Campsite Slade

For many Rhode Island families, summer in the Ocean State isn't complete without the mention of Yawgoog. This renowned Boy Scout Reservation, nestled in the serene woods of Rockville, has been a cornerstone of youth development and outdoor education for generations. Within this expansive and historic landscape, you'll find various campsites, each with its own character and role in the Yawgoog experience. Among them is Campsite Slade, a component of the original and tradition-filled Camp Three Point. While the reviews provided are brief and perhaps a bit cryptic, they hint at an environment where pathways and shared experiences are deeply ingrained in the camp's lore and spirit.

This article aims to shed light on Campsite Slade, providing local Rhode Islanders with a clear, engaging, and informative overview of its significance within the larger Yawgoog Scout Reservation. We’ll delve into its specific location, the array of services and programs it offers (primarily for Scouts), its unique features and highlights, any applicable promotions, and how to get in touch. We will also discuss why this particular campsite, and the Yawgoog experience as a whole, remains a valuable and suitable destination for local youth and families seeking authentic outdoor adventure and personal growth.

Campsite Slade is located within the vast 1,800-acre Yawgoog Scout Reservation, specifically as one of the 15 campsites found in Camp Three Point. The reservation's general address is 61 Camp Yawgoog Rd, Rockville, RI 02873, USA. This places it in a beautiful, forested area of southwestern Rhode Island, offering a genuine wilderness feel while remaining readily accessible for residents throughout the state.

From Providence, the journey typically involves a straightforward drive south on I-95, transitioning onto local routes that lead directly to the reservation. The rural setting of Rockville ensures a peaceful drive, transitioning from developed areas into a lush, natural environment. While the specific campsite locations within Yawgoog are usually identified by internal signs and maps upon arrival, the overall accessibility of the reservation makes it a convenient and sought-after destination for troops and youth groups from all corners of Rhode Island, as well as neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut. The dense forest and expansive lake within the reservation mean that even though it's relatively close to population centers, it feels like a true escape into nature.

As part of Camp Three Point, the oldest and most tradition-filled camp within Yawgoog Scout Reservation, Campsite Slade benefits from a robust infrastructure geared towards a comprehensive Scouting summer camp program.

• Troop Camping: Campsite Slade is a designated site for Boy Scout troops to set up their camp for a week-long summer program. Each campsite, including Slade, is designed to accommodate a troop of up to 75 attendees, providing a foundational space for their activities and daily life.
• Dining Hall Access: Camp Three Point features its own dining hall, where Scouts from Campsite Slade would gather for communal meals. The focus is on providing nutritious food to fuel energetic days of activities.
• Access to Program Centers: All campers at Yawgoog, regardless of their specific camp (Three Point, Medicine Bow, or Sandy Beach), have access to the reservation's various program centers. For Camp Three Point, this includes specialized areas like the Challenge Course, the Arthur Livingston Kelly Environmental Education Center (Nature Center), the Eagle Badge program, and various craft centers.
• Waterfront Programs: Campers from Slade have access to the Three Point Waterfront on Yawgoog Pond for swimming, instruction in various aquatics skills, and recreational boating (canoeing, kayaking, sailing).
• Religious Services: Camp Three Point hosts both a Protestant Chapel and a Jewish Synagogue, offering opportunities for spiritual reflection.
• Restroom Facilities: While older reviews might mention rustic facilities, recent capital projects at Yawgoog have included upgrades to facilities, with flush toilets likely available in central bathhouses within Camp Three Point.
• Camp Store (Trading Post): Scouts and leaders can visit the trading post for snacks, drinks, and Scouting necessities or souvenirs.
• Staff Support: A dedicated staff team for Camp Three Point ensures the smooth running of programs, safety, and a positive experience for all campers.

Campsite Slade’s primary highlights stem from its integral role within Camp Three Point and the broader Yawgoog tradition, emphasizing community, skill development, and a deep connection to Scouting history.

