Camping & Events Archives - Scouting America Hawk Mountain Council

Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation

The Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation is a 700-acre tract of land in eastern Pennsylvania dedicated to offering Scouts the chance to experience the beauty of the outdoors. We serve over 1,300 youth members each summer. We are proud to be involved with the Forest Stewardship Program through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Camping is the great outdoor adventure of Scouting. The most crucial element of camping is that each Scout should have the opportunity that the Scout Handbook promises.

Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation offers long-term camping to Scouts from the Hawk Mountain Council as well as other visiting Councils. Our Camp operates 5 weeks during the summer, offering a variety of programs, merit badges, and, of course, a well-stocked Trading Post. In addition to our Summer Camp Program, the camp is the center for training adult leaders within our program. The Reservation is also open year-round for weekend unit camping!

Year-Round Camping Information

Scouts BSA – Summer Camp 2026

Cub Scout Summer 2026 Outdoor Programs

Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation Staff

Scholarships – Camping & Events

It is the position of the Hawk Mountain Council that every Scout deserves a chance to experience what the program has to offer – please complete the form below to apply for a camping & event scholarship for a District or Council activity or event. This is historically what has been called a Campership.

For those looking for membership fee assistance, please visit Scholarships – Membership

Summer Camp 2026

Experience an unforgettable week at Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation in 2026!

Our Scouts BSA camp offers a variety of programs, including classes geared toward first-year campers, Aquatics at both our pool and lakefront, Range and Target Activities, Outdoor Skills, Conservation, Handicraft, Climbing, Zip-lining, and much more.

Registration is Now Open – Click HERE Today!

Summer Camp Pricing for 2026
$550 per youth before 1/31/2026 (+$50 after)
$200 per adult before 1/31/2026 (+$15 after)

One adult is invited to attend free for every 10 Scouts who sign up!
(Free leader incentive starts after 10 youth)

For more information, visit the event page:

It is the position of the Hawk Mountain Council that every Scout deserves a chance to experience what the program has to offer – scholarships are available to attend camp and other events.
Click HERE to access the form.

High Adventure Opportunites

Ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure?

Philmont Scout Ranch

Philmont Scout Ranch offers a variety of treks tailored to Troops and individuals. These treks provide thrilling challenges, stunning landscapes, and experiences that will become the highlight of your summer. Whether you’re exploring the backcountry, learning new skills, or bonding with your Troop, Philmont has something for everyone. To get started, review the crew requirements and trek options, and prepare for a journey of a lifetime!

Opportunities for Individuals

Philmont Scout Ranch and Training Center offers many opportunities for individuals. View the brochure for more detailed information. There are scholarship opportunities available for those interested. Read more about the James W. Schlegel Scholarship at the bottom of the page.

Ranch Hand Trek: Explore Philmont’s camps, learn ranch operations, and enjoy programs like rock climbing, homesteading, and archaeology.
STEM Trek: A 12-day hike led by experts in chemistry, geology, astronomy, engineering, and more.
Rayado Trek: The ultimate wilderness challenge—rock climbing, tough trails, and backcountry leadership training.
Trail Crew Trek: A 14-day experience focused on conservation and leadership development.
OA Trail Crew: Build trails and design your own backpacking adventure in this 14-day program for Arrowmen.
ROCS Trek: Hike Philmont while exploring forestry, fire ecology, wildlife management, geology, and more.
Seasonal Staff: Join Philmont to create life-changing experiences for over 27,000 participants each summer.

Sending Your Unit

Want to take your Troop on a Trek? There are many options available for 7,9, or 12 day Treks that are sure to be the highlight of your summer! Participants must be 14 years old or 13 years old and completed 8th grade by the start of the expedition. Read more about Troop Requirements and the different Treks available on the Philmont website.

Looking for another member or advisor for your upcoming Trek? Use the new Trek Match system to find more information about Philmont Crews (other Troops) seeking members.

James W. Schlegel Philmont Scholarship, Hawk Mountain Council

Established in 2019, the James W. Schlegel Philmont Scholarship annually supports two Hawk Mountain Council Scouts with financial aid for high adventure experiences at Philmont Scout Ranch. Inspired by his 1965 trek and 12 seasons on staff, Schlegel aims to help Scouts enhance their journey and create lasting memories.

Download an application: Schlegel Scholarship

Sea Base Adventures

Sea Base, founded in 1980 as Scouting America’s first co-ed facility, offers youth ocean-based adventures like sailing, scuba diving, and coral restoration across locations in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, and U.S. Virgin Islands. Recognized for environmental excellence, it has inspired generations through education and exploration.

Your Troop, Team, Crew, Sea Ship or Explorer Post can engage in these unforgettable aquatic experiences with High Adventure programs that are offered February-April, May-August, and December every year. Participants must be 13 years old for Scuba, Out Island, Bahamas, and St. Thomas programs and 12 years old for all other programs. Read more about the different Treks available for your unit based on location or interest on the Sea Base website.

