Camp Freeland Leslie

Welcome to another fantastic summer of Scouting at Camp Freeland Leslie! Each year our program continues to be the highlight of our campers’ CFL experience. The programs we offer youth of all age ranges, as well as adult leaders, continues to be of exceptional quality. The program is not just a part of your stay at summer camp, it is the core mission of CFL. That core mission is to provide each and every camper at CFL with a Customer Service Driven, High Quality Program. There are hundreds of camps teaching merit badges and offering special programs each summer, however our commitment to customer service and an unparalleled program is what we feel sets us apart from other camps. Your unit’s complete satisfaction is our #1 goal. During your time at CFL, our staff will work tirelessly to achieve this goal.

Our camp program is developed throughout the year by a dedicated group of over 50 staff members. Each of these staffers has over 100 hours of in-class, hands on, and field work training before the first Scout ever arrives at camp. Our merit badge programs are of the highest quality, with each having its own educational goals, lesson plans, and extension activities. Furthermore, our patrol method focus, both as a summer camp and through specific patrol method programming, helps develop each of your troop’s patrols into the ideal, team-focused and cooperative group that Baden Powell envisioned over 100 years ago.

Our camp program is developed throughout the year by a dedicated group of over 50 staff members. Each of these staffers has over 100 hours of in-class, hands on, and field work training before the first Scout ever arrives at camp. Our merit badge programs are of the highest quality, with each having its own educational goals, lesson plans, and extension activities. Furthermore, our patrol method focus, both as a summer camp and through specific patrol method programming, helps develop each of your troop’s patrols into the ideal, team-focused and cooperative group that Baden Powell envisioned over 100 years ago.

It is my goal as Program Director to ensure that your entire unit leaves camp happy, with the program you were promised. If at any time before, during, or after camp, there is anything I can do for you, please let me know! I look forward to seeing you and your unit at Camp Freeland Leslie this summer!

Yours in Scouting,
Brian Zerfas
Program Director
Assistant Camp Director
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P.S. Please check our website frequently for any updates and changes.

Welcome to Boy Scout Summer Camp at Camp Freeland Leslie!

You can't take the "outing" out of Scouting! The outdoor program is one of the biggest features about Scouting that appeals to Scouts, and a week at summer camp is one of the top experiences. No one will ever forget the memories and experience from summer camp. The Three Fires Council has another exciting summer awaiting Scouts at Camp Freeland Leslie. As you prepare for your week at camp, be sure to check for the latest information about CFL's facilities, programs, and policies:

• Program Areas
• Patrol Method
• Advancement
• Merit Badges

Time to start planning for Boy Scout Summer Camp 2013

Many troops are already making plans for Summer Camp 2013. On behalf of the Three Fires Council and staff, we invite you to join us in Oxford, WI at Camp Freeland Leslie (CFL)! If your unit is looking for a camp that offers a wide variety of advancements, outdoor high adventure, and outstanding programming for scouts off all ages – then join us at CFL for Summer Camp 2012. As the “premiere patrol method camp in the Central Region,” the CFL staff is committed to providing you and your Scouts with an summer camp experience to last a lifetime.

2013 Camp Promotions – How can we help your unit choose CFL for summer camp in 2013? You may receive a phone call from a volunteer spreading the word about CFL or if you would like more information or a presentation to your committee or parents please contact our Camp Promotions Chair Diane, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Buzz at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to arrange a CFL presentation tailored to your unit.

VIEW OUR CAMP FREELAND LESLIE VIDEO & SEE WHAT FUN YOU CAN HAVE IN 2013!

PROVISIONAL CAMP

Do you have a Scout or two who want a 2nd week at camp or can not attend with his unit?

Provisional Camper Application

Provisional Unit Camping is for Boy Scouts who either can’t attend summer camp with their home Troop, or who desire a second week at camp to complete merit badges or enjoy a high adventure program.  The camp will provide qualified adult leadership for the week.  Our web-site has details on the programs offered, see  Leaders Guide in the Camping section of the website.  Participants must have approval of their Scoutmaster and provide their own transportation to and from camp.  We will mail an application and other information when we receive this form.

