- Summer Camp
- Upcoming Events
- Order of the Arrow
- High Adventure
- Training
- Eagle Nest
- NESA
- Unit Resources
- Scout Shop
- Maytag Scout Center
- Mitigwa Strong
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Scouting Minute
Matt Hill, Scout Executive
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Go back over 30 years, summer camp has been a part of my life for almost every summer since 1990.
As a Scout, my troop attended camp at George W. Pirtle Scout Reservation every summer. As I got older, that week of summer camp was always in addition to treks to Philmont Scout Ranch or Norther Tier Canoe Base. When I turned 14, I gave up hopes of a fledgling basketball career and chose to spend my summers on staff at George W. Pirtle’s Reservation. Upon further reflection, that was probably a smart career move on my part. In college, this time of year always found me struggling to focus on finals while my thoughts kept drifting to the mountains of Northeast New Mexico and the trails of Philmont. For five summers I got to live the dream of being on the staff of Scouting’s preeminent high adventure base.
For the last 20 years I’ve been involved, in some fashion, in summer camp operations with numerous camps across 6 different states. In that time, I’ve seen countless young men and women whose lives have been changed by Camp. Whether it’s the cub scout attending Akela for their first overnighter to a Scout ice climbing a glacier in Alaska, camp changes lives. Camp changes lives. That statement is still true today just as it was 100 years ago when local community leaders were planning for the first summer of camping at Mitigwa Scout Reservation.
As we are gearing up for our 101st summer on “The Hills Above the River” it’s time we have a frank discussion about Camp.
I’m not sure what those community leaders of 100 years ago would think if they saw what our camping operations look like today. The activities and experiences we offer at Camp, the cost of Camp (both to the camper and to those putting on the Camp),the societal changes that have changed the way we operate Camp in 2023, and the regulatory loopholes we have to jump through due to the litigious society that we live in. Frankly, if they were dealing with what we deal with now, I’m not sure they would have bothered. But aren’t we glad they did?
Since the day I started, on August 1st, 2018, I don’t think a day has gone by that I haven’t had a conversation about Camp. I’ve asked many of you questions such as, “Why don’t you have Mitigwa in your camp’s rotation?”; “Why doesn’t your pack come to Akela?”; “Why aren’t you encouraging your older Scouts to serve on staff?” Some of your answers to these questions have been legitimate concerns or reasons, some have not.
During the four-plus years I’ve been Scout Executive at Mid-Iowa Council, BSA, I have never been more proud of any camping operation. With limited financial resources we’ve made significant capital improvements, thanks to a large number of donors and volunteers. We were the only Scouts BSA camp open in the state of Iowa during the summer of 2020. In 2021, not only did we reopen after a Derecho less than a year before, our camp was stronger than ever. Last, we celebrated our 100th contiguous summer with the best attended week of Camp in recent memory. As we move forward with Camp in 2023, we are excited about our new program features and additional improvements on the horizon.
Thanks to all of you for your support, but frankly…we need more of it.
If your pack or troop hasn’t attended Mitigwa in the past few years, give us a shot.
Encourage your youth to apply to be on staff. Not only will it change their lives, but the pay is also competitive as well.
Finally, thanks to all of you who have supported us with your time, your sweat equity, and your financial and moral support. In addition to the many, many volunteers that make Camp happen, I also want to thank our summer camp staff and our Camp leadership. They strive to deliver a first-class Scouting program for your Scouts each and every summer. Thank you, and have a great summer!
In Scouting,
Matt Hill
Scout Executive
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Eagle Academy is going back to basics!
Redesigned with an emphasis on learning and utilizing the patrol method, the Eagle Academy instructors will help your first year scouts get a jump on their trail to Eagle. The foundational scouting skills are mixed with Basketry, Nature and First Aid merit Badges to provide an exemplary foundation for their Scouting future.
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COPE is back at Mitigwa!
The Mitigwa Scout Reservation is excited about the return of COPE to the Hills above the River. A 10 station high ropes course is being constructed around our current climbing tower. In addition to traditional favorites, we are pumped up about the addition of spar pole climbing at Camp Mitigwa.
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Mitigwa High Trestle Trail Bike Trek
Camp Mitigwa BSA is offering a 3 day, 2 night bicycle trek. Participants will have the opportunity to ride 120 miles of Central Iowa’s High Trestle Trail, and visit some of the towns along the way. On Thursday they will participate in a camp conservation service project to celebrate 100 years of Scout camping at the Mitigwa Scout Reservation.
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Get ready for
Mitigwa Summer Games
August 7-10, 2023
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This is a whole new camp experience! You will get to focus on ONE specialty area of scouting for 3 fun filled days - COPE & Climbing, Shooting Sports, or Aquatics. Learn new skills and perfect old ones. Participants will get a one of a kind Summer Games hat and patch. Join us August 7-10, 2023!
