Rodney Scout Reservation

At Rodney Scout Reservation, the only Scout camp on the Chesapeake Bay, the camp experience is nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment Troops arrive, they are welcomed into a vibrant community where adventure, friendship, and personal growth abound.

Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the Chesapeake Bay breeze drifting through your tent. As you step outside, you’re greeted by the sight of towering trees, expansive woodlands, and the shimmering waters of the bay in the distance.

Your days are filled with excitement and discovery as you dive into a diverse range of activities and programs. Whether you’re navigating the waves during a sailing lesson on the Chesapeake Bay, perfecting your aim at the archery range, or immersing yourself in the wonders of nature at the N.E.S.T. Center, every moment is an opportunity for adventure and learning.

But it’s not just about the activities – it’s about the connections you make and the friendships you forge along the way. You’ll bond with fellow Scouts around the campfire, share stories and laughs during meals, and collaborate with your Patrol on exciting challenges and projects.

As the sun sets and the stars twinkle overhead, you’ll gather with your newfound friends for evening activities, from nighttime swims and campfire skits to stargazing and reflection sessions. And, as you crawl into your sleeping bag at the end of each day, you’ll carry with you the sense of belonging, accomplishment, and joy that can only be found at Rodney Scout Reservation.

Camp isn’t just a place – it’s a feeling of adventure, camaraderie, and possibility that you’ll carry with you long after your time at Rodney comes to an end. It’s an experience that shapes who you are and who you’ll become, instilling in you the values of Scouting and leaving you with memories to last a lifetime. Welcome home to Rodney Scout Reservation – where the adventure begins!

2025 Rodney Summer Camp Registration is OPEN!

See what our campers are saying about Rodney Scout Reservation camping!

Camp Planning Information & Forms – the information you need to make your summer camp experience great – Now on the Registration page in the Attachments section!

Camp Map – All the great places in camp can be found here.

Camp Staff – Wear the “Red”. Be part of the Camp Rodney tradition.

Trading Post – Shop the Rodney Summer Camp Trading Post online

Financial Assistance Applications – are due April 1st. Please note that notification will be by email.

Rodney Scout Reservation is located on over 900 acres of rolling upland woodlands at the head of the Chesapeake Bay and boasts of over a mile of prime Chesapeake Bay waterfront. Rodney has been in continuous operation since 1923. Rodney is located in Cecil County, Maryland, only a short drive from Interstate 95 and Maryland Route 40 near the town of North East. This great location provides easy access from Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and New Jersey.

Well known for the strongest program, best facilities, and premier location on the Chesapeake Bay, Rodney Scout Reservation excels in delivering life-changing lessons and memories to our campers.

The Brownsea First Year Camper Program is known nationally through Scouting magazine for starting campers out on a Scouting career that launches them toward the lofty pinnacle of Eagle Scout. The Sailing Base and Aquatics Programs are conducted on the natural waters of the Chesapeake and in our pool with three deep ends! The N.E.S.T. Center (Nature, Ecology, Science and Technology) delivers the highest quality environmental and technology instruction through a facility with full computer and science laboratories. The Health & Fitness area includes personal fitness and cycling activities on our Trek mountain bikes. Bull Mountain Studios not only includes the traditional camp handicraft programs but also Movie Making, Photography, Music, Graphic Arts, and more! Shooting Sports are conducted on our three ranges in archery, shotgun, and rifle. Traditional Scoutcraft skills are practiced in our all-new Scoutcraft pavilion and Climbing & Rappelling, and even ice climbing and night climbing are conducted on our tower!

Additionally, we have a spectacular off-site program for older Scouts 14 years and above, High Adventure Sailing on the Chesapeake!

Check out the Camp Rodney Bull Mountain Nature Trail a 20 posted stop circuit trail.

BROWNSEA

The First-Year Camper Program

Featured in Scouting Magazine, this program is aimed at the 11-year-old Scout or newly crossed over Arrow of Light Scout. It is designed to give a new Scout the basic camping skills they need and will include many requirements for rank advancement for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class. In addition, the first-year camper will visit and participate in most program areas in camp. There are merit badge opportunities in Swimming MB and Nature MB as well as Totin’ Chip, Firem’n Chit and Leave No Trace.

For more information about this year’s Brownsea Program, see the Brownsea Letter on the registration page in the Attachments section.

AQUATICS

The Best in the Nation

Located on the Chesapeake Bay and boasting over a mile of shoreline, our aquatics program can’t be beat! Did we mention that there are 3 aquatics areas: the pool, the boat yard, and the sailing base! Whether your testing your strength and endurance at the pool or boat yard or battling the wind and waves at the sailing base, an exciting aquatics adventure awaits everyone. If you think you’re a small boat sailing pro, check out Chesapeake Mariner RSR and learn about sailboat racing while you challenge yourself on a Hobie Cat or Flying Scot.

NATURE, ECOLOGY, SCIENCE, & TECHNOLOGY

The Rodney Way

The NEST is a favorite of Rodney summer campers. From the Bull Mountain Wilderness area to the Dismal Swamp, from the Chesapeake Bay to the North East River, come and explore the beautiful and varied wildlife, flora and fauna of our nationally recognized program. Our Bull Mountain Wilderness Area was set aside in 1963 to be held forever wild, and serves as an area to observe animals close at hand, and for hiking and merit badge study. Besides a full range of nature/ecology merit badges, the nature area also offers additional programs such as troop naturalist, brown bag nature program, and conservation projects. Be sure to visit Dill Hall to see the many turtles, fish, snakes, and frogs from right here at camp! Feeling adventurous… the bay hike will allow you to see the camp from the Chesapeake Bay and view its natural surroundings and maybe even see a bald eagle or two!

HEALTH & FITNESS

Get Out, Get Fit, and Stay Safe

Are you the penultimate athlete or just looking to learn a new sporting hobby? Maybe you are looking for a chance to prepare yourself for what life may throw your way. Opportunities abound in our Health & Fitness area. The additional programs offer other advancement opportunities for the older Scouts or those looking for a challenge. The extreme mountain bikers can challenge themselves by participating in the Monster Bike activity, which will take them on a long, scenic trail ride out of camp and back. The Iron Man is your Troop’s chance to take on other Troops in a team activity challenge around camp.

BULL MOUNTAIN STUDIOS

Where Creativity Grows

At Rodney we teach the skills of various merit badges for hobby interests or just for the fun of knowing how to make use of nature’s materials. This program answers the creative urge to make something. Materials and supplies are provided for ALL merit badge requirements. Try one of the handicrafts merit badges and you could have a hobby for life.

SHOOTING SPORTS

Accuracy is the Key

Rodney is home to three ranges where Scouts can experience the thrill of rifle shooting, shotgun shooting, or archery. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid marksman, the ranges are great places to stop by to receive basic instruction and test your skills.

SCOUTCRAFT

The Heart of Scouting

The skills that have long set Scouting apart from other youth programs are highlighted here. It’s been said the way to judge a Scout camp is by its Scoutcraft Program, which is not limited to just merit badge-based instruction.

CLIMBING/RAPPELLING

“On Belay”

Try out the climbing wall (aka Tower of Doom) to test your strength while hanging 40 feet in the air. Not to worry, our trained staff will demonstrate all the proper techniques and even teach you some knots, commands, and climbing skills. Once you’ve mastered getting to the top of the wall, remember to try rappelling down.

Rodney Scout Reservation
400 Rodney Scout RD (GPS may not be accurate with this address)
North East MD 21901
Phone 410-287-5888
email: rsr@dmvc.org

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