“Blaze Your Own Trail”

2013 Summer Camp Registration Form - Camp Freeland Leslie - Oxford, WI - For reserving your Troop/Team/Crew site for 2013, NOW!

We hope your unit has already reserved a campsite at CFL for 2013.  If not, “Come Home to CFL!” Any unit can come to CFL in 2013 for the 2012 fee ($10 per Scout discount) by talking advantage of our 2013 CFL VIP Incentive. This is all you have to do:

• Reserve a session and campsite and pay a $100 campsite reservation fee by August 31, 2012.
• Pay a $50 per Scout deposit by March 1, 2013
• Pay your unit Scout and adult fees in full by May 1, 2013

The theme for Camp Freeland Leslie for 2013 will be “Blaze Your Own Trail.”  Camp Freeland Leslie offers these awesome program opportunities for Scouts of all ages:

• Exciting 1st Class Trail Program for your new Scouts.
• Over 50 merit badge opportunities to choose from, including 10 required for Eagle.
• Our high adventure day trips are setup for your older Scouts. They can discover whitewater rafting, spelunking, rock climbing, canoeing, and mountain biking on our high adventure day trips!!
• New in 2013 - earn ”Metalworking” at the new Forge Shelter
• Challenge yourself and other Scouts in the Human Foosball Court.
• Fly high on the Flying Squirrel.
• Enjoy our pristine private Lake Emrick and waterfront offering swimming, kayaking, small boat sailing merit badges, as well as snorkeling and fishing.

As you start to plan your 2013 summer camp experience, here is some information for you:

The 2013 CFL Online Registration/Payment system will open on January 2, 2013.

2013 Summer Camp Registration Form - Camp Freeland Leslie - Oxford, WI - For reserving your Troop/Team/Crew site for 2013, NOW!

• There will be one fee for campers both in and out of council – $260 per Scout for Sessions 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 ($250 for Session 2) until May 1, 2013. A $10 fee will be added to each camper fee paid on or after May 2, 2013.
• For 2013, each unit gets two free leaders regardless of the number of Scouts attending. The leader fee for all additional leaders is $125 – a reduction from $145.
• Fees not paid prior to arrival at CFL will incur a “Pay at Camp Fee” of $280 per Scout and $135 per adult leader. Camper fees received after the Thursday prior to a unit’s arrival will be charged this amount.

We also have established several incentives for 2013:

Order of the Arrow Incentive - $5 per Scout or Adult – Current dues paid members of the Lowaneu Allanque Lodge will receive this additional incentive. The OA Incentive will be confirmed during the Unit Reconciliation meeting prior to departure from camp. If not used to pay “in camp” expenses, a check will be mailed from the TFC office to your unit or will be deposited in your unit account following your week at camp.

New Scouts who join your unit after May 1, 2103 will receive the discounted rate. They must register for camp online and their camper fee must be paid at a Scout Shop. Scout Shop personnel will award the $10 New Scout Discount.”

Back for More Discount - Repeat Campers – Attend a 2nd week of camp for $200 or a third week for $150. The camp staff will coordinate placing your Scout with an appropriate unit.

There are already over 50 units that have reserved a campsite at CFL for the 2013 season. Don’t delay. Call the Scout Service center at reserve your slot now!

CFL VIP Incentive $10 per Scout –  If your unit a reserves a campsite for 2013 by August 31, 2012 AND meets the following deadlines:

• The $100 campsite reservation fee is paid by August 31, 2012
• A $50 per Scout deposit is paid by March 1, 2013
• All Scout and adult fees are paid in full by May 1, 2013

Important Payment Dates

• March 1, 2013 – $50 per Scout (transferable, but non-refundable) deposit due (Scout only)
• April 1, 2013 – $100 Additional per Scout payment due (Scout fees only)
• May 1, 2013 – 100% of all Scout and Adult fees due
• May 2, 2013 – Boy Scout fee increases to $270. NOTE: This does not apply to new Scouts who joined your unit on or after May 2, 2013.

The 2013 Camp Promotions Committee welcomes new members!
The CFL Promotions Committee, chaired by Diane Buri, is already hard at work to insure more Three Fires Council units and Scouts can experience Scouting Excellence at CFL. If you are a CFL fan (or fanatic) and would like to help us spread the word about CFL and its phenomenal program, please contact Diane at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Buzz Wheeler at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   When your unit is ready to host a CFL promotions event for your Scouts and parents please contact Diane or Buzz, who will be pleased to arrange a CFL presentation tailored to your unit.