• Historical Significance: Camp Three Point, home to Campsite Slade, is considered "The oldest and most tradition-filled camp" at Yawgoog. This rich history provides a unique backdrop for the camping experience.
• Community and Brotherhood: The emphasis at Yawgoog, and by extension Campsite Slade, is on forming strong bonds. While the reviews mention a "secret pathway," this likely refers to the insider knowledge and camaraderie built within the camp community, creating a sense of shared adventure and belonging.
• Comprehensive Skill Development: Scouts attending camp through Slade engage in a wide array of merit badge classes and outdoor skills training, covering everything from camping and cooking to nature, aquatics, and shooting sports.
• Unique Camp Culture: Each camp at Yawgoog has its own distinct traditions, songs, and cheers, contributing to a vibrant and spirited atmosphere that campers often fondly remember. Camp Three Point, with its mascot Danny the Deer and the iconic Memorial Bell Tower, provides a unique cultural experience.
• Extensive Natural Environment: The 1,800-acre reservation offers an unparalleled natural classroom with two lakes, miles of hiking trails, and diverse ecosystems for exploration and learning.
• Infrastructure and Facilities: Despite its rustic feel, Yawgoog boasts impressive facilities including a Challenge Course, a refurbished dining hall (Sharpe Lodge), and dedicated program areas for various activities, all accessible to campers staying at Slade.
• Memorial Bell Tower: Camp Three Point is home to the Memorial Bell Tower, which tolls daily at noon in honor of Scouts who died serving their country, adding a poignant and respectful element to the camp's traditions.

As part of the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America, Yawgoog Scout Reservation operates as a non-profit organization focused on providing a valuable youth experience. While not offering commercial "promotions" in the typical sense, there are structured pricing models and potential opportunities for extended participation.

• "Second Week for Half the Price" Program: While the review directly refers to Campsite Baden-Powell for this offer, it's a common program within the Yawgoog system to encourage Scouts to extend their stay. This general policy allows a Scout who attends one week of summer camp to attend a second week at half the standard price, a significant benefit for deeper immersion in the programs. It's highly probable this applies to all camps within the reservation, including those utilizing Campsite Slade.
• Off-Season Camping: Outside the intensive summer program, the Yawgoog reservation offers various off-season camping opportunities from September through mid-April. This includes cabins, Adirondack lean-tos, and tent sites that can be reserved by Scout units and possibly other groups at specific rates, providing flexible options for year-round outdoor engagement.
• Scholarships and Financial Assistance: As a Scouting council, the Narragansett Council often has financial aid or "campership" programs available to ensure that all registered Scouts have the opportunity to attend camp, regardless of their family's financial situation. Inquiries about such assistance should be directed to the Narragansett Council office.

For precise dates, pricing, and availability for summer camp or off-season reservations, it is always recommended to consult the official Yawgoog Scout Reservation website or contact the Narragansett Council directly.

For inquiries about Campsite Slade, its role within Camp Three Point, or the broader Yawgoog Scout Reservation programs:

General Address for Yawgoog Scout Reservation: 61 Camp Yawgoog Rd, Rockville, RI 02873, USA

Main Camp Yawgoog Office Phone: (401) 539-2311 (This number is typically active during the summer camp season and for general inquiries).

For administrative questions or off-season reservations, contacting the Narragansett Council, Scouting America, is advisable:

NARRAGANSETT COUNCIL, SCOUTING AMERICA

223 Scituate Avenue, Cranston, RI 02921

Phone/Fax: (401) 351-8700

Email: campyawgoog@scouting.org or info@narragansettbsa.org

For Rhode Islanders, Campsite Slade, as an integral part of the historic Yawgoog Scout Reservation, offers much more than just a typical campground experience; it provides a foundational setting for youth to grow, learn, and develop character amidst the natural beauty of their home state. While the cryptic reviews hint at inside jokes and the unique culture cultivated at camp, they underline the strong bonds and memorable experiences formed.

Yawgoog, and specifically a traditional camp like Three Point with sites like Slade, serves as a vital resource for local families committed to outdoor education and leadership development for their children. The rigorous yet fun-filled summer programs, the emphasis on a comprehensive range of Scouting skills, and the unparalleled natural environment contribute to an experience that fosters self-reliance, teamwork, and an appreciation for nature. The opportunity for extended stays at a reduced rate further enhances the value for local families, allowing for deeper immersion and greater skill acquisition. In a rapidly changing world, the timeless traditions and enriching environment of Campsite Slade and Yawgoog Scout Reservation continue to offer an invaluable rite of passage and a cherished summer destination for the youth of Rhode Island.

Campsite Slade

Rockville, RI 02873, USA