Camp Freeland Leslie

Eagles Nest is where a Scout can work on numerous Eagle required merit badges. It is also the base for our First Class Trail program. The merit badges offered in Eagles Nest are geared for older Scouts age 14 and older but are not limited to them. For the most part, these badges require out of class work like speeches or paper writing. Scouts are encouraged to take no more than two merit badge from Eagles Nest during the week.

One of the big projects in 2008 was the completion and dedication of the NEW Eagles Nest area, by the Order of the Arrow. Construction was done over several weekends and the man hours numbered in the hundreds. The cost was estimated at $14,000.00 for the materials and supplies. This will be a great asset to Camp Freeland Leslie for years to come.

The following is a list and description of the merit badges offered in Eagles Nest.

CITIZENSHIP IN THE NATION Recommended for older Scouts. What does it mean to be a citizen? Learn how the United States government works and how you as a citizen can participate in its development. A Scout must do requirement 2 before arriving at camp if he wishes to complete this merit badge. Requirement 2d can be done at camp but a Scout will still have to do one other option from requirement 2. It is recommended that a Scout also do requirement 8 before camp.

CITIZENSHIP IN THE WORLD Recommended for older Scouts. How do countries interact with each other? What kinds of different citizenship requirements and governments exist in the world?  A Scout may do requirement 7 before arriving at camp but is not required to. This requirement will be completed at camp.

COMMUNICATIONS Recommended for all Scouts. Learn how people communicate and interact with each other. Deliver a speech, interview people, and study non-verbal communication.  Scouts must complete requirement 5 before arriving to camp. Scouts are encouraged to complete requirement 8 before camp. Requirement 8 can be done at camp if a Scout wants to do a campfire and the patrol leaders’ council of his troop approves a campfire program for their campsite before arriving at camp.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS Recommended for all Scouts. Be Prepared! This merit badge will teach you how to respond to emergencies in your community and home.  Scouts must earn the First Aid merit badge before completing Emergency Preparedness. They may simultaneously work on First Aid and Emergency Preparedness during their week at camp.  Requirement 2 must also be done before arrival at camp. Scouts that do not do this requirement before camp can do 2a and 2b at camp but will not be able to do 2c. Requirement 8c must also be done before camp and the Scout should bring the personal emergency service pack to camp to go through its contents with the merit badge counselor. Scouts wishing to do requirement 8a and 8b should talk to their SPL before arriving at camp so a time can be arranged for a troop mobilization while at camp. If this is not done a Scout may do requirement 8a at camp but not 8b.

PERSONAL FITNESS Recommended for all Scouts. Learn ways to maintain good health. Practice preventative activities that will keep your body “physical strong”.  Scouts must have requirement 1b done before camp and bring the statement with them to show to the merit badge counselor. Requirements 7 and 8 must be done before camp. A Scout can do requirement 7 at camp but, it may take out of class time. Requirement 8, the 12 week fitness program, can be done before camp or it may be started at camp. If a Scout starts requirement 8 at camp he will have to complete the remaining 11 weeks after camp.

	The New Frontiers area offers a variety of hands on opportunities that enhance a Scout’s ability to be creative and resourceful. Each merit badge in this area is designed to allow a Scout to develop artistically. A Scout is encouraged to take as many New Frontiers merit badges as he would like.
	Now located just past the Manassas campsite, New Frontiers offers a whole new area of opportunities for scouts. Most notably the new archeology pit installed in 2009.

The following is a list and description of the merit badges offered in New Frontiers.

ARCHEOLOGY Recommended for older Scouts. The study of human cultures. Learn how we understand past cultures through the recovery and analysis of artifacts and environmental records. A Scout may do requirement 8 before camp but is not
required to. Requirement 8 option c will be done at camp.

ART Recommended for all Scouts. Discover the usefulness of art. Design your own useful tool or a logo and work with textures and subjects.  It is recommended that requirement 4 be done prior to camp. This requirement may be done at camp but will require a field trip to a local shop. This field trip would not be during class but on the Scouts personal time, and may be subject to availability of the artist.