A 2012 CFL Summer Camp Season Report
The entire Camp Freeland Leslie staff would like to thank the well over 1,000 Scouts and Scouters who camped at CFL this past summer! We know you had a fantastic experience.  Camper evaluations of staff and program were excellent! We look forward to seeing you again in 2013. Remember, you can keep up with CFL all year round.  “Like us” on Facebook at facebook.com/FreelandLeslie for continuous off-season updates and promotions!

As CFL’s 40th Anniversary was celebrated this past summer, 2,300 merit badges were earned, over 600 Scouts participated in the First Class Trail program, and more than 100 older Scouts took advantage of our unequaled high adventure program and COPE course.
Here are just a few quotes from Scouts and leader evaluations:

• The best part of camp was the program variety and the counselors willingness and flexibility to help work with Scouts on completing merit badges and Scout skills.
• Best staff I’ve seen in years!
• Life to Eagle lunch was great.
• The purpose of camp is in the Program Areas. Everything else is window dressing. Good job.
• We WILL be back!

While we are at it, we'd like to talk about our new Camp Steward Program introduced this summer.

“A Camp Steward is an individual or Scout unit that makes a financial contribution to the Three Fires Council that is restricted for use in making improvements or maintaining Camp Freeland Leslie. This contribution is over and above any Friends of Scouting contribution.”

According to Ranger Josh, “This past year has brought many new and exciting changes to Camp Freeland Leslie. With the help of volunteers and staff, there has been a marked improvement in the overall condition of the facilities. In an effort to continue forward we have identified some important projects, as well as much needed equipment.

• We are currently attempting to upgrade both the electrical and water systems at camp. Both were designed/installed in the 70’s and are in need of an upgrade as we continue to serve more Scouts.
  
• We have plans to add lights and a sound system to the campfire arena.
  
• We hope to build a program shelter and install tent platforms for an equipment tent in every campsite.
  Here is a link to the Camp Steward brochure with more details. Please call Buzz Wheeler (Office 630-584-9250 or Cell 630-962-78004) if you have any questions.

Useful Guides, Documents & Fliers

Boy Scout Summer Camp General Forms

Information and forms for the Three Fires Council Summer Camp Programs for Cub Scouts are linked to the left sidebar of this site. Select the session you are attending CFL & click on the link to go to the payment portal.

YOUR UNIT MAY PRE-REGISTER SCOUTS FOR MERIT BADGES ONLINE in 2013 (March 2013)

AFTER the Kickoff Meetings in February 2013, your troop will be able to access the Online Merit Badge System and pre-register your Scouts for badges and other activities at Camp Freeland Leslie beginning March 1st. This feature will be available to you between March 1st, until shortly before camp begins for your particular week. Contact information for the Online Merit Badge Registration System will be available at the CFL Kickoff Meetings. You may then sign up Scouts by name for individual Merit Badges & other select activities.

BASIC INTEREST FORMS

• 2013 Summer Camp Registration Form - Camp Freeland Leslie - Oxford, WI - For reserving your Troop/Team/Crew site for 2013, NOW!
• 2013 Staff APPLICATION - 2013 CFL Summer Season Camp Freeland Leslie, Oxford, Wi
• 2013 Volunteer, CIT & Staff Interest - Camp Interest Form
• Directions to CFL- Map of route to CFL in Oxford, WI
• CFL Map - CFL Camp Map indicating program areas & campsites
• Be Aware & Be Prepared for Weather

GUIDES & SCHEDULES

• 2013 CFL Program Guide - Information on Merit Badges and Programs offered
• 2013 CFL Leader's and Parents Guide - Information for the leaders & parents to assist in Unit preparation
• 2013 Merit Badge Schedule - Merit Badges offered at CFL in a matrix format
  
• CFL Weekly Schedule - A typical day at Camp Freeland Leslie
• CFL Menu and Food Preparation Guide - Weekly CFL Boy Scout Menu & Food Preparation Guide
  

FORMS, WAIVERS & ROSTERS

• 2013 CFL Camp Accommodation Request Form - For notification regarding health, food & special concerns or needs.
• Provisional Camper Application
  
• 2013 Campership Application - Application for consideration of a campership - Due to the Norris Scout office April 1, 2013
  
• Health & Medical Record - Replaces all Former Medical & Health Forms
• CFL Scout & Adult Rosters - 2013 Troop Rosters - Fill out & bring to camp!
  
