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About Camp Bowman
Experience Scout Camp as it is supposed to be.
Camp Bowman offers camping for 400 and includes a chapel, handicraft area, extensive archery, rifle and shotgun areas, parade field, aquatics, shower house, and direct access to hiking trails. Camp Bowman is our Patrol Cooking Camp and can help your Scouts apply their skills whether they are brand new or in their late teens. There are lots of lessons (teamwork, cooking, cleaning, etc.) to be learned through Patrol Cooking that cannot be learned in a dining hall.
Contents
Ask your friendly Camp Director if you have questions.
Bowman’s Program
In addition to the standard Merit Badge program, listed below, we offer a number of supplementary programs. Such programs include activities like Action Archery and Troop program features like Troop Rifle & Archery Shoots, Pirate’s Breakfast, and Polar Bear Swimming.
Bowman Brigade
Our First Year Camper program is primarily designed for the Scout who has recently registered and has not been introduced to the Scout, Tenderfoot, and Second Class advancement requirements. In this program, Bowman Brigade staff take the first-years around camp to each of the different program areas and help them earn Merit Badges (Mammal Study, Leatherwork or Basketry, and Swimming), as well as the skills to earn multiple Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class requirements. Scoutmaster involvement is encouraged and always welcome.
Bowman Vets
In our Older Scout program, Scouts engage in a variety of challenges, including wakeboarding, action archery, a mini iron man, and an introduction to Lenhok’sin High Adventure. The program will also include an overnighter that will test the endurance of the scouts, as it takes them on a hike to higher altitudes and beautiful views to spend the night and return in the morning. Merit Badges include Geocaching, Search and Rescue, and Water Sports. Due to physical demand, scouts are encouraged to be 14 years of age to participate in the program.
For more information, please take a look at the program schedule and other information in the downloads section.
Merit Badge Program 2017
Admin
Communication
First Aid
Aquatics
Canoeing
Kayaking
Lifesaving
Motorboating
Rowing
Small Boat Sailing
Swimming
Water Sports
Handicraft
Art
Architecture
Basketry
Leatherwork
Music
Theater
Welding
Wood Carving
Nature
Astronomy
Bird Study
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Fish & Wildlife Management
Fishing
Forestry
Geology
Mammal Study
Nature
Reptile & Amphibian Study
Weather
Scoutcraft
Camping
Cooking
Emergency Preparedness
Orienteering
Pioneering
Wilderness Survival
Shooting Sports
Archery
Rifle Shooting
Shotgun Shooting
Other
Climbing (Offered through Camp Post)
ATV Program
Come ride ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) this summer at Goshen Scout Reservation!
The program runs from 2:00pm – 6:00pm Monday through Thursday. Dinner is provided. Scouts complete a safety course before embarking on a week of excellent fun and adventure, involving circuit courses, mud pits, and trail riding.
Riders must be at least 16 years old on the first day of the program. It is recommended that they be strong enough to handle a 300-600 pound machine.
This program has additional fees. Please see Camp Costs on our Register page.
Required equipment:
- Long sleeve shirts
- Pants that cover the shins
- Boots that cover the ankles
- Water bottle
- Bandana
Older Scout Activities
In addition to the Older Scout Program offered by this camp, older Scouts also have the opportunity to participate in three programs offered by Camp Post.
Climbing Program
During the day, we offer four sections of Climbing Merit Badge – 9:00am, 10:30am, 2:00pm, and 3:30pm. All sections are 1 hour and 20 minutes. Climbing Merit Badge is recommended for those ages 13 and above.
On select evenings, the tower is opened up for Open Climb. All ages are welcome, as long as you fit in a harness!
Recommended equipment:
- Sneakers
- Water bottle
Project COPE
COPE is an acronym for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience.
COPE is an acronym for Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience. The program is a series of initiative games, trust events, low elements, and high elements that challenge on an individual and group level. The concept of “challenge by choice” encourages each person to participate fully while maintaining the right to opt-out of an individual part of the program.
The program is designed for older Scouts (ages 14 and up) and Venturers. COPE is offered Monday through Friday at two times – from 9:00am to 11:50am and from 2:00pm to 4:50pm.
Recommended equipment:
- Sneakers
- Water bottle
Special Program: Venturing Advancement Camp
Meet Your 2017 Camp Director
Anna Gangsaas
Anna has worked on staff for 9 summers. Her positions at camp have been Nature Instructor, Aquatics Instructor, Handicraft Director, First Aid/ Clerk, Nature Director, Business Manager, and Program Director. She always brings enthusiasm, kindness and a hardworking attitude into every job she does. Please join us in welcoming Camp Bowman’s First Female Camp Director! We are very excited for this summer!
Contact Us
Email: BowmanStaff@gmail.com
Phone (summer only): (540) 784-6328
Find us on Social Media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CampBowman
Sending Mail
To send mail to a camper, please use the following format:
Recipient’s name, Troop/Crew #
Camp Bowman
Goshen Scout Reservation
340 Millard Burke Memorial Hwy
Goshen, VA 24439
2018 Summer Schedule
| Week 1 | 6/23-6/30 Open |
| Week 2 | 6/30-7/7 Open |
| Week 3 | 7/7-7/14 Open |
| Week 4 | 7/14-7/21 Open |
| Week 5 | 7/21-7/28 Open |
| Week 6 | 7/28-8/4 Open |
Availability indicates if new units are able to register for a specific week of camp. If your unit has already reserved a week at camp then your Goshen coordinator will be able to add campers as space allows.
Registration Information
| Price Per Camper | If paid by… | |
|---|---|---|
| Early Discount Price ($40 off) | Youth: $360 Adult: $225* |
April 13 |
| Regular Price | Youth: $400 Adult: $265* |
May 18 |
| Late Registration Price ($40 more) | Youth: $440 Adult: $305* |
After May 18 |
*All units will receive two free adult leaders per unit!
Early Bird Special! All who pay in full by the Early Bird Deadline will be eligible for the new Goshen hat!
For more information about registration, including quick facts, add-on program fees, the Goshen refund policy, and camperships, please visit our Registration Page.
Forms & Downloads
Camp Bowman Specific Downloads
Camp Bowman Map [PDF]
2017 Bowman Leaders Guide UPDATED 6.12.17 [PDF]
2017 Bowman Leaders Guide (Venturers Only) [PDF]
2017 Bowman Program Schedule [PDF]
2017 Bowman Program Schedule (Venturers Only) [PDF]
2017 Bowman Prerequisites UPDATED 5.23.2017 [PDF]
2017 Bowman Brigade (FYC) Program [PDF]
2017 Bowman Vets Program [PDF]
General Goshen Downloads
2017 Goshen Leader Guide [PDF]
Goshen Scout Reservation Map [PDF]
BSA Medical Form [PDF]
NCAC RM Camp Health Advisory [PDF]
Directions to Bus Loading, Fairfax [PDF]
Graces for use by Scouts at meals [PDF]
Boy Scout Camp General Downloads
Boy Scout Equipment List [PDF]
COPE & Climbing Lesson Plan [PDF]
Menu
2017 Patrol Cooking Menu [PDF]
Transportation
Units may take advantage of the Goshen bus system chartered by our local council.
Units can also drive.