Boy Scout Program
Polaris Program (First Year Camper Program) specially designed for the first year camper. During the course of the week, the Scout will have the opportunity to complete nearly all of the outdoor requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. The Polaris program is scheduled as to allow scouts to work on one or two merit badges. Scouts should have records of previous requirements accomplished when coming to camp.
Mountain Biking Three different Jeep hiking & biking trails on the camp provide adequate access to rough terrain. If Extreme Mountain biking is for you, some trails offer the ultimate of challenges.
Rock Climbing/Rappelling Scouts will face the challenge of the "Tower" as they climb one side and rappel down the other! After having adequate training they are able to move onto the rock faces right on the camp property.
Black Powder Shooting At Elk Lick Scout Reserve is an exciting experience. A puff of smoke and the loud crack of a black powder rifle stir thoughts of adventure in the outdoors of days gone by.
Older Scout High Adventure to include Whitewater Merit Badge and Extreme Mountain Biking. Will lead to bothon and off camp experiences. Limited spaces available each week.
Link: Camp Merz
Program Highlights
Older Scout Program
If you are a boy scout who has been going to camp for the past couple of years and feel that camp has nothing left to offer you, YOU”RE WRONG! This program isdesigned for scouts 15 and older that are physically fit and enjoy having a good time in the outdoors. Biking; Hiking; Swimming; Kayaking; Canoeing and more; Sound like fun! This program is an all day event running from 9am to 4:50pm each day. There is an additional $50 fee for this program. If you think this is for you, and you meet all the requirements, make sure to sign-up for this great program.
Outpost Camps
If you are not yet old enough to go on the Older Scout Program don’t worry, we also offer a few over night excursion to remote areas of the camp property or even off camp property! They are all fun and open to every Scout. These outposts are the highlight of the week at camp, providing some of the most exciting experiences that a boy could dream of. PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY SCOUTS ATTENDING AN OUTPOST CAMP MUST HAVE HIS OWN HIKING GEAR INCLUDING: BACKPACK, BEDROLL, SLEEPING BAG, HIKING SHOES, WATER BOTTLE, RAINGEAR, ETC.
Shooting Sports Complex
Recently,in 2005, we have added the Hulquist Shooting Sports Complex that allows us to shoot 22’s, Shotgun, and Black Powder at one great place. Located at the back part of camp the Shooting sports complex is great for Scouts and Scouters who love to shooting sports to participate in our program. We also have covered pavilions that offer an Archery and BB Gun Program for scouts of all ages. *Introduced in 2008; we offer a BB Gun Award Program for scouts not old enough to shoot 22’s, Black Powder, or Shotgun.
Sailing, Water Skiing, Motor Boating, and More!
Camp Merz is located on beautiful Chautauqua Lake giving us the chance to utilize our water front to the fullest extent. Our water front activities include: swimming, canoeing, snorkeling, sailing, rowing, water skiing, motorboating, and more! Because of rising fuel costs water skiing and motor boating include a small fee, please see the Leader’s guide for more information. PLEASE NOTE THAT ANY WATER ACTIVITY REQUIRES THE USE OF CLOSED TOE WATER SHOES. NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE TO THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY RULE.