There is more to summer camp than merit badges! Special Programs and Afternoon 

Adventures give Scouts opportunities to step outside their regular schedule, try 

something new, explore more of Knox, and make the most of their week at camp.

Throughout the week, Scouts can choose from a variety of unique activities that may not 

fit within the traditional merit badge program. These experiences are designed to 

encourage adventure, exploration, friendly competition, creativity, and good old

fashioned camp fun. Some may challenge Scouts to learn a new skill, while others offer 

an opportunity to explore the outdoors, spend time on the water, compete alongside 

friends, or experience a part of Knox they might otherwise miss.

Afternoon Adventures are especially designed to provide a break from the structured 

merit badge schedule. Whether a Scout is looking for a new challenge, an unexpected 

adventure, or simply another great camp memory, these programs offer a chance to 

choose their own adventure and experience summer camp beyond the classroom.

Offerings may vary throughout the week based on staffing, weather, equipment, and 

availability, so Scouts should keep an eye on camp announcements and the daily 

schedule for opportunities to join in!  

Mile Swim: Scouts and Adults are welcome to participate in the ultimate test of  physical fitness and swimming ability in the BSA. This program will work up to the  mile by building endurance through supervised training sessions throughout the  week. Scouts and Scouters that earn the mile swim at Knox Scout Reservation wear  their award with pride. 

Time: Tuesday morning, 6am until complete

Age: All ages Difficulty: Difficult

Iron Scout Competition: This is a triathlon competition available to Scouts and their adult leaders. Participants will begin at Aquatics where they will compete in a multi discipline race including swimming, running and bicycling across the Knox campus and end at the dining hall to eat a well earned breakfast.

Time: Tuesday morning, 6am until complete

Age: All ages Difficulty: Difficult

Knox Color Run: Get ready to run, cheer, and get colorful! Take on a 5K course through Robert E. Knox Scout Reservation while camp staff stationed along the route send runners through bursts of non-toxic color powder. Participants are encouraged to bring a white T-shirt to show off every splash of color as they make their way to the finish line! Not running? Come out and line the course to cheer on your fellow Scouts and help make the Knox Color Run a campwide celebration. Whether you're racing for your best time or just in it for the colorful fun, this is one Knox adventure you won't forget!

Time: Thursday morning, 6am until complete

Age: All ages Difficulty: Difficult

Survivor Island: Wilderness Survival: We have taken the Wilderness Survival Merit Badge to a whole new level. Your survivor experience begins with a “shipwreck” on an island. Survivors will test their survival techniques as they compete with each other for resources using Scouting skills. Note that all scouts will be afforded necessary comfort items.

Time: Thursday evening, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Requirement: Scouts must Pass Swimmer’s Test.

Age: Recommended Age 14 (open to Adult leaders) Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Knox Disc Golf: Grab a disc and hit the course! Scouts and leaders are invited to take advantage of Knox's 9-hole disc golf course for a fun, laid-back challenge during their free time. Play a friendly round with your troop, challenge your friends, or simply enjoy exploring camp while testing your accuracy and throwing skills. No tee time required—just bring your sense of adventure and see how you score!

Time: Monday-Friday, Freetime

Age: Any age Difficulty: Moderate

Climbing Wall:  Come and explore our 30ft climbing wall with three  courses that will be available for scout use on select days at camp. *The climbing MB is not currently being offered at camp, but scouts may get  requirements marked off for current incomplete badges. Time: Available on select days during free time 

Age: All ages Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Geocaching and Orienteering: Tucked away in the little hidden areas are caches for you to discover! K.S.R. has its own geocache course. Scouts can check out a GPS unit from the Sewell Admin Center Office, get the clues and logbook, and then search for hidden prizes. Note that you may need to go off trail to get to some of the caches.

Time: Available during free time Age: All ages Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification: Take your aquatics skills to the next level while making the most of your week at camp! Knox is pleased to offer American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification for eligible Scouts ages 15 and older and adult leaders. This intensive two-day certification course is a great opportunity for experienced Scouts who have already completed many traditional merit badges, as well as busy adult leaders who want to earn a valuable certification without scheduling additional time away from home. Participants should be prepared for a challenging, hands-on course and must meet all American Red Cross prerequisites for certification. Because the course takes place during the regular program day, Scouts participating will miss scheduled merit badge instruction during the two-day course and should plan their camp schedules accordingly. An additional course fee applies and is not included in regular summer camp fees. Space may be limited, so interested participants are encouraged to plan ahead and take advantage of this special opportunity while at Knox! Study materials can be found on the American Red Cross website here:  https:// www.redcross.org/take-a-class/lifeguarding/lifeguard-preparation/lifeguard-manual

Time: Full 2 day course, days TBA

Age: Scouts ages 15 and up, adults Difficulty: Difficult

Knox Rocks!: Put your unit's Scout spirit and leadership on display! Troops will have opportunities throughout the week to lead the raising and lowering of the colors during Knox's morning and afternoon flag assemblies. Participating units can practice teamwork, citizenship, ceremony, and proper flag etiquette while providing an important service to the entire camp community. Sign up during the week and help begin—or close—the camp day the Scouting way!