Summer Camp Staff 2026

Working on camp staff opens up a whole new world of adventure and opportunities for each staff member. In addition to spending a summer in the great outdoors, staff members will:

Learn how to lead others and apply leadership skills.
Be part of an effective team and cooperate with others to get things done.
Acquire experiential education (learning by doing) and new skills while working with young people ages 11-17.
Make lots of friends and memories that will last a lifetime.

Our staff is not just a group of counselors having fun, but rather a family dedicated to providing an outstanding experience to all of our campers. Each of our counselors and support staff members receive extensive training in their roles at camp, as well as specific knowledge in customer service, emergency procedures, and youth protection. We look for only the best staff members who possess the following qualifications:

Be at least 16 years old.
A positive attitude and a strong work ethic.
A desire to make a lasting impact on the life of a Scout.
A willingness to live by the Scout Oath & Law.

We offer the following job opportunities:

Counselors for: conservation and nature, outdoor skills, fishing, handicraft, range and target activities, waterfront, pool, and more
Area Directors
Business/Trading Post Assistants
College Internships

Sounds like something for you? Send us an email at [email protected] for details!

Already confirmed for 2026? We’re excited to have you!
Access the password‑protected staff information page HERE to download the welcome letter and required forms.
The password is listed in the welcome letter you received from Cole or Morgan.

Counselor In Training (CIT) Program – contact Morgan Baxter, Outdoor Program Director, for more information.

To reach a member of the camping team, please contact the office at (610) 926-3406 or fill out the contact page below.

HMSR Conservation Corps

Building a Legacy of Service & Stewardship

Join the Elite Ranks of the HMSR Conservation Corps!

Help preserve Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation for future generations. Scouts BSA Troops interested in making a lasting impact on Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation are invited to join The HMSR Conservation Corps.

Why Join?

Custom Neckerchief: Earn a unique neckerchief*.
Recognition: Be honored at the summer campfire.
Free Site Use: Enjoy free campsite use the night before service days.
Free Food: Hot lunch served on service weekends.
Complete Conservation Service Hours for Rank Advancement
Earn credit towards Scouting America Conservation Awards

Service & Maintenance Days:

Every second Saturday of the month, 9 AM – 12 PM, from September through May.

Projects will vary each month and may include:

- Campsite beautification
- Invasive species removal
- Trail maintenance
- Various other camp needs

Take pride in maintaining and enhancing our cherished campgrounds.

Sign Up Now!

Complete THIS SIMPLE CONTACT FORM or scan the QR code below. In August, you will receive a link to sign up for the service weekends that best fit your troop calendar.

For more information, contact [email protected]

*HMSR Conservation Corps Neckerchiefs will be presented at the opening campfire each week at camp. They will be provided to Scouts who participated in at least two Conservation Corps Service Days in the preceding year.

HMSR Resources Page

Resources Page

On this page, you will find the resources and information you will need for preparing your trip to camp this summer and for year round camping.

Please check back often as we will continue to update the page throughout the year/

Summer Camp Resources:

Appendix I Camp Leadership – Youth Protection Begins with You

2022 Swim Classification Form

HMSR General Resources:

It is the position of the Hawk Mountain Council that every Scout deserves a chance to experience what the program has to offer – scholarships are available to attend camp and other events. Click HERE to access the form. This is the form to use for camperships as well.

Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation Map – pay close attention to the location numbers as they may have changed from previous versions.

Year-Round Camping at HMSR

Year-Round Camp Reservations Open!

A full list of available facilities, the capacities, and the cost are outlined in our Year-Round Camping Guidebook.

All registrations are made through the HMSR Facilities Reservation system. When making your reservations you need to book your site or cabin and you will need to contact Council Program Director to set up the use of various program facilities.

Who may use these facilities?

Scouts BSA Troops
Webelos Dens
Cub Scout Packs
Non-Scout Groups*

Hawk Mountain Reservation has Camp Masters on duty weekends throughout the year and they are able to assist with check-in and check-out procedures.

The Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation offers fall, winter, and spring outdoor facilities to Scouting and Non-Scout Groups.

You can tent camp year-round or you may want to use one of our many lodges. A full list of our facilities, capacities, and the cost is outlined in our Year-Round Camping Guidebook

For a current HMSR map click here.

*Non-Scouting use of the facility requires a certificate of insurance and a hold harmless agreement.

Places to go with your Scouts

Have you and your committee been stuck trying to pick out somewhere to take your pack or your den?

Is that Patrol Leader’s Council stumped for ideas on an outing?

Or maybe you just need some ideas of places to take your family for a vacation or a long weekend.

Take a peek through this list of 149 locations that are good for your unit (or family) to visit. The criteria being that it had to be in Pennsylvania, specifically the eastern portion of the state (using Harrisburg and State College as general guidelines), similar to WFMZ’s “One Tank Trips” feature.
The three lists below are the same, but are sorted differently: by the name of the location, by the county where the location is found, and by the general category that the location falls under. Feel free to download whichever you prefer. The location categories are located at the bottom of the page.

[Read more…]

Camp Meade Scout BSA Camping

Camp Meade is our long-term Scouts BSA Camp. The summer camp operation runs for six weeks during June, July and August. Reservations for the camping year can be made by contacting the Hawk Mountain Council Service Center at (610) 926-3406 during regular business hours.