Ed Bryant Scout Reservation
Scouts enjoying activities at EBSR

Summer 2027 Programs

Camp Activities & Programs

From the waterfront to the forge, EBSR offers 50+ programs across 7 activity areas — something for every Scout, every summer.

50+
Merit Badge Programs
7
Program Areas
200+
Acres of Wilderness
All Ages
Scouts Welcome

Explore All Programs

Filter by program area or browse everything EBSR has to offer this summer. Our merit badge offerings are on a rotating schedule.

Sailing

Learn to rig, launch, and sail on Castle Rock Lake with certified Scouting America instructors. Scouts can earn the Small Boat Sailing merit badge.

Small Boat Sailing
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Canoeing & Kayaking

Paddle the shores of Castle Rock Lake. Instruction covers strokes, safety, and water rescue fundamentals.

CanoeingKayaking
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Swimming & Lifesaving

Featured

Open swim, Scouting America swim tests, and merit badge instruction in swimming and lifesaving on our supervised swim beach.

SwimmingLifesaving
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Motorboating

Scouts learn boat operation, safety, and navigation on Castle Rock Lake with certified instructors. Only offered when staffing allows.

Motorboating
14+ years
Merit badge eligible

Rifle Shooting

NRA-certified range instruction covering safety, marksmanship fundamentals, and merit badge requirements on our .22 rifle range.

Rifle Shooting
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Shotgun Shooting

Trap shooting instruction for Scouts on our dedicated shotgun range with certified range safety officers. Scout's should have the size and stature to safely handle the shotgun. Generally not reccomended for first year scouts.

Shotgun Shooting
All Ages
Merit badge eligible

Archery

Featured

Instruction on our covered archery range. Scouts develop form, focus, and earn the Archery merit badge.

Archery
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Black Powder

Experience the tradition of muzzleloading on our dedicated black powder range. Scouts learn safe handling, loading procedures, and firing techniques with muzzleloading rifles under certified range officers.

All Ages

Cowboy Action

A fast-paced, themed shooting sport where Scouts take on Old West personas with period-correct firearms. Combines marksmanship, safety, and a whole lot of fun. Must be 14 with a parent's permission slip.

14+ years

NRA Pistol First Steps

An NRA-certified introductory pistol course covering safe gun handling, fundamentals of pistol shooting, and range procedures. Ideal for Scouts and leaders new to handgun shooting. Must be 14 with a parent's permission slip.

14+ years · Additional fee required

Climbing Tower & Rappelling

Featured

Challenge yourself on our 40-foot climbing tower and rappelling wall with COPE-certified staff. Earn the Climbing merit badge. The rappelling elective for the Camping Merit Badge may also be completed.

Climbing
All ages
Merit badge eligible

COPE Challenge Course

Team-building and individual challenge elements including low and high ropes. Builds leadership, trust, and problem-solving skills. Register at Sunday Midway with the COPE Director for your whole Troop to participate.

All ages

ATV Program

Scouts complete the ATV Safety Institue ATV safety course under ASI-certified instructors. One of the most popular programs at EBSR. Requires completion of the ASI online course prior to camp. No other online courses qualify.

14+ years · Additional fee required

Trek Program (Coming Soon)

Multi-day backcountry treks for older Scouts into the Wisconsin wilderness. This program is in development for future seasons. We hope to share more soon!

14+ years

Off-Camp Adventures

Stay tuned — details coming soon for future seasons.

All Ages

Chess

Build strategy, focus, and sportsmanship through guided play and merit badge instruction.

Chess
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Composite Materials

Explore modern materials, safe workshop practices, and hands-on project design while completing merit badge requirements.

Composite Materials
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Space Exploration

Explore rocketry, astronomy, and space science through hands-on activities that inspire Scouts to reach for the stars.

Space Exploration
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Movie Making

Plan, film, and edit a short project while learning the storytelling and production skills behind the camera.

Moviemaking
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Model Design and Building

Turn ideas into scale models while practicing design, construction, and creative problem-solving.

