Camp Bell

Camp Bell is a unique Scouting experience. This troop and patrol camp is designed for all aged Scouts to participate in. The paramount mission of Camp Bell is to strengthen patrols within the troop structure. We accomplish this through a wide range of different program areas each offering hands on patrol participation activities. Program areas have both traditional and living history atmosphere to them. Patrols visit a program area for a good part of a day, participate in activities and instruction, earn advancement and strengthen the patrol all at the same time. Patrol cooking, like the National Jamboree, is offered in the campsite as a means of building the patrol method and strengthening cooking skills. Camp Bell offers a camping challenge for troops and patrols ready for classic Scouting.

Instruction Offered In the Following

Program offerings at Camp Bell are different than the traditional Scout camps. All activities are:

• Patrol based
• Extend throughout the entire day, therefore utilizing quality time for quality results
• Hands on experience
• Develop leadership, teamwork and resource within each patrol
• Offer advancement byproduct

The programs at Bell are for All Aged Scouts, for new Scouts learning the 'First Year Skills" in the CURLEW Program at Brownsea, to Motor Boating or Valley Voyageur for older Scouts.

The Program Areas at Bell

• Brownsea: Scout craft outdoor skills, pioneering, cooking, ropework, woods tools, Tenderfoot and Second Class skills, nature observation and much more. All based around Baden Powell's first camp: Brownsea Aquatics: largest lake on property, motor boating, tubing, water skiing, patrol sailing, snorkeling, swimming, patrol games
• Bell Farm: NH Farming at the turn of the century, farm animals, gardening, farm skills, farm mechanics and horse back riding
• Logging Camp: visit the old lumberjack settlements and learn skills in forestry, wood stools, lumberjack games from the north woods lumber camps
• Mountain Man: Participate in the lore of trappers and frontiersmen, black powder rifles, tomahawk throw, field archery, leatherwork
• Challenge Valley: patrol challenges, a muddy obstacle course
• Climbing Barn: Indoor climbing barn, rappelling.

Campsites

Campers sleep in wall tents placed on wooden platforms. Cots are provided. Latrine facilities are within the campsite. Showers are nearby.

Dining Out at Camp Bell

Camp Bell offers troops and patrols a unique opportunity for feeding.

• Breakfast and Supper most days are patrol cooking in the unit's campsite. Camp Bell provides all the equipment for each patrol. This includes, picnic table, tarp, patrol cook box outfitted with utensils, pots, pans, dutch ovens, griddles, cleaning supplies an so on. The camp further provides each patrol with a 4 burner LP stove set up.
• Menus are developed by each patrol before they arrive at camp from the food lists we provide. This gives each patrol an opportunity to learn the planning process and development of good menus (part of Cooking Merit Badge).
• Theme Area meals: Areas as Logging Camp, Mountain Man and Brownsea offer lunch meals for participating patrols that support the theme of the area. Patrols participate in their preparation and enjoy meals as once enjoyed by our ancestors.
• Meals on the Trail: At other rimes as patrol participate in more traditional programs, trail lunches are provided, eliminating the need to prepare lengthy meals at their patrol site.

Trading Post

A wide selection of T-shirts, souvenirs, candy, snacks, soda, camping equipment, souvenirs, and merit badge pamphlets are available.

Camp Staff

Our camp staff is some of the finest Scouts and Scouters around. Many are Eagle Scouts. All participate in intensive training prior to camp. The BSA National Camp School certifies all Key staff.

Health Services

Camp Bell is equipped with a health lodge staffed by a resident nurse, and an EMT. They provide competent care for injuries and illness. A nonresident physician is on call at all times and local hospitals are available for campers needing additional attention.

To Contact Camp Bell

By Mail:
(Scout's Name, Unit # or Staff)
GHVSR - Camp Bell
2B Eileen Shore Road
Gilmanton Iron Works, NH 03837

By Phone:
Summer Camp Season Only:
(603) 524-0436