2025 Far East Council Christmas Camp – Philippines 

Dates: December 26, 2025 @ 1600 – December 31, 2025 @ 0900
Location: Palm Cabanas Resort
558 Magalang–Arayat Rd, San Antonio, Arayat, Pampanga 2012, Philippines

Come celebrate the holidays, Scouting-style!
Join Scouts, families, and leaders from across the Far East Council for an unforgettable week of holiday fun, adventure, and fellowship in the beautiful Philippines!

Enjoy a full week of Scout activities, adventure programs, campfires, games, and cultural experiences — all in a tropical resort setting perfect for making lifelong memories.

Calling All Venturers!

For the first time ever, the Far East Council will proudly welcome Venturers from across the entire Council to join in the Christmas Camp experience!

Venturers are invited to participate in all camp activities and will also have the freedom to create their own unique adventures throughout the week. Whether joining in on scheduled programs or organizing their own challenges and service projects, Venturers will play a key role in making this an unforgettable event for everyone.

 A Once-in-a-Lifetime Scouting Experience

We are offering a truly unique, once-in-a-lifetime camp experience! This will not be a traditional Merit Badge University, but a week filled with memorable adventures your Scout will never forget.

Individual merit badge classes will not be offered in the traditional format. Instead, Scouts will learn by doing — through real-world, hands-on adventure learning.

Merit Badges Offered Throughout the Week

Campers will have the opportunity to work toward a variety of merit badges integrated within the adventure tracks and specialty programs.

Merit Badges Offered:
Archery - Basketry - Camping - Citizenship in Society  - Communication - Disabilities Awareness - Environmental Science -  First Aid - Fishing - Lifesaving - Pottery - Photography - Rifle Shooting - Soil and Water Conservation - Swimming -  Scouting Heritage

NEW for 2025: Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security Merit Badges — offered for the first time ever at Far East Council Christmas Camp!

Special Events & Programs

December 28 – Scouts’ Own Service & Adventure Experience

A Scouts’ Own Interfaith Service will be offered in the morning, followed by a once-in-a-lifetime fishing and pottery adventure!

Scouts will design and craft their own pottery, then head out to fish and later prepare and cook their catch back at camp. This immersive program blends creativity, outdoor skills, and culinary fun — and Scouts will earn both the Fishing and Pottery Merit Badges during this unforgettable day!

December 29 – Historical Trail Exploration & OA Day

Scouts will embark on a powerful and educational journey exploring World War II historical trails and memorial sites, including:

Sections of the Bataan Death March Trail

1942 Prisoner of War (POW) Train Car that transported U.S. and Filipino soldiers

The Capas Concentration Camp Memorial

This moving experience will qualify Scouts for the BSA Historical Trails Award.

In the evening, Order of the Arrow members will gather for OA Day — so remember to bring your sashes! A Brotherhood Walk and Brotherhood Ceremony will also be offered.

Transportation & Travel Information

Transportation will be provided to and from both Clark International Airport (CRK) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on December 26th (arrival) and December 31st (departure).

Please plan your return flights accordingly on December 31st, as camp concludes at 0900 that morning.

Important:
There will be no lodging or accommodations provided before the start of camp. Camp staff will not be on site until the afternoon of December 26th.
If you plan to arrive before that date, you are responsible for your own accommodations and meals prior to camp. Please plan your travel accordingly.

Resort Amenities & Swim Test Information

Palm Cabanas Resort offers four swimming pools, catering to all levels of swimmers — from beginner to advanced.

All participants will be required to take a BSA swim test upon arrival at camp.

Participants who refuse or do not complete the swim test will be classified as non-swimmers.

Non-swimmers will be allowed in the water only according to their demonstrated swimming ability, following BSA Safe Swim Defense standards.

Facilities & Amenities

Showers and toilets will be available throughout camp.

Adult leaders will have access to storage as needed.

A fully stocked Trading Post will be open during camp for snacks, souvenirs, and all your camping needs.

Optional Indoor Accommodations:
Units will have the opportunity to reserve indoor sleeping facilities if they prefer not to camp outdoors.
These accommodations are not included in the camp registration fee.
Please see the attached information sheet for details and pricing for indoor sleeping options.

‍‍Camping Gear & Equipment

Tents, sleeping bags, and cots are not included in the camp registration fee.

All participants must bring their own camping gear.

Required Forms & Leader Information

All participants must submit the following forms prior to camp check-in:

BSA Medical Form Parts A, B, and C (required for all attendees)

Christmas Camp Activities Form (required for all attendees)

All adult campers must be registered adult leaders with Scouting America (formerly BSA).

DOD Adult Leaders: Please print and use the attached TDY/TAD No-Cost Letter to request possible official TDY/TAD approval through your command or organization.

‍‍ Family at Camp – Holiday Adventure for Everyone!

Families are welcome to join their Scouts in the Philippines for the holidays!
Parents who wish to travel and stay nearby may reserve separate lodging on the Palm Cabanas Resort grounds — such as cabins, lofts, or hotel rooms — while their Scouts participate in Christmas Camp.

Please note:

Parents staying on-site but not registered with Scouting America will not be considered part of the official camp and cannot participate in camp programs, activities, or meals.

Parents who wish to take part in any portion of the camp must be registered with Scouting America and have a completed background check on file.

Lodging for families and non-participating adults is not included in the camp registration fee.

This policy helps us maintain a safe, structured environment while still allowing families to enjoy the holiday spirit together at Palm Cabanas Resort.

For details and pricing on family lodging options, please see the attached indoor accommodations information sheet.