Model Design and Building
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Digital Technology

Learn how digital tools, online safety, and technology shape the world while completing merit badge requirements.

Digital Technology
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Environmental Science

Field-based ecology and environmental science instruction using Castle Rock Lake and the surrounding EBSR wilderness as a living classroom.

Environmental Science
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Weather

Learn how weather forms, how to read forecasts, and how changing conditions affect outdoor adventures.

Weather
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Oceanography

Explore the science of oceans, currents, marine ecosystems, and the role water plays in our world.

Oceanography
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Mammal Study

Discover Wisconsin mammals through tracking, habitat study, observation, and conservation activities.

Mammal Study
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Fish and Wildlife Management

Learn how healthy habitats are managed for fish and wildlife through conservation and stewardship projects.

Fish and Wildlife Management
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Bird Study

Identify local birds, explore their habitats, and practice observation skills throughout camp's natural areas.

Bird Study
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Leatherwork & Woodcarving

Traditional craft skills in our handicraft lodge. Scouts design and create projects in leather and wood to take home.

LeatherworkWoodcarving
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Metalworking at the Forge

Featured

One of EBSR's most unique programs — Scouts learn to heat, shape, and finish metal at our working forge under expert instruction. Scouts are required to wear closed-toed footwear and long-sleeve cotton shirt and long pants to participate.

14+ years

First Year Camper

Build confidence in camp life with foundational Scout skills, outdoor know-how, and guided activities designed for first-time summer campers.

All ages

American Indian Culture

Explore the history, traditions, and contributions of American Indian peoples through respectful, hands-on learning and merit badge activities.

American Indian Culture
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Basketry

Learn traditional basket-making techniques while creating a project to take home and completing Basketry merit badge requirements.

Basketry
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Art

Develop creative skills through drawing, painting, and design projects while working toward the Art merit badge.

Art
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Pioneering & Knots

Rope work, lashing, and large-scale pioneering projects. Scouts build towers, bridges, and camp gadgets using traditional techniques.

Pioneering
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Orienteering & Geocaching

Map and compass navigation through EBSR's trail system. Scouts develop backcountry wayfinding skills and earn the Geocaching merit badge.

OrienteeringGeocaching
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Cooking & Campcraft

Dutch oven cooking, fire building, camp kitchen setup, and Leave No Trace principles for outdoor living.

CookingCamping
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Outdoor Skills

Hands-on training in essential backcountry skills — shelter building, fire starting, navigation, and emergency preparedness. Scouts leave with the knowledge and confidence to handle real wilderness situations.

Wilderness Survival
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Silver Circle

Featured

Silver Circle is EBSR's dedicated Eagle Rank merit badge program. Designed for Scouts working toward Eagle, this focused program area offers structured instruction in the merit badges required for Scouting's highest rank. Small group sessions and experienced counselors help Scouts make meaningful progress on their Eagle journey.

First AidCommunicationEmergency PreparednessCitizenship in the World
All ages
Merit badge eligible

Atlatl

Try your hand at one of humanity's oldest hunting tools. Scouts learn the history and technique of the atlatl — an ancient spear-throwing device — and put their skills to the test on our range.

All Ages

Paintball Markers

Take aim at stationary targets using paintball markers on our dedicated range. Scouts learn safe marker handling, proper stance, and field rules before testing their accuracy — a fun and engaging twist on traditional target shooting.

All Ages

Tomahawk Throwing

Channel your frontier spirit at our tomahawk range. Scouts learn proper grip, stance, and release technique before putting their skills to the test — a uniquely satisfying challenge for campers of all experience levels.

All Ages

Jet Skiing

Hit the open water on Castle Rock Lake aboard our personal watercraft. Scouts learn safe operation, throttle control, and on-water awareness under staff supervision.

14+ years · Additional fee required

Planning Your Scout's Week

Each Scout's schedule is built around their rank, interests, and merit badge goals. Program pre-registration opens 30 days before your session — leaders will receive a link via email after troop registration is confirmed.

High-adventure programs (ATV, Trek, Off-Camp Adventures) have additional sign-up requirements and may require advance registration.