Kunatah Camp Entrance

For New Yorkers seeking enriching and adventurous summer experiences for youth, the "Kunatah Camp Entrance" in Tusten, NY, serves as the gateway to Camp Kunatah, a significant part of the vast Ten Mile River Scout Reservation (TMR). This isn't just a campground; it's a historic and vibrant summer camp dedicated to developing young people through a comprehensive array of outdoor activities, skill-building opportunities, and leadership development. Known as the "Home of the Indian Cliffs," Kunatah Camp offers a unique blend of natural beauty and structured programming, making it a premier destination for Boy Scouts and Scouters from across the region.

Camp Kunatah provides a supportive environment where youth can engage in everything from earning merit badges and advancing through ranks to participating in thrilling outdoor adventures like mountain biking, rappelling, kayaking, and even multi-mile treks. Its location on the beautiful Rock Lake within the expansive 12,000-acre TMR reserve ensures an immersive outdoor experience. For families and Scout troops in New York, Kunatah Camp represents a trusted and time-honored institution committed to fostering personal growth, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.

The camp's dedication to providing a full variety of programs, coupled with its commitment to participant well-being, including a year-round kosher dining hall, sets it apart. It’s a place where tradition meets adventure, creating lasting memories and shaping future leaders. Stepping through the Kunatah Camp Entrance means stepping into a world designed to challenge, inspire, and entertain young people throughout their summer break.

The Kunatah Camp Entrance is located in Tusten, NY 12764, marking the entry point to Camp Kunatah, which is an integral part of the sprawling Ten Mile River Scout Reservation (TMR). This vast 12,000-acre reserve is situated in Sullivan County, in the scenic Upper Delaware River Valley, bordering Pennsylvania.

For New York residents, accessing TMR and Camp Kunatah is a manageable journey:

• From New York City: The drive typically takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Routes often involve NY-17 West (which becomes I-86) or I-84 West, leading into Sullivan County.
• From Albany: The journey from the state capital is usually around 2.5 to 3 hours, often via I-88 West before connecting to local routes that lead towards the Delaware River.
• From Western New York (e.g., Syracuse, Rochester): While a longer drive (4-6+ hours), the site is accessible via major interstates, making it a destination for more extended summer programs.

Once in Sullivan County, Tusten and the Ten Mile River Scout Reservation are well-known landmarks. The camp entrance itself is found along local roads within the Tusten area. The reservation's extensive size means that internal roads will lead to the specific camps, including Kunatah. Its location provides a serene wilderness setting, yet it remains relatively accessible from major population centers in New York, making it a practical choice for summer programs. The proximity to the Delaware River also opens up opportunities for additional water-based activities and exploration.

Camp Kunatah, as part of the Ten Mile River Scout Reservation, offers a wide array of services designed to provide a rich and structured summer camp experience for Boy Scouts.

• Merit Badge Programs: A core offering, Camp Kunatah provides opportunities for Scouts to earn a full variety of merit badges across numerous fields, supporting their advancement through the Scouting ranks.
• Advancement Opportunities: Beyond merit badges, the camp is structured to facilitate overall advancement for Scouts, helping them progress in their Scouting journey.
• Aquatics Program: Located on Rock Lake, the camp offers extensive aquatics activities, including swimming, boating (kayaking, sailing), and potentially other water sports.
• Outdoor Adventure Activities: A wide range of thrilling outdoor pursuits are available, such as rappelling, mountain biking, and various hikes and treks, including potential 50-mile treks.
• Patrol Cooking Option: For units that prefer a more traditional Scouting experience, patrol cooking options are available, fostering teamwork and self-reliance.
• Dining Hall (Kosher Certified): Camp Kunatah features a dining hall that is kosher certified all year under the Star-K certification, catering to dietary needs and preferences.
• Equipped Program Areas: The camp boasts fully equipped program areas to support all the activities and merit badge instruction.
• Experienced Staff: An experienced and dedicated staff provides instruction, leadership, and support, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for all participants.
• Health and Safety Protocols: The camp maintains robust health and safety measures, including daily health screenings upon arrival and readily available medical staff to address any health problems or injuries.
• Central Shower Houses and Latrines: While campsites vary, general facilities include central shower houses and latrines, with running water available at troop sites.
• Trading Post: Each camp within TMR typically has a trading post where Scouts can purchase snacks, beverages, Scouting supplies, and souvenirs.
• Field Trips: Opportunities for off-site educational field trips, such as to the Fleetville Observatory at Keystone College, may be offered.
• Special Events: Regular camp-wide games, movie nights, and other fun activities are organized to enhance the social and recreational experience.

These services collectively ensure a comprehensive and well-rounded summer camp experience that balances educational advancement with fun and adventure.

Camp Kunatah, within the Ten Mile River Scout Reservation, is rich with features and highlights that make it a standout choice for youth summer camping in New York.

