Onteora Scout Reservation
Overview:
Located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, the 1400-acre and 2000-foot altitude, Onteora Scout Reservation (or OSR) is affectionately referred to by those who have experienced the camp as "Land in the Sky." Upon arrival at OSR, you will be met with a traditional greeting of "Welcome Home."
Boy Scouts of different rank and age will have a wide variety of programs to choose from. While OSR is rooted in tradition, its programs are developed with the needs of today's Scouts and leaders in mind.
The Theodore Roosevelt Council's priority is to provide a top notch resident camping experience at OSR supported by a well trained staff committed to exceptional customer service, great food, a variety of program and well maintained facilities.
ALL SCOUTS MUST READ THIS INFORMATION, OPEN THE LINKS & ATTACHMENTS, AND PRINT WHAT THEY NEED. Excuses at camp like "I didn't know" or "no one told me" will be worthy of latrine-duty!
When:
Sunday 7/16/2023 to Saturday 7/22/2023. Scouts are expected to stay the entire week unless clearance has been received ahead of time to leave early (for exceptional circumstances).
Departure/Return: Scouts are responsible for getting themselves to/from camp.
Please leave for camp by 5:30 am on Sunday, so you arrive by 9:00 am. It's almost a 3-hour ride. We have to attend a medical check as a complete group upon arrival before we can go to the site. BE PROMPT so everyone is not standing around in the hot sun all morning waiting. Plus, we have a limited amount of time to set up camp before certain activities, so be considerate and get there on time. Finish packing before Sunday so you can just hop in the car and leave on time that morning.
Once we finish checking in at camp, we will transport the footlockers up to the site in one or two vehicles while only the Scouts and the rest of the leaders attending will hike up to the site. Parents will not be permitted up to the site but can say their goodbyes in the parking lot.
For pickup from camp on Saturday, please plan to arrive by 8:45 am.
Scouts who ride as guests of others please be "courteous" by offering $5 for gas and tolls each way.
Deadlines:
Merit badge selections and final payment due to the troop by May 10, 2023.
We will have a meeting in June to discuss packing and tenting arrangements.
Cost: Regular price camp fee is $585 (deposit of $100 and balance due of $485), with a late fee of $30 if payment deadlines are not met. No sibling discounts. Additional charges for merit badges depending on classes chosen.
Program: The theme for 2023 is "Summerween" - Halloween in the summer. Start thinking about costumes and props that can be brought for Flags! Program guides and merit badge lists will be released in April. Over 70 merit badges will be offered this summer, including the return of "outside the camp" opportunities, ATVs, COPE, hiking, etc. for older Scouts.
Merit Badges:
Review the merit badge offerings long before so they can be registered.
Scouts should complete the registration form themselves.
First year Scouts should be registered in the Dan Beard Program and are strongly encouraged to take the Swimming MB, along with one or two other age appropriate badges such as woodwork, woodcarving, etc.
Review the camp map (listed below under Camp Overview) and try to select back-to-back classes that are relatively close to each other.
Scouts registered for the Camping merit badge should have a letter from the Scoutmaster about Req. 9.
As Onteora uses an electronic advancement system, no physical blue cards will be issued.
Medical Forms: Scouts and leaders attending camp must supply BSA health/medical forms Parts A, B & C PLUS - if applicable - a letter indicating any prescription medication the Scout will take at camp.
*If you previously provided Forms A & B, only form C will be needed. MAKE M.D. APPOINTMENTS/GET PART C FORM TO M.D. NOW. Issues concerning late medical forms may have to be addressed directly with Theodore Roosevelt Council.
Camp Overview:
Promotional Video
2023 Summer Camp Resources
2023 OSR Program Guide
OSR Map
Meals: Eat breakfast before arriving and bring a bag lunch for Sunday. All other meals will be provided at camp.
Campsite: Our campsite is called Flathead (on OSR Map, bottom left under yellow area). Scouts will tent in pairs. Adults should bring their own tent just in case we need them or they don't want to tent with another adult.
Packing List:
Scouts should do their own packing. Parents: Do NOT pack for your son.
Gift (cash) cards for each Scout will be distributed at camp and can be loaded online here before and during the week.
Bring completed merit badge pre-requisites. MB worksheets and workbooks can be printed from here. Scouts should review the requirements for each badge before the trip. Reading the workbook is highly recommended.
If you're bringing medication, have it in original packaging and easily accessible upon arrival for check-in (DON'T pack it).
Pack a pair of closed toed shoes in case certain activities require them.
Bring a brown bag lunch & water for the first day
Wear your Class A uniform to camp for check-in (DON'T pack it).
Reminder: NO massive footlockers (label the outside and all items), NO excessive snacks (please avoid anything with tree nuts/peanuts), NO aerosol sprays.
Scouts should review the 2023 OSR Program Guide so they can plan their week and will know what to bring to participate (such as Crazy Theme Days).
Code of Conduct:
All conduct will be governed by the Scout Oath and Scout Law. We all know what this means. No bullying of any kind, no foul, inappropriate or hurtful language, no rough housing, no inappropriate behavior, no touching anyone's personal stuff, no pranks, no secret groups/excluding, etc. Every Scout will treat every other Scout like their best buddy. Any violation of this code will be addressed sternly.
Patrols:
Patrol Leaders must know who is in their Patrol, make sure their members cover their duty roster jobs and have their full Patrol assembled before leaving for meals and other events.
Address/Directions:
Onteora Scout Reservation
3 Old Hunter Rd
Livingston Manor, NY 12758
Cross Island Parkway north to either the Whitestone or Throgs Neck Bridge
Follow signs to the Cross Bronx Expressway (CBE) westbound to Major Deegan Expressway (I-87) Exit north
Follow Major Deegan Expressway north, which becomes the NYS Thruway
Follow NYS Thruway to NY Route 17 west at Exit 16 (note - Woodbury Commons, a major shopping outlet complex is the exit immediately after entering Route 17)
Follow NY Route 17 to Exit 96, Livingston Manor; Turn left from the exit ramp onto DeBruce Road
Follow DeBruce Road about 2.2 miles to Grooville Road and make a left (there is a sign for OSR)
Follow Grooville Road about 4.5 miles to the entrance of the camp. Bare left at the camp sign, go past the ranger's house, and follow the dirt road, down to the main parking lot - there is a 10 mph speed limit in camp
Contact Information:
Camp Office: (845) 439-5239 but to reach a Scout in an emergency, call one of the leaders.
Scoutmaster Tim Katsoulis: (917)-679-7282
Assistant Scoutmaster Chuck Jettmar: (914) 224-8923
How to Mail Items To Camp:
(Package must have return address)
Attn: [Camper's Name], Troop 71
Onteora Scout Reservation
3 Old Hunter Rd
Livingston Manor, NY 12758
