Camp Minsi Staff Site

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Tobyhanna Township, Pennsylvania, Camp Minsi stands as a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an immersive experience in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. While referred to in some contexts as "Camp Minsi Staff Site" due to its operational core, the primary identity and offering to the public is the expansive Camp Minsi itself. This remarkable destination, spanning over 1,200 acres of pristine woodlands and gracing the shores of the beautiful Stillwater Lake, provides a diverse range of activities and programs suitable for individuals, families, and organized groups. For Pennsylvanians seeking an escape into nature, a challenging adventure, or a place to develop valuable outdoor skills, Camp Minsi offers a unique and unforgettable experience right in your own backyard.

Camp Minsi boasts a rich history, having been donated to the Scouting program in 1949 by Samuel Rubel of the Pocono Mountain Ice Company. This legacy has cultivated a deep-rooted commitment to outdoor education, character development, and conservation. The camp's varied terrain, shaped by ancient glaciers, features fascinating geological formations and a vibrant ecosystem that teems with wildlife. This natural setting not only provides a stunning backdrop for activities but also serves as a living classroom for those interested in ecology and environmental science. From the serene calm of Stillwater Lake to the challenge of its extensive trail system, Camp Minsi is a cornerstone of outdoor recreation and learning within the Pocono region.

Camp Minsi is strategically located in Tobyhanna Township, PA 18346, USA. Its official address, for direct mail to campers and during camp season, is 106 Camp Minsi Road, Pocono Summit, PA 18346. This prime location places it firmly within the renowned Pocono Mountains, making it an incredibly accessible destination for many residents across Pennsylvania and neighboring states. The camp is easily reached via well-maintained state routes, providing a straightforward drive from various major population centers in the region.

The advantage of its Tobyhanna Township location is the balance it strikes between providing a genuine wilderness experience and remaining within reasonable proximity to essential services. While you’ll feel immersed in nature, the convenience of nearby towns means that any necessary supplies or emergency services are not far away. The camp's vast 1,200 acres mean that once you arrive, there is ample space for all types of outdoor pursuits, from quiet contemplation by the lake to vigorous hikes through the forests. This geographical positioning, combined with the comprehensive offerings, positions Camp Minsi as a top-tier choice for local residents looking for an authentic and convenient outdoor adventure.

Camp Minsi provides an extensive array of services and programs, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups, with a particular focus on youth development and outdoor education.

• Aquatics Programs: A highlight of Camp Minsi is its vibrant waterfront on Stillwater Lake. Services include supervised swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, stand-up paddleboarding, and even sailboarding. There's also a Waterfront Interactive Zone with water trampolines and climbable icebergs for added fun.
• Dining Services: A large, centrally located dining hall provides three nutritious and delicious meals daily during peak seasons, ensuring campers and staff are well-fueled for their activities.
• Youth Program Areas: Dedicated areas like ScoutCraft (outdoor skills), Handicraft (arts and crafts including woodcarving, leatherwork, pottery), Econ (ecology and conservation, nature studies, astronomy), and Shooting Sports (rifle, shotgun, archery ranges) offer specialized instruction and activities.
• High Adventure Programs: For older youth and Venturers, the camp organizes thrilling high adventure excursions, which may include whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River, mountain biking in the Lehigh Gorge, horseback riding, treetop adventures, and zip-lining.
• Campsite and Cabin Rentals: The camp offers various accommodation options, from established troop campsites with tent platforms to rustic backwoods outpost sites. Facilities also include cabins (like Weytrex Cabin with bunkbeds and bathrooms) and "tabins" (tent/cabins with wood stoves for winter camping).
• Weekend Camping Opportunities: Units and groups can reserve facilities for weekend camping trips throughout the year, often with access to open programs during certain periods.
• Canoe Rentals: Canoes are available for rent, allowing for independent exploration of Stillwater Lake.
• Winter Facilities: During colder months, a winter meal lodge is accessible for units utilizing winter tents or cabins, providing a warm space for cooking and gathering.
• First-Year Camper Program: Known as the "Trail to Adventure," this program is specifically designed to help new campers develop foundational outdoor skills and earn early ranks.
• Living History Experiences: The Minsi Village and Voyageur Outpost areas offer immersive living history programs focused on primitive outdoor skills, blacksmithing, Native American culture, and more.

Camp Minsi's unique features and highlights contribute to its reputation as a premier outdoor destination in Pennsylvania.

