Summer Camp Camp Cris Dobbins Scouts BSA

Scouts BSA Summer Camp

Camp Cris Dobbins Summer Camp

Your Scouting Colorado Adventure Awaits

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP 2027!

2027 CAMP INFORMATION

2027 Session Dates

Camp (303) 648-3023 (June & July)

General Camp Email McNeil Scout Ranch

Camp Fees

2027 Pricing Schedule

$485/Youth until October 31, 2026

$500/Youth November 1, 2026 to March 30, 2027

$525/Youth April 1, 2027 and beyond

The prices listed above take effect on the dates listed.

$250/Adult

1 FREE Adult Leader for Every 10 Scouts

$100 Unit Registration Fee

Some merit badges, programs, and activities require a fee to participate. See the Program Guide for further information.

White Water Rafting

We have partnered with one of Colorado’s premier rafting companies, River Runners to provide units the opportunity to raft down the Arkansas River as part of their summer camp experience. The unique and thrilling activity is open to all Scouts and adult leaders! All participants must be a “Swimmer” from the Scouting America swimming test. Better yet, it takes place on your open day at camp, meaning Scouts won’t have to miss any of their merit badges to participate.

More information is outlined in the Program Guide.

You must complete the online waiver beforehand. Each week has a different waiver. Scouts will not be allowed to attend and there will be NO REFUNDS for missing waivers.

No group sign ups. You may sign up individually. You must provide your own transportation. Transportation will not be provided.

Whitewater Rafting Program (Must Complete Prior to Arrival)

Whitewater Rafting Registration
Whitewater Waiver (Click Your Date Below)
- Week 1 – June 10
- Week 2 – June 17
- Week 3 – June 24
- Week 4 – July 1
- Week 5 – July 8
- Week 6 – July 15
How do I register for Whitewater Rafting?

Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellations & Refunds

CAMP RESERVATIONS: Units should finalize camp reservations by April 15 of the current year.

All Refunds should be requested by the unit’s Scoutmaster or committee chair and will be refunded to the unit’s account. Individual families should not be requesting a refund for summer camp, please work through the unit summer camp coordinator.

Unit Cancellation Policy:

The $100.00 Unit Reservation Fee is non-refundable and will be forfeited for all cancelled unit reservations.

April 30 to date of arrival: Unit Reservation Fee of $100 and 100% of camper/leader fees will be forfeited.
April 15 to 29: Unit Reservation Fee of $100 and 75% of camper/leader fees will be forfeited.
March 15 to April 14: Unit Reservation Fee of $100 and 10% of camper/leader fees will be forfeited.

Unit Cancellations before March 15 will forfeit the $100 unit reservation fee.

NOTE: Units should finalize their reservations by April 15. Units dropping more than 5 scouts after April 15 may be assessed a $50.00 per person cancellation fee.

Scouting Colorado will refund 100% of paid camp fees if the camp cannot operate due to local, state, or federal policy.

Individual Cancellation Policy:

All Refunds should be requested by the unit’s Scoutmaster or committee chair and will be refunded to the unit’s account. Individual families should not be requesting a refund for summer camp.

Individual Camper Fee’s will be refunded, with appropriate documentation.

Individual or immediate family members is affected by a communicable disease such as COVID-19.
A severe medical issue that would make attending camp difficult or impossible, such as a broken bone or hospitalization.
Catastrophic Family Emergency or death in the immediate family.

Individual Scouts needing refunds should request them through their unit and will be allocated as follows. Units may substitute Scouts and Leaders and not forfeit fees paid.

April 30 to date of arrival: 100% of camper/leader fees will be forfeited.
April 15 to 29 Days before arrival: Unit Reservation Fee of $100 and 75% of camper/leader fees will be forfeited.
March 15 to April 14: 10% of camper/leader fees will be forfeited.

NOTE:

If a Scout becomes ill while attending camp and is sent home by the camp medical staff, the Scout may be entitled to a pro-rated refund based on days on the property.

If a Scout/Leader is asked to leave for discipline reasons no refunds will be made.

Camperships (Scholarships for Camp)

The Greater Colorado Council strongly believes “no youth shall be denied a program experience because of lack of funds.” However, every effort must be made by applicants to “earn their own way.” Camperships are available to Scouting Colorado registered youth to attend summer camp and other select programs. Camperships are awarded up to 25% of the activity fee. The Campership form must be submitted 30 days in advance of the event. No funds will be granted after the event. The Campership program is available for Scouting Colorado registered Scouts only.