BASKETRY Recommended for all Scouts. Learn the skill and art of basketry. Make your own baskets practicing different weaves.  Basketry is an open class offered once a day at 3:00pm.  Baskets are for sale in the trading post. A Scout must buy and make both the square and round basket to complete this badge. A Scout should plan on working on his projects outside of class.

CINEMATOGRAPHY Recommended for older Scouts. Make your own movie. Build a plot, lay out a set and cast your own actors. Learn how to use movie editing software and then premier your movie to your friends and leaders.

INDIAN LORE Recommended for all Scouts. Learn about the customs and traditions of the native people that inhabited these lands for hundreds of years before European settlers came to the Americas.  The Trading Post sells Native American outfit material that can be made to fulfill part of requirement 2.

LEATHERWORK Recommended for all Scouts. Make useful items out of leather. Learn how to mold, tan and lace leather to create many handy tools.  The Trading Post sells many leather items that can be bought and made to complete requirement 3.

PAINTING Recommended for older Scouts. Learn the trade and craft of professional painting. Paint several projects around camp, mix paint to make your own color, and learn all the safety related with the trade of painting.

PHOTOGRAPHY Recommended for all Scouts. Practice your skills of photography. Learn about film and digital cameras. Use the camp’s digital cameras to create your project and then share it with the merit badge counselor.

RADIO Recommended for older Scouts. Ever wonder how sound waves are converted in a microphone, travel through the air and are then picked up by radios? Learn about the ham radio system and its usefulness. Practice a real conversation using a ham radio and share what you learned with the merit badge counselor.

SCULPTURE Recommended for all Scouts. Create your own sculpture out of clay and plaster. Learn about the tools and skills it takes to sculpt something.  The Trading Post sells model clay that can be bought to meet part of requirement 2.

SPACE EXPLORATION Recommended for all Scouts. Build and launch your own rocket. Learn about the process that rockets have gone through and the contribution they have made to space exploration.  The Trading Post sells rockets and engines that can be bought to complete requirement 3.

WOOD CARVING Recommended for all Scouts. Learn the tools that are required to properly work with wood. Practice different types of cuts and carving different types of wood.  The Trading Post sells many different wood carving projects that can be bought to complete requirements 4, 6 and 7.

This area operates at the bottom of “Heart Attack Hill” and on the shores of one of the cleanest lakes in Wisconsin. The variety of merit badges and programs offered at Aquatics are designed to improve a Scout’s skills on and in the water. Because of the nature of the merit badges offered in this area it is recommended that a Scout takes no more than two Aquatics merit badges. It takes time to walk down to Aquatics and punctuality is very important for these merit badges, so a Scout should plan accordingly.

Instructional swim is a time for Scouts that did not pass their swimmers test or Scouts that just want to improve their swimming to work one on one with a Staffer. The Aquatics staff are trained to work with all levels of swimmers. If a Scout is interested in improving their swimming ability, it is recommended that they take advantage of this time. Instructional swim is only offered Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings at 11:00 o’clock. Kayak BSA is an opportunity for a Scout to learn the proper techniques of kayaking. A Scout will learn how to use a kayak and all its equipment. Scouts will also learn different water maneuvers and capsizing skills. Kayak BSA is offered Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 3:00 o’clock.

Mile Swim BSA is a chance for Scouts to give their all. There are three preparation sessions that prepare a Scout for attempting to swim a mile. These times are on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon at 11:00 o’clock. A Scout must show up to all three practice sessions if they want to earn the Mile Swim BSA. The mile swim will take place Thursday morning during the polar bear swim. A Scout wishing to do the mile swim must arrange to have their own rower and spotter. These two Scouts can be a youth or an adult but must be swimmers. Their job will be to follow, in a row boat, the Scout doing the mile swim. One will row while the other keeps their eyes on the Scout in the water.

