Baden-Powell

For Maine residents involved in Scouting or seeking a structured outdoor educational experience for youth, the "Baden-Powell" campsite at Camp Hinds in Raymond, Maine, offers a unique and foundational opportunity. This isn't a publicly accessible commercial campground for general family use; rather, it's a specific and significant site within Camp Hinds, a long-standing and highly regarded Boy Scout camp. Named in honor of Lieutenant General Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, the founder of the world-wide Scout Movement, this campsite embodies the principles of outdoor skill development, leadership, and camaraderie that are central to Scouting. For Maine locals interested in providing a robust, character-building outdoor adventure, understanding the offerings of the Baden-Powell campsite within Camp Hinds is essential.

Camp Hinds, established in 1927 by the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America, is a cornerstone of youth development in Maine. It spans over 300 acres of beautiful woodlands and boasts more than a mile of picturesque waterfront on Panther Pond. The Baden-Powell campsite itself is strategically located within the camp, "nestled in a majestic pine forest," and in close proximity to major program areas. It is designed to facilitate traditional patrol-based camping, where Scouts learn self-reliance and teamwork through hands-on experience. The camp's dedication to meeting the standards of an Accredited Boy Scout Summer Camp ensures a high-quality, safe, and impactful experience. For Maine families and Scout units, a stay at the Baden-Powell campsite provides an authentic taste of Scouting's heritage while offering access to the modern facilities and diverse programs of Camp Hinds.

The Baden-Powell campsite is situated within the expansive grounds of Camp Hinds, located at 146 Plains Road, Raymond, ME 04071, USA. This address places the camp squarely in the beautiful Sebago Lakes Region of Maine, renowned for its pristine lakes, extensive forests, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. While the provided address of "Hinds Rd" is a general reference to the area, 146 Plains Road is the more precise access point for Camp Hinds.

Accessibility for Maine residents is excellent. Raymond is less than an hour's drive from Portland, Maine's largest city, making it a convenient location for weekend trips or longer summer camp sessions. Major roadways, including easy access from the Maine Turnpike (I-95) via Exit 63 (Gray/New Gloucester), lead directly to the area, ensuring straightforward travel. Once inside Camp Hinds, the Baden-Powell campsite is thoughtfully integrated into the camp's layout, providing a secluded feel while still offering convenient access to essential program areas and central facilities. Its location on Panther Pond further enhances its appeal, providing a stunning natural backdrop for all outdoor activities.

The services at the Baden-Powell campsite are integral to the comprehensive programs offered by Camp Hinds, primarily serving the needs of Scout troops and organized youth groups:

• Equipped Campsite: The Baden-Powell campsite features platformed two-person tents for campers, providing a comfortable and traditional sleeping arrangement. It also includes one dedicated leader tent, accommodating up to three adults, with options for additional adults in unused camper tents.
• Campsite Amenities: Each campsite within Camp Hinds, including Baden-Powell, typically comes equipped with essential amenities such as cots, picnic tables with tarps, water buckets, a flagpole, and a bulletin board.
• Shelter and Latrine: The Baden-Powell campsite includes a hard-roofed shelter, often with a cooking extension for extra troop equipment storage. It also has a pit tank latrine for convenience. Both the latrine and shelter are equipped with solar-powered LED lighting systems (operational during the summer season).
• Handicapped Accessibility: Notably, one of the camper platforms at Baden-Powell is fully handicapped accessible, demonstrating Camp Hinds' commitment to inclusivity.
• Year-Round Availability: While primarily a summer camp site, the Baden-Powell campsite is available for fall-winter-spring camping, allowing Scout units to utilize it outside the peak summer season (though access roads may be plowed only to the Shooting Sports gate during winter).
• Access to Camp Hinds Facilities: Campers at Baden-Powell have access to the extensive facilities of the wider Camp Hinds, including:
  • Modern Dining Hall: A large, newly renovated dining hall for meals (used for certain programs, while others emphasize patrol cooking).
  • Health Lodge: A fully staffed health lodge on-site for medical support.
  • Restroom and Shower Facilities: Access to clean, modern restroom and hot shower facilities located centrally within the camp.
  • Trading Post: A camp store for essential supplies and souvenirs.
  • Waterfront Access: Opportunities for aquatic activities on Panther Pond, including boating and swimming areas.
  • Program Areas: Access to specialized areas such as high and low ropes courses, climbing/rappelling tower, and various shooting ranges.

