Dive into Camp Raven Knob’s thrilling activities

They’ll jump for joy at Camp Raven Knob, the 3,200-acre Scouting destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina. The camp has thrilled Scouts for more than six decades with its signature mix of high-adventure activities (mountain biking, climbing, shooting sports) and traditional summer-camp offerings (handicrafts, merit badges, campwide campfires).

The finest feature of Camp Raven Knob has to be its aquatics program. Scouts splash on down to Lake John Sobotta, named for the North Carolina furniture maker who helped establish Camp Raven Knob. A system of docks extends more than a half-mile in length, separating the swimming area into a half-dozen large rectangles. The docks are the launching points for all things aquatics: snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, small-boat sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and lifeguard training.

Other experiences worth mentioning:

• New Scouts become Raven Scouts for the week, completing requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class in one of the coolest settings imaginable.
• At 9 p.m. every Tuesday, the nature staff hosts a frog hunt in which Scouts seek out nighttime wildlife and complete requirements for the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge.
• After lunch on Fridays, it’s the staff vs. Scoutmasters softball game.

Learn more and plan your visit at ravenknob.com

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Scouting Magazine’s Cool Camps Series

Not all Scout camps are created equal. Sure, each offers a terrific program to entertain and challenge Scouts, but every Scout camp has unique program elements that make it special. Scouting magazine has scoured the country to find some of the coolest Scout camps around. Check out the full list, and be sure to leave a comment if you’ve visited one of these Cool Camps.