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Merit Badge Sign Up
Is Now Open!
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Camp Promotion Kits
Cub Scout Leaders, be on the look out for Camp Akela promotion kits! You will have all the information you need for a fun filled Pack Night activity centered around Summer Camping at Camp Akela! Get ready for an out of this world summer!
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Start planning your Summer Camp Adventure |
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Cub Scouts can attend one of our many fun filled camping session either with their parents, Den, or Pack. All of our sessions are open for registration. Sign up today for summer 2023 |
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Scouts BSA Troops are getting signed up for the 2023 summer camp season. Along with Troop camping 5 out of 6 weeks of camp we will have individual Scout camping options in week 4 and 6. |
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2023 Camp Staff Interviews
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The service corps is being re established as an aid to the Mitigwa Scout Reservation. Click the link below for more information and Service weekend signup opportunities
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Program Kick Off
June 3rd
Iowa Cubs Game
Find out all the exciting things coming in 2023-2024
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Fishing Derby
May 6th
Don Williams
Prairie Winds Cub Fun Day
June 9th
Grimes Farm, Iowa
Twilight Camp
July 31st - August 4th
Maytag Scout Center
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June 3rd Camp Service Day
We need you to help put the finishing touches on
Camp Mitigwa before it opens for its
Centennial Anniversary Year!
June 10th we will be show casing the Mitigwa Scout Reservation to the community. Those that are able to volunteer June 3rd will help with projects around this special event and finishing preparations for camp opening on June 11th.
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Mitigwa Legacy
Celebrating 100 Years
June 10, 2023
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Bring your Troop to Camp Mitigwa to be a part of our
community wide celebration.
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We need your troop to show off your scouting skills to the community.
What does your troop love about scouting?
Hammocking
Knot Tying
Compass course
Outdoor Cooking
Woodcarving/Leather working
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Or does your troop like to have fun with
Scouting Trivia
Teaching a game
Leave No Trace
Winter Camping Skills
Backpacking Skills
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MITIGWA LODGE UPCOMING EVENTS
Ring Blitz
May 6, 2023
May 19-21, 2023
Newsletters and details on upcoming events can be found at
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The Mid-Iowa Council Philmont Treks |
2023
We plan to include over 50 Scouts and Adult Advisors in our 2023 Expedition.
We will organize those participants into five crews of 10-12 Scouts. Each crew will make their own choice of 35 available itineraries.
Our 2023 departure date is July 22nd with return on August 5th. The cost for the trip is estimated at $1,900.00 (all-inclusive).
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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. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the rugged mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rockies in northeastern New Mexico. This opportunity is open to individual Scouts or unit crews.
For additional information or to sign up contact:
Chuck Jordal
(515)279-8746
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2023 Jamboree
The next National Scout Jamboree will be held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia
July 19-28, 2023.
The Mid-Iowa Council contingent is planning a 15-day experience that promises to be one of the highlights of your scouting career.
Some education, some great fun and 10 glorious days at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia will highlight your jamboree journey. Cedar Point Amusement Park, the Air and Space Museum, White Water Rafting and exploring Mammoth Cave are just some of the highlights, and these are all in addition to 10 amazing days and nights at the National Scout Jamboree.
Sign up TODAY at:
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Be the BEST leader you can! Get Trained
Check out training opportunities below
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Register
Sept. 15-17 & Oct 7-8
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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We need staff for NYLT 2024
Youth and Adults needed!
This program can not happen without trainers
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Welcome to the Eagle's Nest
Congratulations to the Newest Class of Eagle Scouts
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MERIT BADGE COUNSELORS NEED TO RENEW YEARLY
Merit badge counselor renewal process will take place in May. Be sure to attach your E-mail for your renewal notice starting in March. If you do not respond to the renewal notice you will not be able to teach merit badge classes. You can renew your merit badge counselor status any time between March and May. If you do not receive a renewal notice, contact the Maytag Scout Center 515-266-2135
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Campout Safety Checklist
Camping can be enjoyable in almost any area—from the backcountry to summer camp, as well as national high-adventure bases, to name a few. When you decide on a camping trip, you need to consider who, what, where, when, how, and why.
Here are a few items to check off on your Campout Safety Checklist:
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Documentation Needed—This includes medical records, guidebooks, and permission slips. A Scout leader can ensure your safety as well as his or her own when you are both better informed of any limitations, hazards, or permissions.
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Training—General training, such as Youth Protection training, CPR/first aid, and Hazardous Weather, or specific training, such as Trek Safely or Wilderness First Aid, gives you the confidence to know what to do in the event of an emergency.