• Historic Significance: Known as "Home of the Indian Cliffs" and one of the most historic camps on the TMR reservation (opened in 1928), Kunatah offers a unique sense of heritage. This connection to a long tradition of Scouting enriches the experience.
• Expansive Wilderness Setting: Located on the 12,000-acre Ten Mile River Scout Reservation, the camp provides an immense natural playground. This vastness allows for diverse outdoor activities and a true immersion in the wilderness of Sullivan County.
• Rock Lake Access: The camp is situated on the beautiful Rock Lake, providing excellent opportunities for aquatic activities like swimming, boating (kayaking, sailing, row boating), and fishing.
• Comprehensive Merit Badge Offerings: A vast selection of merit badges covering various skills and interests ensures that every Scout can pursue their passions and advance in their Scouting journey.
• Diverse Adventure Programs: From rappelling and mountain biking to extensive hikes and potential 50-mile treks, the camp offers high-adventure programs that challenge participants and foster resilience and teamwork.
• Year-Round Kosher Dining Hall: A particularly notable feature is the Star-K certified kosher dining hall, which makes the camp accessible and welcoming to Scouts with specific dietary requirements.
• Equipped Program Areas: The presence of fully equipped program areas, including specialized facilities for shooting sports, nature/ecology, handicrafts, and scout skills, ensures quality instruction and diverse engagement.
• Dedicated and Experienced Staff: The camp is staffed by dedicated and enthusiastic individuals who are committed to providing a positive and educational experience, often forming lasting bonds with the Scouts.
• Proximity to Delaware River: Being a short distance from the Delaware River offers additional possibilities for water-based activities like canoeing and whitewater recreation.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of Camp Kunatah as a dynamic and supportive environment where youth can learn, grow, and have unforgettable summer adventures in a historically rich and naturally stunning setting.

As a summer camp primarily serving Boy Scouts, Camp Kunatah (and the broader Ten Mile River Scout Camps) operates on a structured enrollment basis rather than offering traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense. The value proposition lies in its comprehensive programming and established reputation.

However, for New York Scout troops and families planning their summer experience, here's how to best approach enrollment and potential value:

• Early Registration Incentives: While not always branded as a "promotion," early registration for summer camp sessions is often encouraged with tiered pricing, where registering by a certain date might result in a lower fee. This is the most common way to secure a "deal."
• Multi-Week Stays: Camp Kunatah welcomes Scouts for up to two weeks every summer. Inquire if there are any reduced rates or extended program benefits for units or individual Scouts who choose to stay for consecutive weeks.
• Unit Hold-A-Place/Deposits: Units can secure their desired week(s) by submitting a "Hold-A-Place" form and an initial deposit. This ensures a spot for their troop, which is a significant "offer" given the popularity of the camp.
• Individual Scout Enrollment (Provisional Troop): For Scouts whose troops are not attending, or for those attending with fewer than five Scouts, TMR often allows individual enrollment into a "Provisional Troop" or similar arrangement. This "offer" ensures that all Scouts have an opportunity to experience camp.
• Leader Fee Minimization: Policies may exist to minimize or even eliminate leader fees for units that meet certain criteria (e.g., minimum number of Scouts attending), which serves as a financial incentive for adult volunteers.
• Program Value: The core "promotion" is the robust and diverse program offerings. The ability to earn multiple merit badges, engage in high adventure, and benefit from experienced staff all within a single summer session represents significant value for personal development and skill acquisition.
• Scholarship/Financial Aid: While not a general "promotion," Scouting councils often have financial aid or scholarship programs available to assist families with camp fees based on need. New York families should inquire with the Greater New York Councils, Boy Scouts of America (GNYC, which operates TMR) about such opportunities.

Prospective campers and their families should consult the official Ten Mile River Scout Camps Leader's Guide, typically found on the Greater New York Councils website, for the most accurate and current information on fees, registration deadlines, and any specific policies that may impact costs.

To learn more about Camp Kunatah and the summer programs offered at the Ten Mile River Scout Reservation, here's how New Yorkers can get in touch:

• Address: The Kunatah Camp Entrance is located within the larger Ten Mile River Scout Reservation at Tusten, NY 12764, USA. This address directs you to the general area of the expansive Scout reservation.
• Phone: For general inquiries about Camp Kunatah or the Ten Mile River Scout Camps, you can contact the Greater New York Councils, Boy Scouts of America, which operates the reservation. The provided phone number is (845) 583-2000. The mobile phone number, +1 845-583-2000, is the same number, ensuring consistent contact.
• Official Website: The most comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding Camp Kunatah, including program details, schedules, registration forms, leader guides, and staff applications, can be found on the official Ten Mile River Scout Camps website, typically linked from the Greater New York Councils, Boy Scouts of America website.
• Email: While not explicitly provided as a direct line for Kunatah, general inquiries to the Ten Mile River Scout Camps or GNYC can often be made via email addresses listed on their official websites.

When contacting, it's advisable to specify your interest in Camp Kunatah and the summer camp programs. This will help direct your inquiry to the most appropriate staff member who can provide detailed information on enrollment, program specifics, and any questions related to a Scout's potential stay.

For New York residents, Camp Kunatah, as part of the storied Ten Mile River Scout Reservation in Tusten, NY, represents an exceptional opportunity for youth development and unforgettable summer adventures. Its accessibility from major New York cities like NYC and Albany makes it a practical choice for families seeking a quality summer camp experience without extensive travel, maximizing the time spent on learning and fun.

What makes Kunatah Camp particularly suitable for locals is its unique blend of traditional Scouting values with a comprehensive and action-packed program. It's a place where young New Yorkers can gain vital life skills, earn merit badges, and advance their personal growth in a safe, structured, and incredibly engaging outdoor environment. The vast wilderness of the 12,000-acre reservation, including access to Rock Lake and the "Indian Cliffs," provides a natural classroom and playground unlike any other, fostering a deep appreciation for New York's natural heritage.

Beyond the structured activities, the camp cultivates a strong sense of community and camaraderie among participants and staff. The availability of a year-round kosher dining hall further enhances its inclusivity, welcoming diverse Scouts from across the state. Whether a youth is new to Scouting or an experienced camper, Kunatah offers a transformative experience that builds character, promotes leadership, and creates lasting memories. For New York families looking to invest in a summer that combines adventure, education, and personal growth, Kunatah Camp provides an unparalleled and deeply rewarding choice right in their home state.

Kunatah Camp Entrance

Tusten, NY 12764, USA