Time: Monday-Friday, all day

Hiking on Knox’s Ecology Trail: Slow down, hit the trail, and discover the natural side of Knox! Our mapped Ecology Trail follows clearly marked paths through camp, with informational markers highlighting native trees, dendrology, local ecology, and the natural features of the reservation. Scouts and leaders can enjoy a self-guided hike while learning more about the forest community around them and gaining a greater appreciation for the diverse ecosystem that makes Knox special.

Time: Monday-Friday, free time

Free Swim and Boating: Cool off and make a splash during your free time! The waterfront will offer designated opportunities for free swim and recreational boating, giving Scouts a chance to relax, get out on the water, and enjoy the lake outside of their scheduled program sessions. Grab a buddy, head to the waterfront, and make the most of summer at Knox! All waterfront activities are subject to established aquatics safety procedures and staff supervision.

Time: Monday-Friday, free time

The Knox Spirit Stick: There are awards at Knox…and then there is THE SPIRIT STICK! Throughout the week, units will compete for camp's most coveted prize by participating enthusiastically in activities, demonstrating outstanding Scout spirit and Scout-like behavior in program areas and around camp, supporting their fellow Scouts, and—of course—bringing their loudest, proudest, most enthusiastic troop spirit to each day's flag assemblies!

The Spirit Stick will be awarded to one deserving unit at each afternoon flag assembly. That unit earns the honor of taking it back to its campsite and adding its own decoration to the growing Knox tradition. There is only one rule: spirit may be added, but it may NEVER be removed!

The next day, the competition begins again and the Spirit Stick continues its journey around camp, collecting a little piece of each winning unit along the way. At Friday's Closing Campfire, one troop will be named the Ultimate Spirit Unit of the Week and take home the Knox Spirit Stick for keeps

So bring your cheers, bring your creativity, live the Scout Oath and Law, support your fellow campers, and above all—BRING THE SPIRIT!

Time: Monday-Friday, all day.

Friday Night, Family Night: Friends and family members are invited to visit camp on Friday evening, beginning at 5:00 p.m. At 6:20 p.m., we will serve dinner; visitors who would like to purchase a dinner ticket ($5) will be able to do so in the trading post starting at 5:45p.m. At 8:00 p.m., all are invited to the Campfire Extravaganza (during which Scouts will be presented with special awards and recognitions) at the amphitheater.

Time: Friday evening, beginning at 5:00pm

Knox Conservation: Leave your mark on Knox by helping care for the land we call  home! Throughout the week, Scouts and units can take part in hands-on  conservation and stewardship projects that support the health, beauty, and long-term  sustainability of the reservation. Projects may include habitat improvement, trail work,  invasive-species management, erosion control, or other camp needs. It's a great  opportunity to put conservation-minded Scouting into action and help leave Knox  better than you found it! 

Time: Monday-Friday, free time

Mountain Biking: Bring your bike and experience Knox on two wheels! Our 6-mile mountain biking trail winds around the perimeter of camp, offering Scouts an adventurous way to explore the reservation and put their trail-riding skills to the test. Riders must bring their own bicycle, wear all required PPE, and follow all camp biking and safety rules while on the trail. For safety, night riding is not permitted, so plan your ride during designated daylight hours and get ready to hit the trail!

Time: Monday-Friday, free time

Fishing: Cast a line and enjoy some quiet time along the water! Scouts and leaders are welcome to enjoy self-guided, catch-and-release fishing at the designated fishing area behind Red Oak Lodge. Knox provides fishing poles and bait, or anglers are welcome to bring their own gear. Whether you're an experienced fisherman or just want to see what might be biting, it's a great way to slow down and enjoy the outdoors at Knox!

Time: Monday-Friday, free time

Reel Adventures:  The Knox Video Challenge: Lights, camera...KNOX! Scouts and leaders are invited to team up and create a short promotional video showcasing what makes summer camp at Knox special. Capture your favorite programs, traditions, places, and camp memories while putting technology to work in a positive and creative way in the outdoors. Approved videos may even be featured on our camp social media! All entries must be submitted to and approved by the Program Director and Camp Director, and a prize for the best Reel Adventure will be presented at Friday's Closing Campfire. To protect our Scouts and ensure everyone can enjoy camp safely, all filming must follow Scouting America's youth protection, privacy, and digital-media guidelines as outlined in the Guide to Safe Scouting and camp policies. Videos may not be livestreamed, posted in real time, or uploaded to personal social media as part of this challenge. Participants should always ask permission before filming others and follow all instructions from camp leadership regarding appropriate filming locations and activities.

Time: Monday-Friday *Submissions must be turned in to the Program Director by lunch on Friday