Ockanickon Scout Reservation

Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Ockanickon Scout Reservation stands as a beacon of outdoor adventure and character development. Established in 1941 and overseen by the Washington Crossing Council of the Boy Scouts of America, this expansive 240-acre wooded haven has become synonymous with fostering leadership, building life skills, and creating indelible memories for countless youth. It’s more than just a campground; it’s a living classroom where the principles of Scouting come alive through hands-on experiences in a remarkable wilderness setting. For families and youth organizations across Pennsylvania, Ockanickon offers a profound opportunity to engage with nature and grow.

Ockanickon is renowned for its comprehensive programs and the dedication of its staff, who are committed to delivering thorough instruction and ensuring a positive experience. Visitors consistently praise the "great" merit badge counselors and the overall fun atmosphere that permeates the camp. While the property is largely well-kept, as noted in reviews, the focus on learning opportunities and engaging activities is a consistent highlight. The vibrant wildlife, diverse amenities, and the sheer breadth of activities contribute to a dynamic and enriching environment. It is a place where new friendships are forged, challenges are overcome, and the magic of the outdoors is truly embraced, leaving participants with a desire to return.

Ockanickon Scout Reservation is strategically located at 5787 State Park Rd, Pipersville, PA 18947, USA. This address places the campground within the serene and scenic expanse of Bucks County, a region known for its rolling hills, charming towns, and rich history. For residents across Pennsylvania, particularly those in the southeastern part of the state, including the greater Philadelphia area, access to Ockanickon is quite convenient.

The camp's proximity to major road networks ensures straightforward travel, making it an ideal destination for weekend camping trips, summer camp sessions, and various Scouting events. While providing an immersive wilderness experience, Ockanickon remains within a reasonable drive of local amenities in towns like Pipersville, Doylestown, and Quakertown, where essential services and supplies can be found. Furthermore, its location allows for easy exploration of nearby attractions. Nockamixon State Park, offering extensive recreational opportunities like boating, fishing, and hiking, is just a stone's throw away. The historic significance of Washington Crossing Historic Park and the charming villages along the Delaware River are also within reach, providing additional educational and leisure options. This combination of natural seclusion and convenient access positions Ockanickon Scout Reservation as a prime outdoor destination for Pennsylvania locals.

Ockanickon Scout Reservation offers a wide array of services designed to facilitate its diverse programs and ensure a supportive environment for all campers and groups.

• Variety of Campsites and Lodging: The reservation features seventeen distinct campsites, including Adirondack shelters and tent platforms, available for year-round weekend use by Cub Packs, Scout Troops, and co-ed Explorer/Venturing units. Additionally, heated cabins and lodges like Palmer Lodge, Grundy, Memorial, and the STEM Center Lodge are available for rent, offering various capacities and amenities.
• Dining Hall Services: The air-conditioned Foster Dining Hall is available for meal services, especially during summer camp, capable of seating 350-400 people. A commercial kitchen with separate kosher space is also available for rental.
• Health Lodge: An on-site health lodge is present to address medical needs and provide first aid, ensuring the well-being of all participants.
• Trading Post: A well-stocked trading post offers camping essentials, snacks, beverages, and Ockanickon memorabilia.
• Year-Round Camping: Beyond the intensive summer camp programs, the reservation provides facilities for weekend camping from early September to mid-June, catering to units seeking off-season adventures.
• Individual Camper Program: Scouts who cannot attend summer camp with their own troops are welcome to register individually and join other campers for the summer program.
• Online Reservation System: The camp utilizes Tentaroo Event Management for convenient online reservations of campsites, lodging, and specific program activities like COPE and Climbing.
• Staff Support: Praised by reviewers, the staff are known for being thorough in their teachings and generally supportive, providing Commissioner-type service to units and assisting with special projects.
• Campmaster Corps: A dedicated group of experienced Scouters provide on-site support for weekend camp activities, assisting units, inspecting facilities, and ensuring safety.

Ockanickon Scout Reservation is rich with features and highlights that create a comprehensive and engaging outdoor experience, particularly for youth development.

