The North Florida Council of the Boy Scouts runs Camp Shands in Hawthorne. Located on 1,000 acres of land, the camp offers eight program areas. Scouts have the opportunity to earn merit badges in activities such as canoeing, sailing, waterskiing, swimming, rock climbing, energy, mammal study, space exploration, art, leatherwork, pottery, fingerprinting, archery, rifle, hiking, cooking, emergency preparedness and wilderness survival. Each night, the scouts participate in activities such as sports nights, campfires and movie nights. For new scouts the camp runs a special program called Green Bar Bill that introduces boys to the foundations of scouting and gives them the chance to advance in rank.
Camp Shands
1453 Baden Powell Road
Hawthorne, FL 32640
352-475-1212
campshands.org
Camp Victory is located in Port St. Lucie and offers a three-week residential wilderness camp experience for boys with ADD, ADHD and behavioral problems. Two sessions are offered each summer; one for boys aged 7 to 11 and the other for boys aged 12 to 17. The young men learn to build shelters, prepare food and participate in physical and mental competitions designed to build honesty, teamwork, self respect and courage. Respect for authority and trust for others is also emphasized. Wilderness skills that are taught during camp include water procurement, fire craft, personal hygiene, pioneering, land navigation, animal awareness and plant awareness.
Camp Victory
638 Southwest Biltmore Street
Port St. Lucie, FL 34983
772-621-9104
uscampvictory.com
The Sand Hills Scout Reservation in Brooksville is a Boy Scout camp facility that's located on 1,212 acres of rolling hills, woods and lakes. A number of summer camps for boys are held each year. The traditional Boy Scout summer camp session serves boys aged 13 and older. Activities include off-site field trips, camping trips, sports tournaments and skills sessions on different topics. A session for Cub Scouts is also held. All camps emphasize the scouting values of compassion, cooperation, citizenship, respect and responsibility.
Sand Hills Scout Reservation
11210 Cortez Boulevard
Brooksville, FL 34613-5401
352- 596-6082
sandhillscoutreservation.com