Whether it’s passing a swim test or tubing down the Octoraro, the Aquatics department has lots of ways to keep you cool from the summer heat.

Skills such as pioneering, wilderness survival, cooking, camping and orienteering are the bedrock of the outdoor self-reliance program for which the Scouting movement was founded, and the Campcraft department has been a faithful advocate of these essentials since the inaugural summer of Camp Horseshoe.

The Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience (C.O.P.E.) program gives older Scouts the opportunity to develop themselves in a variety of fun and exciting ways at the first-rate Allen K. Forssmark C.O.P.E. course. The course – built up since the mid-90s by staff and volunteers such as Allen Forssmark and Jim Battenfelder – continues to expand in scope as the interest and participation grows with each year.

Sometimes known as Shooting Sports, this department affords Scouts the opportunity to learn maintenance, safety, and operational aspects of their firearm, bow or rod while having a great time on the range or in the river.

Whether it’s working with wood, leather, metal or reed, Handicraft is the place to let your wellspring of creativity flow. Located in the Lower Kindness Center, this department offers Art, Leatherwork, Basketry, Woodwork, Woodcarving and Metalworking merit badges.

Doing double duty as health lodge and program area, Scouts can participate in First Aid, EP and Fitness MBs, as well as SIP, First Aid Meets and Track Meets. And of course, they can fix cuts and bruises too.

The Nature and Conservation department has been dedicated to teaching about the environment and the importance of preserving it. From the early days in the ‘Bug House’ to its current location in and around Roberts Lodge, the summer camp staff has continued to provide this education to generations of young Scouts through merit badge classes, quality displays and live demonstrations.

Older Youth Programs have occasionally appeared at Camp Horseshoe over the years, and this exhibit will house their artifacts!

STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – is a program that focuses on applied skill development and was first offered in 2014 at Schramm Lodge.

Originally known as Scoutcraft, this department is for first year campers at Horseshoe who want to explore the whole of what camp has to offer by getting a taste of each program area. Trailblazers also focuses on rank advancement up to first class.