Every great adventure begins at Basecamp. And so does stronger Scouting.

This month, we’re launching Basecamp, a new approach to how we connect, equip, and support the volunteers who make Scouting happen across the Mountaineer Area Council.

If you’re a unit leader, parent volunteer, or commissioner who wants your unit to thrive, Basecamp is designed for you. You’ll leave each gathering with practical ideas you can use immediately and real solutions to real challenges, such as: How do we get more parents off the sidelines? How do we plan a life-changing high adventure trip? How do we navigate conflict between leaders, parents, committees, and youth?

For years, Roundtable served us well, but many Scouters told us the same thing: it too often felt like sitting through updates you could have read in an email, and it was hard to turn what you heard into action back in your unit. Basecamp is our response to that reality.

We’re building something different.

Instead of focusing on one-way information delivery, Basecamp is designed for conversation, problem-solving, and shared experiences. You’ll sit with other Scouters who are facing the same challenges you are, ask “what would you do?” and get real answers from people who have been there. You’ll hear ideas that are refined in the room rather than presented from a stage.

That kind of learning doesn’t happen the same way online. That’s why Basecamp will return to in-person gatherings, beginning with social time from 6:30–7:00 p.m. before the program starts at 7:00.

We also know life is busy. A virtual option will remain available, and Basecamp content will be recorded whenever possible so you can stay connected even when you can’t attend in person.

But the real value of Basecamp is what happens in the room: the conversations between sessions, the shared problem-solving, the ideas you didn’t expect to hear, and the relationships you build with other leaders who are just as committed to Scouting as you are. No one needs another meeting they dread attending; we want Basecamp to be the gathering you actually look forward to, useful, interactive, social, occasionally competitive, and always worth the trip.

This is where active Scouters go to get better.

Our first Basecamp will introduce where we’re headed next: a new approach to commissioner service and unit support, what you can expect from Basecamp throughout the year, and how we can work together to strengthen every unit in our council. We'll also talk about how we expand the party invite list and get more kids and volunteers in the door.

Whether you’re experienced or just getting started, if you’re the kind of leader who wants your unit to thrive, there’s a place for you at Basecamp!

Don’t miss our first gathering:

Date: August 27, 2026

Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Locations: Sandscrest Scout Reservation (192 McColloch Drive, Wheeling, WV 26003)

                          Valley Chapel UMC (1511 Pleasant Valley Rd, Fairmont, WV 26554)

Can’t attend in person? A Zoom link to the virtual option from 7- 8 p.m. is sent to all unit leaders.