• COPE & Climbing Consent Form - Must be filled out & signed before participating in COPE or climbing at CFL
• CFL Refund Request - For Boy Scout Summer Camp - Must be received 2 weeks prior to camp.
  

2013 CFL Campsite Reservations*

Information for Parents

If you've decided to send your son off to camp, or if you're thinking about sending him, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns.  These pages are designed to address at least some of these, and to help you find resources to prepare for the summer.  The most important of these resources is your Scout's unit leadership.  Each unit receives a leaders' guide which outlines all of CFL's program, policies and key personnel.  Be sure to talk to your son's leaders for information about the troop's plans for the summer.

ABOUT CAMP FREELAND LESLIE

Campers stay in a campsite with their home troop, where they not only sleep but work together to carry out daily tasks like cooking and cleaning. Scouts are responsible for keeping their eating area and gear clean and for keeping their personal gear in order. Camp commissioners work with each unit to ensure that it meets health and safety standards and to help plan programs for the troop.

During the day, staff members work with the Scouts to help them earn merit badges and other awards, work towards rank advancement, and explore other opportunities such as hikes and games. Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, said, “Scouting is a game with a purpose,” and at CFL, we make sure every program we offer is exciting, challenging, fun, and educational.

Camp facilities include a shower house built in 2006, a qualified Health Officer on duty at all times, a well-stocked trading post, a new Nature pavilion, an observation deck overlooking the waterfront, a human Foosball Court, and a new dinning shelter built in 2009. You can view photos & learn more about the camp on the Program & Program Areas of this website.

WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO BEFORE CAMP? Talk to your troop leaders about camp fees. They will know when they are due and will be able to inform you. Your son will also need a physical examination before camp and must bring a completed medical form. We also recommend that Scouts attend at least a few troop camping outings before summer camp.

WHAT SHOULD MY SON BRING? A detailed packing list is included in the Leader’s Guide that your unit will receive. Ask your troop leaders for a copy. The Scout Handbook also contains a packing list for long-term camping. In general, he will need the same equipment as on a typical weekend campout, but also enough clothing to last the week. Please do not send electronics or games, because Scouts who are busy playing with toys from home will miss out on the fun at camp!

WHAT WILL MY SON DO AT CAMP? A typical daily schedule is:

7:00 Wake up and begin cooking
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Merit Badges and activities - Program areas open
12:00 Lunch and rest hour
2:00 Merit Badges and activities - Program areas open

4:50 Program areas close
6:00 Dinner

7:00 Evening activities & program / Open area time
8:30/9:00 Program areas close

10:00 Bed

Daily activities include swimming, boating, hiking, nature study, outdoor skills, target shooting, archery, and other outdoor fun.
Each troop’s program is unique and based on the needs of its Scouts. For more details about your troop’s program, ask your unit leader.

CAN I VISIT MY SON AT CAMP?
Absolutely! Many parents come to camp Friday night for our weekly pig roast and camp wide event, and then drive home with their sons on Saturday. This is the ideal time to visit. Whatever your plans, please call the camp office at least a day before you arrive so that we know to expect you. Please bring a tent if you plan to stay overnight in our family camp area, or make other arrangements.

WHAT WILL MY SON LEARN AT CAMP?
Scouts at CFL learn many specific skills, like knife safety, swimming, or cooking. However, the most valuable things they learn are not part of any class. At our patrol-method camp, they will work together with a team of about eight boys to prepare and eat most of their meals, participate in events, and compete in games. Each boy will have leadership opportunities and sharpen his interpersonal skills. Also, many of the Scouts who come to camp are leaving home for the first time. This experience will make them stronger, more independent people with the ability and initiative to do things for themselves.

CAN I SEND MAIL? Letters emails and packages received at camp are always treasured.