Please read carefully as traditions are valued highly at Camp Horseshoe

Retreat Ceremony - This daily observance has changed little since the first season over 75 years ago. It presents an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our duty to our country and those who have given so much to win and maintain our freedom. It is also a great time to build troop esprit de corps. All Scouts must attend in full uniform. In an effort to set a good example for the Scouts, we also require that adults wear full uniform to retreat and dinner. Leaders not wearing “Class A” uniform will not be permitted to attend dinner.

Scouts form as a troop, stand retreat, and pass in review. Leaders stand on the review line with the staff. Please make a point to explain the meaning of the ceremony to your Scouts and encourage them to assume the proper attitude during retreat. Dishonorable conduct may result in losing the Standard Troop Award.

Please note that although based on military retreat ceremonies, the Boy Scouts are not a paramilitary group. Therefore, Boy Scouts may not adhere to the same standards and traditions as the service when it comes to marching, saluting, and organization. We ask that you respect our unique ceremony, which is a strong part of the camp’s 75-year history.

Retreat Trophy - Troops are judged on their marching skills and uniform appearance, with a trophy awarded to the winner each evening. The judges consider if the troop is in step with a full stride, holds its ranks, executes a right column and two right flanks properly, and wears a complete Scout uniform.

Vespers, Chapel, and other Religious Services - A short vespers gathering is held Wednesday after dinner in the picnic grove. This service is non-sectarian, so everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend regardless of religious belief. An uplifting message will accompany fun singing and patriotic observances.

A non-denominational Christian service is offered Sunday morning at the Horseshoe Chapel. All are welcome to attend.

A non-sectarian Scout’s Own service will be held in an alternate location for Scouts and adults not wishing to attend the Christian chapel service. Please see the Program Director early in the week for details.

Order of the Arrow - The Order of the Arrow (OA) is a national honor and service organization that was founded to recognize those Scouts and leaders who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. A special flap on their right uniform pocket and a sash worn during Lodge activities identifies members.

Camp Horseshoe is served by Octoraro Lodge 22, a thriving group of dedicated Scouts and Scouters who are responsible for maintaining the facilities and traditions of camp. Eligibility for Scouts is determined with Unit Leader approval, rank, and camping tenure. Annual elections are held by troops under the direction of a Lodge Official.

Standard Patrol Award - This is awarded to patrols of at least 5 Scouts and no more than 10 Scouts who satisfactorily complete advancement, participation, and service requirements specified on the Standard Patrol application. Please be sure to review the Standard Patrol application carefully. There are standards for the patrol log that will be strictly observed. Projects must be completed on time.

Standard Troop Award - This is awarded to troops with at least 50% of their membership in camp. All patrols must earn the Standard Patrol Award and the troop must qualify by having participated in camp-wide events to the satisfaction of the Program Director. The troop must also earn the Clean Camp Award. A minimum of two patrols must be in camp to earn this award.

Clean Camp Award - This is earned by maintaining clean camp standards for at least five of the six daily inspections.

Silver Buckle - A silver buckle for the Ton-Ca-Coo belt is awarded to one youth member from each troop who, in the opinion of his fellow Scouts, has above all others demonstrated the finest example of Scout Spirit, the Scout Oath, and the Scout Law in his conduct throughout the week. The Scout selected must be from a troop of at least eight members, have been in camp all week, be under the age of eighteen, and never have received the award before. Adults should not influence this determination. It should be made exclusively by the Scouts themselves.

Camp Horseshoe Emblem - A round 3” patch is awarded to all first year campers and a year segment is awarded to each Scout provided that he has done the following things:

The Horseshoe patch will be awarded only to those Scouts who are present with their troop from Sunday to Sunday. Those leaving camp early for any reason do not qualify for the award.

100% Patrol Award - Awarded to those patrols that have 100% of their natural patrol (a patrol formed provisionally for camp does not qualify) in camp all week. The award is a segment for the Horseshoe Patch.

Ton-Ca-Coo Belt Branding - In the Mohawk language, ton-ca-coo means “little deeds.” One of our most enduring and popular traditions is the recognition of the many little deeds accomplished at camp by a system of different brands that can be applied to a leather belt. There are approximately 30 brands that Scouts and leaders can earn while spending a week in camp. Belt kits are available from the Trading Post and help in assembling and branding the belts is available from the Handicraft staff.

Camp wide Game Awards - Throughout the week, there will be many opportunities for camp-wide competition. Many of these games are inter-troop or inter-patrol where troops and patrols compete against each other for ribbons and other trophies, which are awarded, at Sunday lunch. For patrol competitions, natural patrols should be used whenever possible. In addition, most games will be designed such that patrols of less than six Scouts will not be able to compete. Please arrange patrols accordingly.

For inter-troop competitions, generally troops smaller than ten Scouts will be encouraged to join with another small troop. The combined troops will share any awards earned.

Special Note on Scouting Recognition - The significance of any award is diminished if standards are not upheld. Scouting relies on its leadership to judge fairly and equitably. At camp, we expect the troop leadership to understand and support the standards we have established for these awards. We appreciate your assistance in doing so.

Awards Using Summer Camp Experience - Several national BSA awards require summer camping experience for completion, using leadership skills and the patrol method that we emphasize in all activities at Camp Horseshoe. These include the National Camping Award and the Quality Unit BSA. The requirements for these two awards are available from the Council Service Center.

Basic Leader Training - CCCBSA will sponsor adult leader training at both camps this summer. Please look for a flyer in your mailbox when you check into camp for details on locations of the training sessions for your week.

         All summer camp training courses are free of charge. Training Certificates will be issued.

The following training courses will be offered: 

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