For Scouts BSA and Venturing youth, a week at Bay-Lakes Council’s flagship resident summer camp is far more than just a getaway—it’s a transformative outdoor adventure that builds skills, character, confidence, and lifelong memories. 

Scientific communities widely recognize the profound importance of outdoor education for youth development. Decades of research, including meta-analyses and large-scale studies, show that time spent in nature improves cognitive function (especially attention and executive skills), boosts academic performance and standardized test scores, enhances social connections and prosocial behaviors, reduces stress and symptoms of anxiety or ADHD, promotes better mental health and emotional regulation, and fosters resilience, self-esteem, and environmental stewardship.

A week immersed in the woods and on the water, living in a nurturing community at Bear Paw delivers precisely these evidence-based benefits in a structured, supportive Scouting environment—helping Scouts thrive both during camp and long after they return home. Bear Paw offers unlimited opportunities to connect with nature at its finest. Campers can hike scenic trails (including treks to Explorer Point, Lost Mountain, or Waupee Falls), fish, mountain bike on dedicated trails, canoe, sail, swim in Bear Paw Lake, raft the whitewater at nearby Gardner Dam Adventure Base, explore the Nicolet National Forest on ATVs, or get up close and personal with the challenging natural rockface!

One of the biggest benefits of attending Scouts BSA Resident Summer Camp at Bear Paw is focused, expert-led instruction that’s hard to replicate at the troop level. Bear Paw offers a wide array of merit badges and activities across multiple program areas to aid in advancement, including: Aquatics, Range & Target Activities, High Adventure, STEM, Nature & Conservation, Outdoor Skills, and Handicraft.

Ready to sign up? Visit the Bay-Lakes Council Camps website or follow the link below for dates, the leader guidebook, merit badge catalog, and to reserve your spot. Spaces fill quickly—don’t miss this opportunity for your Scout to experience the magic of Bear Paw Scout Camp!

A proud Wisconsin native, Andrew holds a B.S. in Psychology from UW-Green Bay and a M.A. in Counseling from Lakeland University. His educational background provides him with a strong foundation in leadership, communication, and human behavior—skills that are vital for fostering the growth and character development of our Scouts.

Andrew lives in Sheboygan with his wife, Danielle, and their two children, Noah and Alex. They’re are frequent visitors to the many wonderful parks throughout Sheboygan County and love spending time along the lakeshore.

When he isn’t working to support the Scouting mission, Andrew stays active through swimming and tapping into his creative side through drawing and writing. He’s also recently returned to a long-time hobby, dusting off the keys to start playing the piano again.

There is still time to register for the Council Recognition Dinner. We are proud to honor our 2025 Silver Beaver, Rich Balch, and NOESA (National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award) to Dennis Buehler - CEO of Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, Alex Tyink - CEO of Fork Farms, and Bruce Wisnefske - Senior Director of Advanced Manufacturing Operations for Sargento Foods.

The Silver Beaver Award is Scouting America’s highest honor bestowed at the council level, recognizing registered adult volunteers who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council. It is with great pride that the Bay-Lakes Council presents this honor to Rich Balch of the Voyageur District, Class of 2025.

Rich’s Scouting journey spans more than two decades of committed, high-impact volunteer service. Beginning in 2004 as a Den Leader and Pack Committee Chair with Pack 4172, Rich steadily grew into one of the most respected leaders in the Voyageur District. He has served as Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop Committee Chair, District Committee Member, Unit Commissioner, Merit Badge Counselor, and most recently as District Training Committee Chair — a position he continues in today.

Join us at the Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, for the Council Annual Meeting, Award Presentation, and Dinner, where we will be recognizing Rich and our other award recipients.

Maple Syrup - From Tree to Pancakes. All of that wrapped up in a Scouting event! Come to Bear Paw Scout Camp this spring and learn more about how we make maple syrup at Bear Paw…and of course, try some of that amazingly tasty stuff that makes Scouting Sweeter One Bottle at a Time. 

Come join us for a weekend of camping and learning Saturday, April 25-26, 2026, at Camp Rokilio! This fun and informative course includes much outdoor learning, camping, knife safety, GPS, hiking, cooking and more! Beyond outdoor skills, we teach fun programming tips, ceremonies, and how to put on memorable campfire programs. Get hands on learning experience about what it means to be a Cub Scout!

Completion of the BALOO course is required for at least ONE leader or parent in a Pack who attends any overnight programming including, Webelos/AOL campouts, family camps, museum overnighters, EAA sleepovers, Zoo campouts, etc.

The cost is $60 per adult which covers food, program materials, take home resources and facilities. For more information, please contact Tammi Thurow at Tammi.Thurow@Scouting.org.

The Twin Lakes District is excited to host our annual Fish-O-Ree to introduce families to the world of fishing on June 6, 2026, in Oshkosh! This fun, hands-on event is perfect for children and their parents, providing a great opportunity to learn and enjoy the outdoors together. Cub Scouts will rotate through seven exciting stations, where they will learn the basics of fishing. After the first six stations are completed, they can move onto the seventh and final station which is unlimited open fishing! Limited fishing gear will be provided if needed, but you are welcome to bring your own equipment.

The event is open to Cub Scouts from all districts! We are also currently seeking Scouts BSA youth who are interested in fishing to volunteer; they will help lead stations and will have free time to fish as well!

Registration opens 3/2/2026. Contact Event Chair, Kathy Myszewski, with any questions

Camp with us during the GT World Challenge Weekend and enjoy thrilling adventures and amazing experiences at Road America. Scouts will get a 3-day experience come for a day or stay all three days. Activities include walking/riding bikes around the 4 miles race circuit, outdoor movie on the big screen during sun set, explore the paddock and pits talking with race teams and drivers, hands on automotive activities, disc golfing, geocaching, grid walk and present the colors during the National Anthem, explore karting day that Saturday with go-kart races happening on the Motorplex circuit., and so much more!

Elevate your Scouting experience! You can be a part of the largest event in Scouting!

Scouts with their parents, and adult leaders, are invited to join us for a JAMBOREE RALLY on Sunday, March 8, 7:00 p.m. using this Zoom link: Jamboree Rally. 

Adult Leaders: Travel and tour with the contingent and serve as Jamboree contingent staff members for a part of the Jamboree.

Complete the JAMBOREE 2026 INTEREST FORM to receive Jamboree updates and links for Jamboree meetings.

Contact Mike Mailand for more information.

When I created the Bay-Lakes Trail Trekkers program in 2022, I never knew the excitement it would generate across Bay-Lakes Council in both young and old alike. Scouts and Scouters have taken to the outdoors, discovered hiking trails and scenic views they may not have otherwise discovered, made new friends, and chipped away at advancement in the process. As I pondered a succession plan, I have decided it is the appropriate time to pass the torch to another Scouter with an equal love of hiking. I am therefore looking for a new Trail Trekkers Coordinator to take this program to new heights, as I focus my energy on other programs and initiatives within Bay-Lakes Council.

Feedback: Have a thought or question? We'd love to hear from you. Please share your comments with us. It is easy; just reply to this email or send a message to guide@baylakesbsa.org.