The following is a list and description of the merit badges offered in the Aquatics Area.

CANOEING Recommended for all Scouts. Learn the skill of canoeing. A Scout will learn the proper use of all the equipment and techniques that are used in canoeing.  A Scout wishing to take this merit badge must pass the swimmers test given on Sunday morning.

LIFESAVING Recommended for older Scouts. Learn water skills that can be used in life threatening situations. Improve your own swimming and ability to recognize unsafe situations.  A Scout wishing to take this merit badge must have Second Class requirements 7a, 7b and 7c and First Class requirements 9a, 9b and 9c done prior to arriving up to camp.

ROWING Recommended for all Scouts. Learn the skill of rowing. Study knots and techniques that are used in rowing.  A Scout wishing to take this merit badge must pass the swimmers test given on Sunday morning.

SMALL-BOAT SAILING Recommended for all Scouts. Ride the waves of Lake Emrick. Learn to navigate a sail boat and properly use the equipment related to sailing.  A Scout wishing to take this merit badge must pass the swimmers test given on Sunday morning.

SWIMMING Recommended for all Scouts. Improve your swimming skills. Learn different swimming strokes, snorkeling techniques and water survival skills.  A Scout wishing to take this merit badge must have Second Class requirements 7a, 7b and 7c and First Class requirements 9a, 9b and 9c done prior to arriving up to camp.

SNORKELING BSA - Snorkeling BSA has been added this summer to the Aquatics program! Scouts will learn how to use snorkeling equipment, safety when snorkeling, and participate in several snorkeling dives. All scouts who wish to participate must have passed the BSA swimmer test before participating. Class size is very limited due to equipment availability; because of this, scouts are asked to register for this class as soon as possible to insure themselves a class slot. Scouts are also encouraged to bring their own equipment (snorkel, fins, and mask) with to camp so that more scouts can participate in the program.

Note about changes to BSA Lifeguard

BSA Lifeguard’s primary purpose is no longer to provide units with the skills necessary to conduct safe swimming and boating activities and is now intended primarily for waterfront staff.

Swimming and Water Rescue and Paddle Craft Safety are two new programs designed to meet unit level needs. In accordance with these changes, BSA Lifeguard is no longer offered at CFL. In its place, Paddle Craft Safety or Swimming and Water Rescue is now offered. The course offered will depend on demand from unit leaders present in camp. Each section is an eight hour course. Because of the time constraints and staff limitations we can only offer one course or the other during any given CFL week. Please be apprised that the minimum age for either certification is 16.

The Shooting Sports area offers the chance for a Scout to experience the proper way in handling and using sport firearms. This includes: bow and arrow, shotgun, rifle and muzzle loading rifle. Scouts are taught the importance of safety when using a firearm and the technique of marksmanship shooting. With the exception of fingerprinting, the merit badges in this area are very time consuming. A Scout must plan on spending extra time outside of class to practice their shooting. You will notice that the Shooting Sports schedule is designed to allow Scouts as much of an opportunity to practice their shooting as possible. It is up to the Scout to take advantage of this time.

Because of the amount of time that one Shooting Sports merit badge takes to complete, it is recommended that a Scout only take one shooting merit badge in this area. The completion of these merit badges ultimately rests on the ability of a Scout to meet the required shooting. Because of this, merit badges are recommended but not limited to older Scouts. If a Scout just wants to get a chance to shoot a sport firearm it should be suggested to him to do so during the open shoots during the day or the evenings. However, if a Scout is interested in learning the inner workings of a firearm, its history and the laws surrounding its use; then it is recommended that he take the merit badge.

The following is a list and description of the merit badges offered in the Shooting Sports area.

ARCHERY Recommended for all Scouts. The bow and arrow are among the first tools invented by humans. Learn how to properly use them in a useful manner. You will also make your very own bow string and arrow and demonstrate your ability to string a bow.
Scouts should plan on spending extra time at the archery range to practice their shooting in order to complete requirement 5 option A: f2.

