Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan operates 12 different program areas each summer with merit badges available through each. Both East and West Camp operate their own core program areas, including Aquatics, Eco-Con, Handicraft, Pinnacle, Scoutcraft, Shooting Sports, and Trailblazer. The Reservation Staff operate the program areas shared between the two camps, including the Climbing Wall, Triangle M Horse Ranch, Cycling Base, and Zip Line.

For more information about merit badges, including schedules, registration, sign up deadlines, and requirements, visit our merit badge page.

The staff at aquatics are committed to helping new swimmers strengthen their skills. More advanced swimmers can challenge themselves with the Lifesaving merit badge or work on Safe Swim Defense or Paddle Craft Safety certifications. We gear all our instruction and activities to be fun and make all scouts feel comfortable — and confident — in the water. In addition to the merit badges offered at Aquatics, Scouts can swim for fun, enjoy belly flops or cannon balls off the raft, and take out a boat or paddleboards (with a buddy, of course!).

One of the highlights of a week at camp are the war canoe races. Each week, units compete against each other to become the camp’s champion of these ten-man boat races. At the end of the week, the East Camp and West Camp champions compete for the prestigious Killian Cup.

All Scouts must take the BSA Swim Test to participate in aquatics activities at camp. This can be completed before camp or at camp. Click here for the swim test requirements and record sheet.

Clocking in at 42 feet, our climbing tower is sure to challenge any Scout. The tower features three climbing faces of varying difficulty and a fourth face exclusively dedicated to rappelling. Our qualified staff can help beginner Scouts learn to climb or assist experienced climbers with training. Climbing Merit badge is offered every morning. In order to complete the merit badge, it is strongly suggested that the scouts stay during the 11am session for open climb.

In the afternoon, we have our ever-fun zip line available for troop sign-ups. Troops can also test their team skills at our crate-stacking area. The current Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan record for a single stack of crates is 17. Can your troop beat that? Climbing/rappelling is also available for troop sign-up in the afternoon. When signing up, indicate which of our 3 areas you would like to use so we have it setup before your arrive. Stay tuned in the Dining Hall for details about our weekly evening program.

The MSR Cycling Base operates a fleet of 21 7-speed fat tire bikes built to tackle Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan’s trails. All bikes are equipped with front and rear disc brakes and are available in three frame sizes to suit different body types. Cycling Merit Badge is available during A Block and B Block*. Scouts and leaders of any experience level can ride trails that range from gravel roads to flow trails to even technical singletracks. Troops or individuals may sign up for longer trail rides during the afternoon hour periods for an additional $10 fee. Shorter trail rides are offered during most free program hours. Anyone interested in riding or learning about bike maintenance should stop by and speak with our knowledgeable staff.

*Please note that not all requirements can be completed at camp. Scouts will be able to complete some but not necessarily all of the rides in 7Bc. 7Bd cannot be completed during the merit badge classes.

At the Ecology Conservation Lodge, often referred to as Eco-Con, Scouts can participate in over ten nature-related merit badges. Scouts can enjoy fishing instruction, hike along the nature trail, explore Muskrat Lake and partake in the bog boogie, and even spend a night under the stars. Our staff will help you experience and understand nature in a whole new way. There’s always something crawling, swimming, or slithering at Eco-Con!

Handicraft offers Scouts a chance to express their artistic side with numerous arts and crafts merit badges. Stop by and throw some clay on a potter's wheel, paint a picture, or let your imagination guide you with the various tools at your disposal. Scouts will be proud to bring home their merit badges as well as their projects too!

Our Triangle-M Ranch is often noted as a favorite location among staff and campers alike. Nestled into Wabaningo just across the road from camp, Triangle-M Ranch offers one of the few Scouting horse programs in the country. The skilled ranch staff tend to a herd of over 10 horses, many of which are Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan veterans. The Triangle-M Ranch program is a great way to learn to ride or practice, and horses are available for the merit badge, lessons, and trail rides. If you have never taken a trail ride at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan, we highly recommend it— it’s a great way to see the most untouched areas of camp.

There are several additional camp policies in place when visiting the Triangle-M Ranch, including proper clothing and footwear. These policies are detailed in our Leader’s Guide.

Designed as a unique opportunity for older scouts, Pinnacle offers a variety of merit badges chosen with the interest of older scouts in mind. There are several Eagle-required badges for scouts working towards this goal as well as many badges that related to career exploration. Scouts must be at least 13 years of age or have earned the Star rank to take most Pinnacle merit badges (Chess and Fingerprinting do not have sign up restrictions).

The Scoutcraft Program helps Scouts develop knowledge and skills in the outdoors. Younger Scouts can earn their Totin’ Chip and Firem’n Chit. Scoutcraft helps Scouts be prepared to eventually go on treks and longer camping trips through a variety of merit badges including Backpacking; Camping; First Aid; Hiking; Pioneering; Signs, Signals, & Codes; and Wilderness Survival. Scouts can even go on an overnight wilderness survival excursion.

Shooting Sports affords scouts the unique opportunity to try shooting archery, rifles, and shotguns. In addition to merit badge sessions, the ranges are open for open shooting every day. Safety is the first priority of our Shooting Sports staff. All scouts must have the necessary Firearms Safety Training to shoot on either range at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan or any NEIC property. This training is provided at MSR and is good for 2 years after completing the training. Scouts must present their FST cards when entering any of the MSR ranges.

There are many additional safety requirements for the shooting sports ranges at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan, including firearm policies and appropriate eye and ear protection. These are detailed in the Leader’s Guide (available March 2021).

First time at camp? Don’t sweat it! At Trailblazer, first year Scouts can earn almost all of the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Requirements. Led by experienced staff members, Trailblazer is a comprehensive program where new Scouts learn the basic skills needed for camping, first aid, knots, lashings, swimming, map and compass, and nature skills. For older new Scouts, our Pathfinder program covers more requirements in less time.

The 2022 Trailblazer Schedule is now available!

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Totin’ Chip

• Firem’n Chit