Clements Scout Ranch

Trail Ride Program • Athens, Texas

for Scouts BSA Troops & Venturing Crews

Experience the Scenic Pine Forests and Clear Lakes of Clements Scout Ranch from Horseback.

Guided Trail Rides and Horsemanship Merit Badge classes are available for Scouts BSA Troops and Venturing Crews through the lush pine and hardwood forests of East Texas. Ravines, creeks and meadow views along with occasional glimpses of deer, raccoon, rabbits, squirrels and other forest life are some of the features along the trails.

Overnight camping sites at Clements Scout Ranch are available at this time, camping protocols and guidlines can be found at: https://campreservation.com/571.  This may change as we move forward.

General Information

1. No previous riding experience is necessary. 

2. Trail Rides and Horsemanship MB are for Scouts BSA Troops and Venturing Crews only. We cannot accept reservations from Cub Scout Packs.

3. Number of youth riders must exceed number of adult riders.

4. Trail Rides usually last approximately one (1) hour, depending on weather, and will not be conducted during rain or other inclement weather.  Merit Badge classes require a full day commitment (8:30 am - 4:00 pm),

5. A brief horse handling and safety lecture is required before each group leaves for a Trail Ride.

6. All riders and campers at Clements Scout Ranch are subject to the Boy Scouts of America as well as Circle Ten Council rules, regulations and policies for outdoor activities.

Reservations and Rider Count

1. For Trail Ride reservations, each time slot is limited to 12 riders.  Each Trail Ride day will have 4 time slots.

2. For Horsemanship Merit Badge dates there are 24 rider positions.  Multiple Troops/Venturing Crews can register for a Horsemanship Merit Badge on the same date.  All Scoutmasters and Venturing Crew Advisors MUST be accurate when registering the number of rider headcount.  No additional riders will be added on the day of the Horsemanship Merit Badge beyond the maximum 24 rider positions.

3. A waitlist system will not be used for Trail Rides or the Horsemanship MB. If your preferred date or time is full, please check back online periodically to see if any space has opened up.

4. If a Troop or Venturing Crew have been selected for a Cavalcade (Philmont or Buffalo Trails Scout Ranch) and are interested in an equipment and horse shakedown please contact Clark Allen at 214-886-9992 and/or clark_allen@sbcglobal.net.

Rules & Regulations

1. Riders must wear long pants.

2. Riders MAY NOT wear backpacks, waist/belt-packs, canteens, baggy clothing or other items that hang loosely around the neck, waist, arms or legs that may snag during the trail ride.

3. Riding helmets are furnished and must be worn in the corral and on Trail Rides.

4. Riders must be healthy enough for outdoor activities, subject to the discretion of the Head Wrangler. 

5. Maximum weight for any rider is 220 pounds unless waived by the Head Wrangler.

6. Riders must be currently registered youth or adult members of a Boy Scouts of America Venturing Crew or Scouts BSA Troop.

7. Riders must have a current BSA medical form on file with the unit scheduling the Trail Ride. Medical form copies must be available for inspection if requested by the Head Wrangler.

8. All riders must follow the directions given by the horse wranglers at all times and all decisions of the Head Wrangler are final.  

Payment, Cancellation & Other Policies

1.  Payment of $50 per rider (In-Council) and $55 per rider (Out-of-Council)  is required at the time reservations are made.

2.  Fees are refundable if request is made to a Circle Ten Council Scouting Center more than two (2) weeks before the event less a 10% (minimum of $10.00) administrative charge. 50% refund due if cancellation occurs less than two (2) weeks before the event. No refunds for cancellations received on or after your scheduled arrival day.

3.  All refund requests must be submitted in writing by e-mail to Paula Bramble at Paula.Bramble@scouting.org.