2023 Summer Camp – Rhodes France Scout Reservation

For 2023, we are attending Summer Camp at Rhodes France Scout Reservation. This page will help Scouts (and parents) prepare for this event!

Important Dates

  • Summer Camp: June 18-24
  • Early Bird Discount Deadline: April 12
  • Final Payment Due: May 31

Rhodes France General Camp Info

Rhodes France Scout Reservation
815 N 500 East Road
Pana, IL 62557

Important Links

Registration and Fees

All camp fees can be paid online directly by each parent/guardian through the Parent Portal. Links were provided for each Scouts.

Some merit badge classes have additional fees in order to cover the costs of associated materials. Those fees are automatically added to the Scout’s registration fee in the Parent Portal. The Scouts will not need to pay any additional registration fees while at camp.

The troop covers the registration fee for the adult leaders attending camp.

There is still time to add new Scouts/leaders to the roster. Contact an adult leader ASAP if you wish to attend.

Camperships are still available.

Preparation Steps To Start Now

Be sure to check out our Troop Extended-Duration Trips page for suggestions on what to bring. This page also includes a link to our standard suggested packing list, which is great fit for this event.

Class A shirts will be needed for travel to/from camp. They will also be needed each morning and each evening at flag ceremonies. Don’t forget them! We are also ordering camp shirts. Please remember to pack them as well.

Completed health forms are required for all participants. Parts A, B, and C must be completed. Note that Part C requires a doctor’s signature. You must use the BSA Health Form. You cannot use a form that was completed for a sporting event or some other activity.

Let the adult leaders know ASAP if any Scouts have special dietary restrictions that need to be relayed to the camp.

The Merit Badge Class Catalog includes the prerequisites for each merit badge class. Scouts should make every effort to complete these BEFORE arriving at Summer Camp.

Scouts/parents are encouraged to download and review booklets for each merit badge that the Scout is signed up for while at camp. These should be reviewed BEFORE arriving at camp. Scouts are encouraged to bring these to camp, as they may be helpful during classes.

Family Night

Family Nights are back!

Rhodes France will have a Family Night on Wednesday starting at 5 PM. This is open to parents, family members, and adult leaders. In addition to visiting with the Scouts, you can attend that evening’s event at the “Firebowl”, which will include the OA Callout Ceremony.

Visitors can participate in the evening meal, but be advised that a fee may be associated.

Wayfinder Program

Often referred to as the “First-Year Program”, this program is designed for Scouts who are attending Summer Camp for the first time. It is designed to help these Scouts complete many requirements for the first 4 ranks.

Classes are oriented around the various ranks. Scouts can sign up for the classes that focus on the ranks that they need to complete. Note that multiple sessions are offered for each rank. Scouts only need to sign up for one.

Scouts that participate in this program can use their remaining time to attend merit badge classes. Be sure to sign up for those merit badge classes ASAP.

Medications

If a Scout need to take any medications while at camp, they should be provided to one of the adult leaders in their original packaging/container at departure day. Please also provide a schedule of when the medications should be taken to the adult leaders.

All medications will be stored by the adult leaders in a secure location in the trailer during camp.

Departure Day

Camp check-in is from 1-5 PM. As we get closer to camp week, will coordinate a time and location to meet. Since the camp is not that far away, we’ll likely meet around lunch time.

All items will need to be packed into the trailer. The troop’s trailer is the ONLY vehicle that will be taken to the campsite. Anything not in the trailer will need to be carried by the Scouts from the parking lot to the campsite.

Swim Test

Everyone who wishes to participate in water activities (of which there are a lot) must complete the BSA Swim Test.

Our initial swim test day is scheduled for April 17th. Additional days can be scheduled if needed. While Rhodes France does offer the option of taking the swim test at camp on the day of arrival, it is HIGHLY recommended that this be completed BEFORE arriving at camp.

Daily Camp Schedule

The following is a general summary of the schedule that will be followed each day. Note that our arrival day (Sunday) and departure day (Saturday) will be different, of course.

  • 7:50 AM: Flag Raising
  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM – Noon: Merit Badge Sessions
  • 12:15 PM: Lunch
  • 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Merit Badge Sessions & Open Programs
  • 5:50 PM: Flag Lowering
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner
  • 7:00 PM: Special Evening Programs

There are adult leader meeting at 7:30 PM on Sunday (arrival day) and at 9:15 AM Monday through Friday.

Additional Activities and Program Opportunities

There are numerous activities that will be held throughout the week, including opportunities for the Scouts to earn extra awards. Here are some of those items:

  • Splash-O-Rama
  • Recreational Boating (3-5 PM daily)
  • Mile Swim
  • Fishing
    • Bring your own gear
    • No live minnows are allowed
    • Scouts/adults over 16 are required to have an IL fishing license
  • Baden Powell Patrol Award
  • Duty To God
  • Hot-Shot Competition
  • Dead-Eye Competition
  • Open Shoots
  • Adult Training Classes