Camping

The Troop goes on various overnight trips throughout the year. The organizing adult will usually send out guidelines regarding any specific items to pack, but in general, it's good to pack all the basics, paying attention to any and all weather possibilities. A good scout is prepared.

Personal-Equipment-Checklist.pdf

Where does the Troop go camping?

Camp Catherine is a local camp run by the Derry Township Camping Association. It is a camp maintained and run by volunteers involved in scouting for scouts and other youth organizations to use for their camping needs. Located at 1275 Swatara Rd in Hershey, Camp Catherine provides a large field for tent camping, Adirondacks, and a Lodge along with lot of games and hiking trails. Access to Swatara Creek allows for watercraft to put in or take out.


Hidden Valley Scout Reservation in Perry County and Camp Tuckahoe in Dillsburg are the Scout camps in the New Birth of Freedom Council. Troop 203 may use these camps or they may travel to camps of other Councils for Summer Camp and other overnight trips.


Summer Camp is a highlight of the Scouting year. While Troop 203 likes to mix things up and travel to surrounding Council's camps, Camp Rodney near Elkton, Maryland has ranked first in desired locations over the years.

Every couple of years, a Crew from the Troop attend Philmont Scout Reservation in northern New Mexico for a 7 to 10 day adventure. Scouts must be 14 years old or have completed 8th grade to attend.

The National Scouts BSA Jamboree takes place at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in WV every 4 years. But other camps are offered that the Troop may take advantage of.