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Planning—Planning is important. Become familiar with your campsite location and do some research about the weather, licensing/permit requirements, and project or activity guidelines so you can be prepared.
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Equipment—Plan for vehicles involved or tools necessary for your camping experience. Also consider trailer requirements and first-aid or emergency kits.
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Emergency Planning—A prepared Scout is a confident Scout. Keep a cellphone handy as well as a list of local authorities (fire department, police, hospitals, etc.) in case an emergency occurs, such as inclement weather or a lost Scout. If you are in the backcountry, canyons, or a remote location, coverage may be one to two hours away. A GPS tracking/messaging device is helpful in these locations.
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Program—Know your program. There should be age-appropriate activities, safety equipment, proper supervision, and a discussion on potential hazards.
RESOURCES
https://www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/safety-moments/campout-safety-checklist/
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Upcoming Scout Shop Holidays
Memorial Day
May 29, 2023 - Closed
Independence Day
July 4, 2023 - Closed
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Upcoming Admin Office Holidays
Good Friday - April 7, 2023
Memorial Day - May 29, 2023
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$1,019,117 raised to date from hundreds of donors from 37 states for Mitigiwa disaster relief. Thank you! |
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These generous donors have given at the MitigwaStrong Life Scout ($600) level or higher to rebuild Mitigwa. THANK YOU!
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Al Strohmaier
Alan Koch
Albert Jergens
Albert Sandstrom
Andrew Hansen
Andrew Overton
Angela Sarvis
Angela White & Family
Barry Romitti
Ben Petrzilka Memorial
Burris Family
Foundation
Benjamin Voetberg
Brandon Clabaugh
C. Edward Brown
Charlie Hull
Chris Jones
Chuck Jordal
Cub Scout Pack 61
Cullen Stevens
Dale Herzberg
Dalton Jones
Dan & Amy Maiers
Daniel Henderson
Darren Geil
Daryl Purscell
Dave Richards
David Green
David Schrader
Dean Snyder Construction
Devick Family
Dick Williams
Dick & Joy Coe Trust
Don Sanning
Dong & Jennifer Banh
Dr. Eric Miller
Dr. Joel Waymire & Family
Dr. Joshua Young
E Plus Automation
Eric White
Ernest Steward
Fareway Stores
Gary Howe Jr.
Gary Warning
Geoff & Carrie Greenwood
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Greentech Iowa
Heartland Finishes
Herby Family Foundation
Hickory Park Trucking
Hugh Ceaser
In memory of Bruce Buchanan
In memory of Chris Jutting
In memory of Daniel Korte
In Memory of Doug Stoehr
In memory of Lowell Titus
In memory of Mary Jane Waymire
In memory of Chris Baldon
In memory of Gary Skinner
In Memory of Steven Hamilton Hill
In memory of Steven Walter
In Memory of Shawn M. Larson
Jack Hilmes
Jack Hon
Jack Vermie
James Shumaker
Jamie Leonard & Family
Jeff Flowers
Jeremy Schultz
Jim & Rosie Aipperspach
John Halbrook
Joseph Harris
Josh Whitson
Joshua Anderson
Judy Andrews
Kellie Schall
Kevin Bennett
Kinter Construction Services
Kiwanis Club of Des Moines
Koch Office Group
Kyle Jacobsen
Larry Leigh
Linda Buchanan
Lowell Titus Trust
Margueritte Jackson
Matt Hill
Mark Hinds
Marsha Bailey
Marv & Gay Wilson
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Mary Johnson
Matt Curran
Michael Cain
Michael L. Canney & Family
MidAmerican Energy
Mike Kinter
Mike & Bree Cooper
Mike Miller
Modern Woodmen of America
Morris Rosen
Neal Venvertloh
New York Life Foundation
Nicole Welch
Paul Hughes
Peter Bergeland
Polk County Board of Supervisors
Randy Rosander
Rob Susedik
Robert DeWaay
Ron Polle
Rosemary Williams Memorial Fund
Rotary Club of West Des Moines
Russell Stokes
Schlenker Family
Scott Havens
Secretario Family
Seth Elgin
Shirley & Jacques Foster
Steve Pendry
Steven Eddy
SVPA Architects
Tedd Devick
The Wellmark Foundation
Tom Cox
Tom Sullivan
Tom & Patti Daft
Trent & Robin Frohock
Tyler Cooper
Underwood Family Foundation
Venter Spooner
William & Cynthia Rowley
William Mabuce
William Wallace Montgomery III
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Mid-Iowa Council | 6123 Scout Trail | Des Moines, IA | 50321 | 515-266-2135 |
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