Rookie Camp is a one-night Camp Independence experience which is perfect for new Lions, Tigers and other new Scouts who have never been to summer camp before.

Participants will have the opportunity to tour Camp Independence, meet the camp staff, participate in a few favorite camp activities like BB shooting and archery, have a meal in the camp dining hall, and enjoy a classic Camp Independence campfire!

Check-In

Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday at which time participants will be assigned to campsites and activity groups for the weekend.  

Medical Forms and Paperwork

All participants (youth and adult) will need to provide a completed BSA Health & Medical Record parts A & B at check-in.  Forms will be returned at the end of the event.  Forms that are not picked up will be destroyed.

All adults must have completed the BSA's Youth Protection Training and PA required background clearances and are encouraged to bring a copy of their completion certificates with them to check-in.

Program

The Rookie Camp program begins with a flag ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday and ends at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday following a brief interfaith worship service. Event schedules will be provided during check-in.

Meals

Meals begin with Saturday and include Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast.  Individuals with special dietary needs must complete the online special diet request form linked below at least two weeks prior to attendance.

Special Diet Request Form

CABIN CAMPING OPTION NOW AVAILABLE

Although spending the evening around the campfire and sleeping in a tent is the hallmark of Scout camping, we know not all families that want to attend Camp Independence may be ready or comfortable with that yet.  To provide an option for those families and due to popular demand, a limited number of cabin semi-private room and open bunk room spaces have been opened in Heritage Reservation's Potomac Homes. Cabin space reservation is first come, first served. 

The Potomac Homes at Heritage Reservation are split-level Ryan Homes. Each has a downstairs bunk room holding up to 12 people with a full bathroom.  Upstairs are three semi-private rooms holding between 2 and 4 people, a full bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room.