• Historical and Foundational Focus: The Baden-Powell campsite is named after the founder of Scouting, emphasizing a "back to basics" approach that teaches fundamental Scoutcraft and leadership skills, deeply connecting participants to Scouting's heritage.
• Proximity to Program Areas: Its location "toward the top of the hill in close proximity to major program areas" means convenient access to key activities within Camp Hinds.
• Handicapped Accessible Platform: The inclusion of a fully handicapped accessible camper platform is a significant feature, promoting inclusivity for all Scouts.
• Year-Round Use Potential: The availability of the campsite for fall-winter-spring camping allows Scout units to extend their outdoor adventures beyond the traditional summer season.
• Scenic Woodland Setting: Nestled within a majestic pine forest, the campsite offers a truly immersive natural experience, contributing to the overall beauty and tranquility of the camp.
• Comprehensive Camp Hinds Access: Residents staying at Baden-Powell benefit from all the extensive features of Camp Hinds, including its vast 300+ acres, over a mile of waterfront on Panther Pond, and specialized program areas like:
  • High and Low Ropes Courses with climbing and rappelling tower.
  • Rifle, Shotgun, Pistol, BB, and Archery Ranges.
  • Dedicated waterfront areas for swimming, boating, and aquatic merit badges.
  • A newly renovated dining hall and recreation hall.
• Structured Programs: The campsite is part of Camp Hinds' structured summer camp and off-season programs, which focus on merit badge advancement, leadership training, and outdoor skills.

As the Baden-Powell campsite is part of the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America's Camp Hinds, "promotions" are typically integrated into the overall pricing and registration structure for their programs rather than being offered as standalone commercial deals. For Maine residents, these "offers" are primarily related to the value and accessibility of their youth development programs.

Key offerings and potential savings include:

• Early Bird Discounts: Camp Hinds frequently offers "Early Bird" pricing for its summer camp programs, providing a reduced rate for registrations made before a specific deadline (e.g., April 15th for the 2025 season, with a price of $510, increasing to $560 afterward).
• Sibling Discounts: For families with multiple Scouts attending camp, discounts may be available for additional siblings (e.g., the second sibling might attend for a reduced rate).
• Multiple Week Discounts: Scouts attending for more than one week can often receive a discounted rate for their second and subsequent weeks.
• Adult Leader Incentives: Camp Hinds provides incentives for adult leaders, with a certain number of leaders attending free based on the number of Scouts from their troop (e.g., two free adult leaders for the first eight Scouts, and one additional free leader for every eight additional Scouts). Additional leaders are typically charged a reduced rate.
• Camperships: Financial assistance (camperships) may be available to help Scouts attend camp, ensuring that cost does not become a barrier to participation for Maine families.

For the most precise and up-to-date information on fees, discounts, and application processes for programs that utilize the Baden-Powell campsite, Maine residents should directly consult the official Camp Hinds website or the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America's online registration portals.

For inquiries regarding the Baden-Powell campsite or the programs and facilities at Camp Hinds:

Address: 146 Plains Road, Raymond, ME 04071, USA

(Note: Hinds Rd, Raymond, ME 04071, USA is a general area reference for the camp)

Phone: While a specific phone number for "Baden-Powell campsite" is not provided, the general contact number for Camp Hinds (Pine Tree Council) is: (207) 517-6196. This number is associated with their summer camp registration events.

For detailed program guides, contact emails, and online registration, visiting the official Camp Hinds website (camphinds.org) or the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America website is highly recommended.

For Maine residents, especially those with a passion for Scouting and youth development, the Baden-Powell campsite at Camp Hinds represents an invaluable resource. While it functions as a specialized campsite within a larger organizational structure rather than a typical commercial campground, its suitability for its target audience is exceptional. The core appeal lies in its dedication to providing an authentic and structured outdoor experience that directly supports the growth of young individuals in line with the principles laid out by Baden-Powell himself.

The Baden-Powell campsite offers a well-equipped, traditional setting within a majestic pine forest, providing a true immersion in Maine's natural beauty. Its unique feature of a handicapped accessible platform demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that more youth can participate. Crucially, campers at Baden-Powell benefit from access to all the extensive, high-quality facilities and diverse programs of Camp Hinds, from thrilling ropes courses and shooting ranges to serene waterfront activities on Panther Pond. This comprehensive environment fosters not just outdoor skills, but also critical life skills like leadership, teamwork, and self-reliance. For Maine families and Scout units looking for a formative, engaging, and well-supported outdoor adventure that leaves a lasting positive impact on young people, the Baden-Powell campsite at Camp Hinds stands as a premier choice, deeply rooted in the values that resonate with our state's outdoor heritage.

Baden-Powell

Hinds Rd, Raymond, ME 04071, USA