• Stillwater Lake: This expansive 314-acre lake is the centerpiece of the camp, offering not only breathtaking views but also a wide range of aquatic adventures and excellent fishing for various species.
• Extensive Trail System: Over 20 miles of well-maintained hiking trails wind through the camp's 1,200 acres, providing opportunities for scenic walks, challenging hikes, and even beginner backpacking events.
• Diverse Program Offerings: Beyond traditional camping, Camp Minsi offers over 45 different merit badge classes and specialized programs in areas like marksmanship, nature study, arts and crafts, and citizenship, catering to a broad spectrum of interests.
• Unique Camp Awards: Campers can earn special, commemorative patches that are exclusive to Camp Minsi, such as the "Frigid Froggy" award for early morning lake dips, the "Minsi Muck Hike" patch for navigating muddy swamps, and the "Camp Minsi Adventurer Award" for completing high adventure activities.
• Rich Wildlife: The diverse ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, beavers, turkeys, and numerous bird species, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife observation and nature photography.
• On-Site Cell Service: A distinct advantage for a wilderness camp, Camp Minsi has a cell tower on site, providing reliable cell service and data connectivity, which can be a comfort for parents and adult leaders.
• Year-Round Accessibility: With facilities suitable for winter use, including "tabins" with wood stoves and a winter meal lodge, Camp Minsi offers outdoor experiences throughout the year, not just during the warmer months.
• Historical Significance: The camp's history, from its origins as an ice harvesting site to its long-standing dedication to Scouting, adds a unique dimension to the experience, with various historical and natural points of interest scattered throughout the grounds.

While Camp Minsi primarily serves as a youth outdoor education facility, particularly for Scouting programs, it does offer special events and incentives, especially for groups and those involved with the Minsi Trails Council.

• Beaver Weekend: An annual service event where units can visit Camp Minsi for a weekend of volunteering and fellowship, often with lunch provided and an opportunity to preview their summer campsite. This is typically a free or low-cost event.
• Scout Leader Merit Badge: Adult leaders attending camp can participate in a unique program to earn their own "Scout Leader Merit Badge," encouraging their engagement in various camp activities. This offers a fun incentive for adult participation.
• Early Registration Discounts: For summer camp programs, units often benefit from reduced fees by meeting early registration and deposit deadlines. Specific dates are usually published annually by the Minsi Trails Council.
• Specialized Program Awards: As mentioned, participation in unique camp activities can earn distinctive patches, which while not monetary promotions, add significant value and memorabilia to the camper's experience.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any current promotions, specific program pricing, or special event schedules, it is always recommended to directly contact the Minsi Trails Council or visit the official Camp Minsi website. These details are often updated seasonally or annually.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Camp Minsi, including specific services and programs, please use the following contact options:

• Camp Minsi (During Camp Season):
• Address: 106 Camp Minsi Road, Pocono Summit, PA 18346, USA
• Phone: 610-465-4506
• Email: campminsi@minsitrails.org
• Minsi Trails Council Service Center (General Inquiries and Off-Season):
• Address: 991 Postal Road, Allentown, PA 18109, USA
• Phone: 610-264-8551 (Professional Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM)
• Camping Desk Email: brian.dungan@scouting.org (Brian Dungan, Director of Support Services)
• General Office Assistant Email: ashley.leeper@scouting.org
• Camp Minsi Ranger (John Buz): Phone: 610-465-4504 (Camp Office), Cell: 610-428-5841

For the most current information, including any changes to operating hours or specific program contacts, referring to the official Minsi Trails Council website is highly recommended.

For residents of Pennsylvania, Camp Minsi in Tobyhanna Township offers an unparalleled local resource for engaging with the natural world and fostering personal growth. This extensive campground is not merely a distant vacation spot; it is a readily accessible natural playground and educational center right within the Pocono Mountains. The convenience of its location significantly reduces travel time, allowing more precious moments to be spent enjoying the outdoors rather than on the road.

Camp Minsi is uniquely suited for locals due to its diverse offerings that cater to a wide array of ages and interests. Whether you're a parent seeking a enriching summer experience for your children, a Scout leader planning an impactful group outing, or an individual simply looking for a serene escape into nature, Camp Minsi has something for everyone. The presence of Stillwater Lake provides fantastic local opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing without the need for long-distance travel, making spontaneous weekend trips or day visits a viable option. The extensive network of hiking trails offers a chance to explore Pennsylvania's unique ecology and observe local wildlife firsthand, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural environment that surrounds us.

Beyond recreation, Camp Minsi's emphasis on outdoor education and skill development, particularly through its well-regarded Scouting programs, provides invaluable experiences that can shape character and build confidence for local youth. The accessible facilities, year-round potential for activities, and the dedication of its staff to providing a safe and enriching environment make it an ideal choice for fostering a love of the outdoors within our communities. By supporting and utilizing Camp Minsi, Pennsylvanians invest in a local institution that contributes positively to the well-being and development of its residents, ensuring that the beauty and adventure of the Pocono Mountains remain a vibrant part of our lives.

Camp Minsi Staff Site

Tobyhanna Township, PA 18346, USA