FINGERPRINTING Recommended for all Scouts. Learn the importance of fingerprinting and why it is used to identify people.

RIFLE SHOOTING Recommended for older Scouts or Scouts with shooting experience. Learn the safe and proper use and care of a rifle. Practice cleaning, sighting and firing a .22 rifle. Scouts should plan on spending extra time at the rifle range to practice their shooting in order to complete requirements 2k and i of option A.

SHOTGUN SHOOTING Recommended for older Scouts or Scouts with shooting experience. Learn the safe and proper use and care of a shotgun. Practice cleaning and firing a 20-gauge shotgun.

Ecology and Conservation, or Eco/Con as it is referred to, is the place the Scouts learn about the natural world around them. The wide array of merit badges offered in this area, are designed to educate Scouts in the ways that millions of individual actors in the natural world interact with each other to create order and balance. Scouts will also learn the ways in which the environment can be protected and conserved. Scouts are encouraged to take as many Eco/Con merit badges as they wish to.

Most of the merit badges do require out of class observation so plan accordingly. The following is a list and description of the merit badges that are offered in Eco/Con.

ASTRONOMY Recommended for older Scouts. Learn about the Earth’s moon, our solar system and beyond. If you want to understand the universe and all the components that make it up, this merit badge is for you.  Scouts must do requirement 5b, 6 and 7b before arriving to camp. Scouts may do requirement 9 before camp, but this requirement will be done at camp. If a Scout does do requirement 9 he must present what he did to the merit badge counselor at camp.

BIRD STUDY Recommended for older Scouts. Study the important contributions that birds make to the environment. Learn about their markings, calls and nesting habits.  A Scout is encouraged to do requirement 5 before camp, but is not required to. The requirement can be worked on and completed at camp but will take extra out of class time.

ENERGY Recommended for all Scouts. Learn the importance of energy. Find out how it works and in what ways you can better conserve it.  A Scout must do requirements 4 and 5 before arriving at camp.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Recommended for all Scouts. Learn about the important contributions individuals have made in the history of environmental science. Do experiments in the effects pollution has on land, air and water. Scouts will also do observation studies to gather information on plants and animals.

FISH & WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT Recommended for older Scouts. Study the effect wildlife has on the environment. Learn how to protect wildlife and safely study them in their natural environment.  Requirement 5 must be done before camp. A Scout must bring his written reports for this requirement to camp so he can discuss the results with the counselor. Requirement 6 can be done prior to camp, but is not required to be.

FISHING Recommended for all Scouts. Practice your fishing skills on beautiful Lake Emrick. Learn how to catch and release, and how to clean and cook a fish. This merit badge may take out of class time in order to catch the required two fish.

FORESTRY Recommended for older Scouts. Learn the important role trees and ground cover play in our environment. Learn about opportunities you can take in the care and maintenance of forests.  Requirement 1 can be done before camp and the notebook brought to camp to be shared with the merit counselor. However, it is not required to be done before camp. It can be worked on at camp, but may require out of class work.

GEOLOGY Recommended for all Scouts. Learn about rock formations and how they create different land features. Read geologic maps, study the effects streams have on the Earth’s surface and discover the role that geologists play.

INSECT STUDY Recommended for older Scouts. Learn the role insects play in the ecosystem. Study the different orders and families of insects and difference between social and solitary insects. This merit badge is offered only upon request. If a Scout is interested in taking this badge he must talk to the Eco/Con director when he gets to camp.  A Scout must do requirement 3, 7 and 10 prior to camp. If a Scout wants to start his collection at camp he can do so. This would take a lot of out of class work. If a Scout has finished his collection he may bring it to camp to complete requirement 5. If he does not want to bring his collection to camp he would have to do requirement 5 prior to coming to camp.

