Yawgoog Scout Reservation facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yawgoog Scout Reservation |
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The main entrance to Camp Yawgoog
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| Owner | Rhode Island Boy Scouts | ||
| Location | 61 Camp Yawgoog Rd. Rockville, Rhode Island 02873 |
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| Country | United States | ||
| Coordinates | 41°31′15″N 71°46′37″W / 41.52083°N 71.77694°W | ||
| Founded | 1916 | ||
| Founder | Donald North | ||
| Reservation Director | Jonathan DiLuglio | ||
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Yawgoog Scout Reservation (also called Camp Yawgoog) is a huge place for scouting in Rockville, Rhode Island. It covers about 1,800 acres (7.3 square kilometers). The Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America runs it.
Yawgoog was started in 1916. This makes it the fifth oldest Boy Scout camp in the United States. Every summer, the camp has an eight-week program. Boy Scouts stay for a week with their troops. The reservation has three main camps: Three Point, Medicine Bow, and Sandy Beach.
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Yawgoog's Interesting History
In 1916, a Scout leader named Donald North found the perfect spot. It was an old farm on Yawgoog Pond. The Rhode Island Boy Scouts (RIBS) first leased the land. They bought it fully in 1917.
Local stories say Yawgoog and Wincheck were names of two Narragansett Native American Chiefs. The camp's mascot is Chief Yawgoog.
In 1950, a man named John Page created the first Totin' Chip program here. This program teaches Scouts how to safely use axes and saws.
The camp also started a special training program in 1956. It was called the Apprentice in Training (AIT) program. This helped new staff members learn their jobs. Later, it became the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. Many other camps copied this idea. In 2018, the CIT program was updated. It is now called the Yawgoog Leadership Experience.
Yawgoog used to be one big camp. Campers set up tents in one area. Later, in 1924, it split into Upper Camp and Lower Camp. Eventually, the three separate camps we know today were formed.
The camp is usually open for eight weeks in the summer. During other times of the year, groups can camp in tents or cabins. This lets troops do outdoor activities when summer camp is not happening.
In 2020, the camp did not open for the summer. This was because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first time in 104 years that Yawgoog did not open.
Exploring Yawgoog's Landscape
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Yawgoog is in the southwest part of Rhode Island. The land is mostly flat. There is one small hill called Hill 407. Most of the area is covered in trees. You can find both deciduous (trees that lose leaves) and evergreen trees.
In 1930, a big forest fire happened at the camp. Many trees were destroyed. White pines were planted to replace them because they grow fast. Today, you can't tell there was a fire.
There are six main trails at Yawgoog. They are marked with different colored chevrons. These trails go through the camps and into the wilderness. They lead to various sights and ponds.
The reservation has three ponds. Yawgoog Pond is the main one. It is used for most water activities. Wincheck Pond is to the south. It connects to Yawgoog Pond. Hidden Lake is to the north. You can reach it by hiking the "Hidden Lake Trail." Hidden Lake was affected by the forest fire. Now, no fish or plants live in it.
The reservation covers about 1,800 acres. Part of this land even goes into Connecticut.
How Yawgoog is Organized and Its Traditions
Each of the three camps has its own leaders. These include a camp director and program commissioners. They all report to the Reservation Director. Each camp has its own songs, cheers, and traditions. Every campsite within a camp also has a short motto.
All program centers are open to campers from all three camps. The only exceptions are each camp's waterfront and dining hall.
Camp Three Point: The Oldest Camp
Camp Three Point was the first camp built. It is named after the three points of the Scout Oath. People call it "The oldest and most tradition-filled camp." It was once the entire Yawgoog camp.
Today, Camp Three Point has a Challenge Course. It also has the Arthur Livingston Kelly Environmental Education Center. The 407 Outfitters is the reservation's biggest trading post. Camp Three Point also has the Protestant Chapel and the Jewish Synagogue. It is home to the first basketball court at Yawgoog. A dam here is a popular spot for fishing.
The Memorial Bell Tower is also in Camp Three Point. It rings at noon every day. This honors Scouts who died serving their country. Camp Three Point's colors are hunter green and yellow. Its mascot is Danny the Deer. Danny is a mounted deer head in Sharpe Lodge. The original Sharpe Lodge was rebuilt in 2019. It now has a better kitchen and a bigger dining hall.
The fifteen campsites in Camp Three Point are named after important people in Yawgoog's history or old Scouting nicknames. Examples include Donald C. Dewing, Pioneer, and Sleepy Hollow.
Camp Medicine Bow: The Heart of Yawgoog
As Yawgoog grew, a second camp was needed. Medicine Bow was built around Rathom Lodge in the 1920s. It is in the middle of Yawgoog's developed area.
Medicine Bow has special provisional sites. These are for the Counselor-in-Training Corps (CIT) and the Baden Powell provisional camp. It also has a Webelos' provisional Camp.
