The Camping Experience
Camping is the traditional cornerstone of the Scouting program. The Alamo Area Council offers a number of camping opportunities to meet the needs of all ages. The Council owns two camping facilities: Bear Creek Scout Reservation and McGimsey Scout Park. Camp fun includes swimming, boating, crafts, nature, BB guns, rifles and archery. These things all happen along with sleeping under the stars.
The camping program is our outdoor lab where scouts become immersed in the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Attendees learn important character building skills such as: self-esteem, self-reliance, teamwork, and leadership.
Bear Creek Scout Reservation On this ruggedly beautiful reservation in the Texas Hill Country, youth, families, and adult volunteers of all ages enjoy weekends, day excursions, and week long summer camp experience.Bear Creek is being upgraded and many new features have been added already to the existing camp. The Alamo Area Council has undertaken a 3.4 million dollar improvement program for the camp. Improvements include new show/bathroom facilities, remodeling and repair of 9 program facilities, new and improved aquatic area, new program areas, training center and family camp, and campsite improvements and new tents.
The Ranger Program is designed for first year campers and teaches basic skills while allowing the camper to get off and running on the requirements for tenderfoot, second and first class ranks.
An estimated 30 merit badges will be available at Bear Creek. They cover aquatics, ecology, field sports, handicrafts, and skills. Some preparation is recommended and best done before camp to ensure the ability to complete certain merit badges.
Older Scout Program: Bear Creek is famous for challenging programs for older Scouts. The C.O.P.E. course is a well-rounded, fun program with low and high element activities (confidence building and group dynamic team challenges). Also available, rappelling, rock climbing, black powder rifle and canoeing on the Guadalupe River. In 1995, a mountain bike program was launched and it will be back. An additional $15.00 over and above the regular camp fees will be charged for each of the above two mentioned programs.
Bear Creek is divided into two sections. Troops who want to make use of the dining hall for their meal camp on the Friedrich side. Three meals are provided daily except Wednesday night when troops will be provided food to prepare and eat at their campsites.
Troops who wish to experience patrol cooking camp on the Richenbacker side. Units bring their own food and prepare it in the campsites. Refrigeration and freezer space are provided. Ice is sold at the Trading Post.
Scout Park
McGimsey is a 140 acre Scout Park in North Central San Antonio. The Park is currently undergoing a major facelift valued at over 1.9 million dollars. The area currently plays host to Cub Scout Day Camps, Cub-N-Ones, Tiger Cub Fun Days, and numerous adult leader-training courses. A full C.O.P.E. is located in the Park. The site is also used for training programs for all levels of the Scouting program and is available for troop camping with reservations. Improvements will allow Cub Resident Camping to become a reality in the Alamo Area Council.