• Extensive Merit Badge Program: Offering one of the largest merit badge programs in the Northeast Region, with over 80 badges available during summer camp across various departments (Ecology, Scoutcraft, Civics, Aquatics, STEM, etc.).
• Aquatics Facilities: Features a large lake (Great Buck Lake) for canoeing, kayaking, rowing, and fishing, along with a newly installed swimming pool (replaced in 2023) for lessons and free swim.
• GE Betz Science Center: A notable highlight, this state-of-the-art science center includes a room-sized inflatable planetarium, telescopes for astronomy, a real-time weather station, and uses liquid nitrogen for demonstrations, supporting various STEM-related merit badges.
• COPE & Climbing Tower: Offers a Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience (COPE) course with low and high elements, a 32-foot climbing tower, and a zipline designed for team building, problem-solving, and personal challenge.
• Shooting Sports Ranges: Dedicated ranges for archery, BB guns, rifles, and shotguns provide safe and instructed opportunities for marksmanship, often including tomahawk throwing.
• Dan Beard Program: A specialized first-year camper program designed to help new Scouts learn basic Scouting skills required for First Class rank, often including Swimming and Fingerprinting merit badges.
• Wildlife and Natural Setting: The 240-acre wooded property is home to diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for nature observation and outdoor exploration on well-maintained grounds.
• Year-Round Activities: Beyond summer camp, the reservation hosts various weekend activities, including COPE & Climbing weekends, chainsaw work days for volunteers, and special events.
• Order of the Arrow Lodge: Home to the Order of the Arrow Memorial Lodge, honoring Scouting's honor society and supporting their activities.
• Leadership Development: Programs are inherently designed to build character and leadership skills, preparing young individuals for future challenges.
• Accessibility Focus: Despite being an outdoor camp, efforts are made for accessibility, as noted by recent shower house renovations to accommodate higher volumes of people.

Ockanickon Scout Reservation, as a program of the Boy Scouts of America's Washington Crossing Council, typically structures its fees with incentives for early registration rather than traditional "promotions." These are designed to encourage timely sign-ups and planning for units and individual campers.

• Early Registration Discounts: Both the Scouts BSA Summer Camp and the Cub Scout Adventure Camp offer reduced "early bird" rates for registrations and payments made by specific deadlines (e.g., by April 30th for Cub Adventure Camp). These discounts can offer significant savings compared to the standard registration fees.
• Sibling Discounts: For programs like the Cub Scout Adventure Camp, a discount (e.g., $15 per sibling) may be available for families sending two or more Cub Scouts to camp.
• Free Adult Leader Slots: For Cub Scout Adventure Camp, Packs registering eight or more Cub Scouts can often earn free adult leader slots, based on the total youth attendance, encouraging adult participation and support.
• Campership Program (Financial Aid): To ensure that no Scout is denied the opportunity to attend camp due to financial limitations, Ockanickon offers a "Campership Application" program, providing financial assistance to eligible families.
• Tiered Pricing for Summer Camp: For some summer programs, there might be tiered pricing (Tier A, B, C), which allows families to choose a price point that best fits their budget, while still providing the same camp experience.
• Weekend Camping Rental Rates: For year-round weekend camping, pricing for cabins and campsites is structured per unit or group, with varying rates based on capacity and amenities, providing transparent options for booking.

It is crucial for interested parties to regularly consult the official Ockanickon Scout Reservation website (ockanickon.org) and the Washington Crossing Council, BSA website, particularly the "Forms & Resources" and "Dates & Rates" sections, for the most up-to-date information on program fees, early bird deadlines, and financial aid application processes.

To learn more about Ockanickon Scout Reservation, inquire about their diverse programs, or make a reservation, please use the following contact details:

Address: 5787 State Park Rd, Pipersville, PA 18947, USA

Phone: (215) 297-5290

Mobile Phone: +1 215-297-5290

For specific program inquiries, such as those related to Cub Scout Adventure Camp or Scouts BSA Summer Camp, you may also find direct contact information for program directors on their respective web pages on the Ockanickon or Washington Crossing Council websites. It is always recommended to check their official websites for the most current information, including office hours and any specific departmental contacts.

For residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those in Bucks County and the surrounding regions, Ockanickon Scout Reservation stands as an exceptional and accessible destination for youth development and outdoor adventure. Its deep roots within the Boy Scouts of America system ensure a robust and well-structured environment focused on building character, leadership, and essential life skills. The convenient location in Pipersville means that families don't have to travel far to access a high-quality, immersive outdoor experience, making it an ideal choice for both week-long summer camps and enriching weekend excursions.

The comprehensive merit badge program, diverse aquatic activities on the lake and in the new pool, and exciting high-adventure elements like the COPE and climbing tower, cater to a wide range of interests and age groups. The presence of the GE Betz Science Center further enriches the learning opportunities, uniquely blending outdoor skills with STEM education. While one review mentioned some areas for improvement regarding latrine cleanliness and hot water availability, these are typically operational concerns that camps continually address, and the overall positive feedback on staff dedication and program quality remains consistent.

Ockanickon’s commitment to providing a nurturing environment where Scouts can learn, grow, and forge lifelong friendships is paramount. The emphasis on fostering independence and a love for the outdoors makes it an invaluable asset to the local community. For Pennsylvania families seeking to provide their children with a memorable, educational, and adventurous camping experience right in their backyard, Ockanickon Scout Reservation truly offers a premier opportunity for growth and discovery.

Ockanickon Scout Reservation

5787 State Park Rd, Pipersville, PA 18947, USA