Other program centers include the H. Cushman Anthony Stockade (Crafts Center). There is also the Medicine Bow Waterfront and the Ashaway Aquatics Center. The Robotics Center is here too. The Armington Memorial Health Lodge is in Medicine Bow. It also hosts the Saint John Bosco Catholic Chapel. The camp's motorboat, "The Charlie Brown," patrols the pond from here.
Medicine Bow's colors are red and black. Its mascot is Elmo the Elk. Elmo watches over Rathom Lodge during meals. People call Camp Medicine Bow "The Heart of Yawgoog" or "the best camp in Yawgoog."
The fifteen campsites in Camp Medicine Bow are mostly named after Native American terms. Some exceptions are Baden-Powell Provisional Camp and Campsite Dan Boone.
Camp Sandy Beach: The Powerhouse
Camp Sandy Beach is the farthest camp from the main entrance. It is north of Medicine Bow. It was built in the late 1920s around Jesse H. Metcalf Lodge.
Sandy Beach calls itself the "youngest and most spirited camp." It is also the largest camp at Yawgoog. Sandy Beach has the Lane-Bliven Rifle Range and the David Anderson Archery Range. It also has a Trap Range. The Sandy Beach Waterfront is here. The current New Frontiers Program is also at Sandy Beach. The Campcraft or Outdoor Skills center teaches traditional Scouting skills. These include Wilderness Survival and Camping.
Sandy Beach's colors are blue and yellow. Its main mascot is Jim the Moose. They also have other mascots like two bananas and a "crazy" crocodile.
Camp Sandy Beach has eighteen campsites. They are named after famous Americans. Examples include Abe Lincoln, Davy Crockett, and Neil Armstrong.
One campsite used to be named Camp Baden-Powell. It was named after Boy Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell. This site is now the Neil Armstrong campsite.
Awards and Achievements at Yawgoog
Scouts, leaders, troops, and patrols can earn many awards at Yawgoog. Scouts can earn many merit badges. Leaders can learn new skills. Patrols and troops can earn honors and ribbons.
Some notable awards include NRA and National Archery Association awards. Scouts can also earn the BSA Mile Swim and Lifeguard BSA. Fishing Derby winners take home a fishing pole each week. Each camp gives out "Troop of the Week" and "Camp Champion" awards.
Camp Yawgoog has a special shooting sports award. It is called the Bucklin Marksmanship Medal. To earn it, Scouts must shoot at 10 targets. They need to score 400 points or more. The Scout with the highest score for the summer wins a rifle.
Unique Yawgoog Segments
Yawgoog Segments are special awards unique to the camp. They are small, curved patches. They go around the circular Yawgoog patch. Scouts can sew them onto their uniform shirt. Or they can put them on a felt circle or in a plastic holder. The first segments started in 1951.
General Camping Segments
You can earn a segment for camping in each camp. These have the camp's two-letter abbreviation. "TP" is for Three Point, "MB" for Medicine Bow, and "SB" for Sandy Beach.
You can also earn a segment for each year you attend camp. These are marked "1 Year" through "5 Year," and "V-6" through "V-9." Segments are also given for the state where the camper lives. Special segments are given for camping during Jubilee years. These happen every 25 years. A special 100-year anniversary segment was given out in 2016.
Activity Segments
Shooting sports have segments like "Yeoman" for archery. "Rifle" is for rifle shooting, and "Trap" is for shotgun shooting. The Challenge Center has many segments. These include "HAT" for the Handicap Awareness Trail. "AC" is for completing low ropes elements. "AII" is for climbing on the course.
Water activities have segments for the Mile Swim, kayaking, and sailing. Other centers also have segments. These include "Campcraft" and "YHC" for visiting the Yawgoog Heritage Center. Hiking awards include "Hiker of Yawgoog" and "GPS."
Leadership Segments
Each week, the three camps give a "Troop of the Week" award. This is for things like participating in events and campsite cleanliness. Segments are also given for leadership roles. These include Senior Patrol Leader, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, CIT, or Staff.
CITs can earn the "Top Basic" award. This is for those who did very well as leaders during their training week. The Frederick W. Marvel award is given to the top CIT for the whole summer.
Adult Organizations at Yawgoog
Yawgoog Alumni Association
The Yawgoog Alumni Association helps the camp continue to thrive. It was started in 1980 by H. Cushman "Gus" Anthony. They raise money for camp improvements. They also opened the Yawgoog Heritage Museum. This museum has books, uniforms, and pictures from the camp's history. The crafts center, "H. Cushman Anthony Stockade," is named after Gus Anthony.
Knights of Yawgoog
The Knights of Yawgoog is a special group. Selected Scout leaders and staff members are invited to join. This happens after the Saturday Night Show. New members wear a potato on a rope for 24 hours. This tradition started in 1920. It was a fun club at first. Now, it reminds leaders of their important role in guiding Scouts. Members earn a patch with a gold sword.
Notable Events and Pop Culture
In 2008, a couple got married at Yawgoog Scout Reservation. They were the only couple to do so at the St. John Bosco Chapel.
In 2011, parts of the movie Moonrise Kingdom were filmed at Yawgoog. You can see the Three Point waterfront and the Challenge Course in the movie.
