Camping
Troop 5 participates in monthly campouts during the spring and fall, with indoor winter activities. Traditionally, our Troop attends the annual Summer Camp at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reserve (MSR) in the Pearson, Wisconsin Northwoods.
Experience the Great Outdoors with Troop 5’s Camping Program
At Troop 5, we believe in the transformative power of the great outdoors. Our camping program offers an unparalleled opportunity for scouts to connect with nature, build leadership skills, and forge friendships. With a rich tradition of youth-led outdoor adventure, Troop 5 is the perfect place for young adventurers to explore the wilderness and embark on unforgettable journeys.
Our camping program is designed to provide scouts with immersive outdoor experiences that challenge and inspire. From monthly weekend campouts to our summer camp at Ma Ka Ja Wan to extended backpacking trips, we offer a diverse range of opportunities for scouts to discover the beauty and wonder of nature. Whether pitching tents under the stars, hiking through scenic trails, or cooking over an open fire, our camping adventures foster a sense of independence, self-reliance, and resilience in scouts.
At Troop 5, safety is our top priority. Our experienced leaders are trained to ensure that every camping trip is conducted with the highest standards of safety while providing the scouts the space they need to learn and grow. We provide scouts with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the wilderness confidently and responsibly, fostering a sense of stewardship for the natural world.
One of the highlights of our camping program is the camaraderie and sense of community that develops among scouts. Through shared experiences and teamwork, scouts form bonds that last a lifetime, creating memories that they will cherish for years to come. Whether conquering a challenging hike, participating in a campfire sing-along, or working together to set up camp, our scouts learn the value of collaboration, leadership, and friendship.
Join us at Troop 5 and experience the adventure of a lifetime with our camping program. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or new to the world of camping, there’s a place for you in our troop. Discover the thrill of the wilderness, the joy of exploration, and the camaraderie of the scout experience. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with Troop 5’s camping program!
Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan
Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation is an unforgettable experience for all scouts. We are excited to return this year!
Though the support of the Scouting community, Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation provides summer camp programs for BSA Scouts and Webelos nationwide.
Troop 5 attends in weeks 5 and 6.
We suggest first-year campers attend during week 5, but some opt to attend week 6 for personal scheduling reasons. Many scouts attend both weeks! Some scouts from Troop 5 will attend individually as a “provisional” camper during one of the other weeks. We can provide additional information on provisional camping if needed.
For more information, please visit our Resources page or the Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation
High Adventure
In addition to the camping events we arrange each month, Troop 5 traditionally plans for High Adventure trips each summer or fall. The troop may attend one of the Boy Scouts of America High Adventure Bases, such as the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, or plan other significant trips.
High Adventure trips are for youth that are rising high school freshmen and older, primarily for members of our Venture Crew 5, although we have begun providing opportunities for younger scouts to experience backpacking and other high adventure opportunities such as our mini trek in Shawnee National Forest.
Philmont Scout Ranch High Adventure Base
Philmont Scout Ranch, the Boy Scouts of America’s premier High Adventure™ base, challenges Scouts and Venturers with more than 214 square miles of rugged northern New Mexico wilderness. Backpacking treks, horseback cavalcades, and training and service programs offer young people many ways to experience this legendary country. Crew 5 generally attends Philmont every other year.
First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette
600 Ninth Street
Wilmette, IL 60091
Troop 5 is chartered to the First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette
Northeast Illinois Council,
Boy Scouts of America