MAMMAL STUDY Recommended for all Scouts. Study the unique contributions mammals make to the environment. Observe what mammals are attracted to what types of natural habitats and perform a project that will benefit a number of mammals.

NATURE Recommended for all Scouts. Have you ever wanted to understand how all the individual animals and plants work together to create out environment? Learn about the food chain and importance every animal and plant has.

REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN STUDY Recommended for all Scouts. Learn the important and unique role reptiles and amphibians have in the natural world. Study the differences among them and how their unique design enables them to perform specific functions.
Requirement 8 must be completed before arriving at camp. A Scout must bring to camp the reports of his observations.

SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION Recommended for older Scouts. Study different types of soil and where these types are. Learn about the effects water has on soil and the damage soil erosion can have on the environment.

WEATHER Recommended for older Scouts. What is weather? Study the effects of weather and how modern technology predicts weather conditions. Learn about clouds, high and low pressure systems and cold or warm fronts.

The Ecology/Conservation area also has staff-led and self-directed hikes available. Ask the area staff about these hiking opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Camp Freeland Leslie.

The Outdoor Skills area, often referred to as Scout Craft, teaches the basic skills that every Scout should know. The merit badges in this area are designed to give Scouts confidence working outdoors. Every Scout in camp is encouraged to take at least one merit
badge that is offered in this area. The following is a list and description of the merit badges offered in Outdoor Skills.

CAMPING Recommended for all Scouts. Discover the skill that is camping. Learn “Leave No Trace” and “Outdoor Code” principals. After this merit badge you should be an expert at camping.  A Scout must do requirement 4b, 7, 9a and 9b prior to arriving at camp. It is recommended but not required that a scout do requirements 5e, 8c, 8d and 9c before arrival to camp. These requirements can be done at camp but may take out of class work.

COOKING Recommended for all Scouts, especially new campers. Learn to cook complete meals in a variety of conditions, and over open fires and stoves. Master the skill of menu planning and learn how to time meals properly so they are done when you want them to be.
It is recommended that a Scout plan out all the menus for requirements 3, 5 and 7. Look at the camp menu and plan half of your menus using the same ingredients and items but in different ways. A Scout can do any of the 9 meals that must be cooked for this merit badge prior to camp. Just bring the menu and be prepared to talk about your experience. Due to time constraints a Scout may not get enough cooking time in so it is recommended that they do some before arriving to camp.

FIRST AID Recommended for all Scouts. Learn the proper ways to administer first aid to yourself or others. Practice treating a variety of injuries and learn how to recognize dangerous situations to prevent injuries from occurring.  It is recommended that a Scout have all the first aid requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class completed before taking this merit badge. Requirement 2b must be done prior to camp and brought with to show the merit badge counselor. Some first aid items are for sale in the trading post but it is recommended that a Scout complete their home first aid kit before camp.

ORIENTEERING Recommended for older Scouts. Learn how to find directions with and without a compass and map. Practice your skills of compass work and create your own orienteering course.  It is recommended that a Scout do requirement 7 prior to arriving at camp. A Scout should be prepared to do several miles of hiking throughout the week and spending some time outside of class to complete this merit badge.

PIONEERING Recommended for older Scouts. Create useful and creative projects while mastering the skills of knots, lashings, anchoring and leverage.  It is recommended that a Scout already have Tenderfoot requirements 4a and 4b and First Class requirements 7a, 7b, and 7c completed before taking this merit badge.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL Recommended for all Scouts. Learn how to survive a night in the wilderness. Build shelters, water collection systems, and rescue methods.  It is recommended that a Scout either build prior to camp or bring supplies up to camp to build a personal survival kit. This kit will need to be presented to the merit badge counselor.

