • 5:00pm - Dinner with your unit/patrols
  • 8:30pm - CAMPFIRE
  • 10:45pm - Call to quarters
  • 11:00pm - Taps
• Sunday
  • 7:00am - Reveille and Breakfast with your unit/patrols
  • 8:30am - Camp gadget Judging
  • 9:30am - All camp Service project 
  • 10:45am - Scout's own 
  • 11:00am - Closing Ceremony

Fire wood

Camp J. Warren Cutler does have a ton of firewood that can be scavenged in the woods.  They also have dried and seasoned firewood for sale for $25 per box.  The box is quite large and could likely be shared between units.

Register by April 20, 2026

If you are interested in registering after this date, please contact Advisor Madison at tougher@scoutshare.org

More information

For more information, please send an email to Advisor Madison by emailing tougher@scoutshare.org