Frequently Asked Questions

Where will my troop be staying?

Each troop campsite is equipped with standard BSA canvas tents on raised wooden platforms. Tents hold two cots for a Scout and their buddy. Each site also includes a comfort station with private latrine facilities and running water. A troop canopy, picnic tables and fire circle provide communal areas for the Scouts as well.

What should I bring to camp?

Any good Scout should be prepared and bring the necessary items when they go camping. A suggested list of things to bring to camp can be found right here. Please consult the camp's Leaders Guide for additional information on what to bring (and not bring) to camp.

Can I send mail to a Scout at camp?

Yes. Mail can be sent to Camp Minsi anytime. Mail is delivered to the unit leaders at mealtime. It takes about 3-4 days for mail to get to a Scout once mailed (so plan accordingly). Please be sure to include the name and the troop number of the Scout on any mail. Mail can be sent to:

Should I bring money to camp?

Yes. Camp Minsi's trading post is open most of the day and includes many items Scouts will want to purchase. Scouts will find a wide variety of items including camping supplies, T-shirts and apparel, craft kits, merit badge pamphlets, books, snacks, ice cream, slushies, drinks, and much more. Additionally some merit badges may require additional costs for craft kits or other supplies (see our Merit Badge Guide for details); please take this into consideration when deciding how much money to send to camp. Please make sure your son is prepared for these purchases. The trading post is an excellent opportunity for Scouts to practice real-world financial and personal management while at camp. Please be sure your son has the appropriate spending money as to not feel left out. We recommend between $25 to $50 for the week.

Is there Internet access at camp?

Yes. Internet, electrical, and computer access is available to adult leaders in our Scoutmaster lounge (located within our administration building). This area has open wireless Internet access, several available computers for e-mail access, and outlets for recharging cellphones or other devices. These services are for adult leaders only! While we encourge you to leave the electronics at home, we understand that many adult leaders are unable to disconnect from their jobs, families and other obligations entirely.

Should a Scout bring a cell phone to camp?

Camp Minsi highly discourages cell phones at summer camp. Check with your troop for their individual policies regarding electronics; however Scouts should be encouraged to leave electronics (including cell phones) at home. These devices take away from the overall summer camp experience. They can promote home-sickness and often lead to other problems. Staff members will discourage the use of cell phones, MP3 players or other electronics by Scouts in program areas. Camp Minsi is not be responsible for lost or damaged electronics.

Can I complete leader trainings while at camp?

Yes! Leader-specific training will be offered throughout the week to any interested adult leaders. Available trainings include: Youth Protection, Scoutmaster Leader Specific Training, Introduction to Outdoor Skills Leader Training, and other BSA trainings. Our Commissioners will lead the training sessions.

I have a special skill or interest, how can I share it with the Scouts or staff?

We always encourage leaders to share the knowledge, skills, passions, and interests. Please let us know if you have skills, a career, or other knowledge that could be beneficial to the Scouts, the staff, or the overall camp experience. You can talk to the Camp or Program Directors at anytime to plug into programs or get involved. We are also always looking for volunteers to do service projects, lead vesper services, assist with skill instructions, or just lend a hand.

Can I go fishing at camp?

Yes! Stillwater Lake offers ample fishing opportunities. Please bring your own fishing gear and tackle to camp. A current Pennsylvania fishing license is required for any person age 16 and over. You can go to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website and purchase a 7-day tourist fishing license. The common fish found in Stillwater Lake are bass, pickerel, yellow perch, catfish and sunfish. The tailwaters of Stillwater Lake flow to compose Tunkhannock Stream and offer brook and rainbow trout fishing as well.

What is the Muck Hike?

The Muck Hike is an experience you will never forget! One of Minsi's proudest traditions, the Muck Hike is run every Wednesday afternoon. This special hike is open to any Scout willing to get a little dirty. The hike takes Scouts through the muddy swamps along the border of camp. This activity always proves to be fun and enjoyable for both Scouts and leaders alike. The event concludes with a mob of muddy Scout descending upon the waterfront to cleanse in the water of Stillwater Lake (this is then followed by a trip to Central Showers to finish the task). It is recommended that any Scouts and leaders planning on participating in this event come prepared with shoes and clothing that they don't mind getting extremely dirty, muddy and wet (they will probably end up being thrown out afterwards).

What is Trail to Adventure?

Trail to Adventure (TTA) is Camp Minsi’s first-year camper program. Trail to Adventure is a fun and exciting program designed for all first-year Scouts. Throughout the course of the week, Scouts will build skills necessary to succeed in Scouting while completing requirements for the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. The daily 3-hour program runs a mirror schedule, meaning the same program is offered in both the morning and the afternoon, allowing Scouts the other half of their day for merit badges and other open programs. (Learn more here)

What is the camp's refund policy for Scouts?

There are situations in which a campers’ fee may be refunded, either in whole or in part to the unit (checks will not be written to individual families).

• Full Refund: The complete balance of a campers’ fee (less the initial deposit) may be refunded up until two weeks prior to the start of your week at camp for the following reasons, if accompanied by appropriate documentation: (1) medical issue regarding the camper, (2) summer school, (3), extreme family emergencies.
• Partial Refunds: Partial refunds of $100 per camper may be refunded to the unit for reasons other than the above, up until two weeks prior to the start of your week at camp. Please be aware that the Council can not provide full refunds after this timeframe as certain expenditures have been made (e.g. food and program-related items) based upon the unit’s projected attendance.

Requests for refunds must be made in writing no later than two weeks prior to the start of your week at camp in order to be considered. Please submit requests to the Minsi Trails Council, Attn. Paul Oswald, PO Box 20624, Lehigh Valley, PA 18002-0624. This letter must be approved and endorsed by the Unit Leader.

Are camperships or financial assistance available to Scouts?

Campership grants are available to Scouts in need of financial assistance to attend summer camp. This program is only available for Minsi Trails Council units and Scouts. For an application or more information, please feel free to contact the Minsi Trails Council Camping Office at 610-465-8568.

I still have questions.

If you have any additional questions about Camp Minsi, please feel free to contact us.