We offer a unique High Adventure Program that is designed around the patrol. Because the patrol method rests on the need of older Scouts teaching younger Scouts, our high adventure program is designed to make sure the older boys are still in camp for breakfast and will be back to camp before dinner. The High Adventure program wants to cater to the things that Scouts want to do. Past High Adventure trips have included rock climbing at Devils Lake State Park, spelunking, white water rafting down the Wolf River, biking the Elroy-Sparta Trail, and canoeing the Wisconsin Dells. Because we want our High Adventure program to meet the desires of the Scouts who will be participating in it, we are still looking for suggestions for trips. If you have an idea for a trip you would like to take, please let us know!

Scouts will meet for High Adventure trips at 8:30 at the Gazebo and will return to camp by dinner. There will be three main trips on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. There is also the possibility of a half day trip on Wednesday afternoon depending on the interest level. Please check out our website as your week at camp draws closer.

There is an additional $30 fee to participate in the High Adventure week-long program to offset equipment costs. If a boy wishes
to participate in only part of this program he may pay a per trip fee (not set yet). As an older boy program, Scouts must be 14 by January 1, 2010 in order to participate in High Adventure. Each participant must complete a hold harmless/consent (part C of the medical form) in order to participate.

C.O.P.E. stands for: Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience. It is a unique opportunity for older Scouts and adults to develop the skills of leadership, problem-solving, self-esteem, communication, trust, decision-making, and teamwork. The C.O.P.E. course is designed to challenge individuals and teams, with both high and low course elements.  Participants may work as a team and ride the "sonic surfboard", or get the out of the giant "meat grinder.” The climax of the week takes place on the High Course. Participants master their fears using the “cable traverse” and “zip line”.

The C.O.P.E. program takes a large part of the participant’s time. A Scout must dedicate the whole week to the C.O.P.E. program because each day builds on the previous one.  For Scouts to get the most out of C.O.P.E. they must be there every day. However, there is some time for a Scout who wishes to take a merit badge or two.

The 2010 C.O.P.E. schedule is as follows.
In the morning C.O.P.E. will run for Scouts ages 13-17. Scouts will meet at the Gazebo at 8:45am. From there they will hike out to the C.O.P.E. course and return to main camp by 12:00pm. In the afternoon, C.O.P.E. will run for Adults 18 years of age or older. Adults will meet at the Gazebo at 1:45pm. From there they will hike out to the C.O.P.E. course and return to main camp by 4:30pm.

Good hiking shoes, long pants and a 16oz water bottle are required of all participants of C.O.P.E. Check our online trading post for what items you can purchase upon arrival at CFL.

We are pleased to announce that this year there will be no additional fee to participate in the C.O.P.E. program. As an older boy program, Scouts must be 13 by January 1, 2010 in order to participate in Project C.O.P.E. Each participant must complete a hold
harmless/consent form in order to participate in C.O.P.E. activities. This form can be found in section C of the new medical form.

To view more photos of the 2009 COPE Program at Camp Freeland Leslie, and see our teams having FUN, click on the COPE ALBUMS link.

New to CFL this year are our two new “specialty badges” in Horsemanship and Golf. Both badges are taught off site and will require more than the standard 50 minute session. Transportation will be arranged with CFL, either through the use of camp vehicles or adult volunteers. Please note, there are extra charges associated with both badges as listed below.


HORSEMANSHIP MERIT BADGE
Learn the basics of caring for, working with, and riding horses. Scouts will work at a horse ranch with a certified horsemanship instruction. Scouts will participate in an hour long trail ride at the end of the week.
Class available on a first come first serve basis, with the maximum participate size of 10 scouts. There is an additional cost of $50 associated with this badge.

GOLF MERIT BADGE
Recommended for older scouts. Improve your golf swing, putting skills and overall knowledge basis about the game of golf. Scouts will work with a golf instructor at a local course and also participate in 9 holes of golf.
Class available on a first come first serve basis, with the maximum participate size of 10 scouts. There is an additional cost of $15 associated with this badge. Scouts are highly encouraged to provide their own equipment.
Scouts will only be able to complete 9 holes of golf while at camp and will need to complete another 9 holes either before or after camp to obtain the badge.