Scholarship Guidelines

Scholarships are only available for Scouting Colorado outdoor programs. At no time will we grant Scholarships to those who are going out of council for summer camp.
Only registered youth Scout members of Scouting Colorado are granted scholarships.
A Scout must have a current reservation for one the following:

Scouts BSA – McNeil Scout Ranch – Camp Cris Dobbins
Cub Scout Adventure Camp – McNeil Scout Ranch – 3 days, 2 Nights
Fall Cub Scout Extravaganza
National Youth Leadership Training – NYLT

Scholarships will be credited to that account. Information of the credit in the form of a receipt will be sent to Unit leadership.
As a requirement to receive a scholarship, each Scout must send to Scouting Colorado a formal, handwritten, one page letter that will be sent to the donors thanking them for making the Scholarship Program available. Send letters to Camping Department – Campership, Scouting Colorado, 10455 W. 6th Avenue, Ste. 100, Lakewood, CO 80215. Scholarship will not be applied until the letter is received.
At no time will Scholarship funds be refunded in cash to the Scout or the unit. If the Scout is unable to attend, the scholarship will be removed.
Full scholarships are not awarded. Generally, only 25% of event cost will be awarded. (It’s highly recommended that the Scout participate in the Council provided fundraising events to earn their way to camp – (Popcorn and Camp Cards sales).
Please submit request at least 30 days prior to the event. Scholarships will not be awarded after attending the activity.
Camperships are not transferable and non-refundable.

Click Here for the Campership Request Form

Check Out the Current Weather at McNeil Scout Ranch!

2027 Merit Badges & Activities

Hollywood

Merit Badges:

Communication (Eagle)
Cyber Security
Game Design
Movie Making
Photography
Theater
Radio
Leadership (A special MSR course for older Scouts!)

Nature

Merit Badges:

Eaglebound

Rank Advancement:

Scout
Tenderfoot
Second Class
First Class

Select rank advancements are taught in these classes. Not all rank advancements are covered.

Scoutcraft

Merit Badges:

First Aid (Eagle)
Emergency Preparedness (Eagle) / Search and Rescue
Geocaching
Pioneering
Wilderness Survival

Handicraft

Merit Badges:

STEM

Merit Badges:

Astronomy / Space Exploration
Chemistry
Cooking
Metalworking
Nuclear Science

Evening Activities

Each night the camp offers various activities outside of merit badge instruction.

Sunday – Campfire Program

Monday – Campsite Host Night

Tuesday – Lodge Specials

Wednesday – Troop Time

Thursday – Lake Party

Friday – Family Night and Campfire

More information is outlined in the Program Guide.

Morning Activities

For the early risers!

Monday – Mile Swim Practice / Polar Plunge

Tuesday – Mile Swim Practice / Polar Plunge

Wednesday – Mile Swim Practice

Thursday – Mile Swim Practice / 5k Run/Walk

Friday – Mile Swim / Sun Rise Hike

Range and Target Activities

Merit Badges:

Archery
Rifle
Shotgun

Next Level Range Adventure (for older Scouts not wanting to complete merit badges)

Must be 14 years of age
1 week long program

Cowboy Action (available as a open-time activity)

Must be at least 14 years of age & complete the waiver prior to arrival

Adventure & ATV’s

Merit Badges:

Climbing
Cycling (Eagle)

ATVs

ATV RiderCourse – For beginners – Learn how to ride and operate an ATV on a closed course.
ATV Experienced Rider – For those that have taken the course – ride the beautiful trails of MSR!
Must be at least 14 years of age & successfully complete the e-learning course prior to arrival
In place of two merit badge periods

Silver Lake

Merit Badges:

Must successfully pass the BSA Swim Test and be a Blue Swimmer prior to attending.

Canoeing
Kayaking
Small Boat Sailing
Rowing

Other Activities

Open Boating
Polar Penguin Plunge

Other Aquatic Adventures

Go White Water Rafting on Wednesday, your free day at camp!*

*Indicates an additional fee

Gates Aquatics Center

Merit Badges:

Must successfully pass the BSA Swim Test and be a Blue Swimmer prior to attending.

Swimming (Eagle)
Lifesaving (Eagle)

Other Activities:

Mile Swim
Open Swim Time

Other Aquatic Adventures

Go White Water Rafting on Wednesday, your free day at camp!*

*Indicates an additional fee

Horse Program

Merit Badges:

Horsemanship

Additional Activities:

Horse Trail Rides*
Horse Dinner Rides* if available
Horse Overnighter* if available

(*) Indicates an extra fee.

Special Programs

SPL Leadership A special course at McNeil Scout Ranch designed for Senior Patrol Leaders.

Overnighter Spending a night under the stars is one of the many unique experiences that Scouting has to offer. At Camp Cris Dobbins, we are proud to offer this opportunity to Scouts in the Astronomy, Wilderness Survival, Camping and Tenderfoot EagleBound classes.

Flag Ceremonies The camp will gather twice daily for flag ceremonies. Units are encouraged to sign up to raise or lower the flags.

5k Run Join us for an optional 5k run!

Cowboy Action Scouts and adults will have the opportunity to shoot rifles, pistols, and shotguns under the supervision of our trained staff. *For an additional fee.

Horse Trail Rides Scouts and adults can ride a horse even if they are not in the horsemanship merit badge class! *For an additional fee.

Adult Leader Activities

For adults joining us at camp.

Adult Leader Challenge Adult Leaders can compete in the week-long Scoutmaster Challenge that requires them to participate in various activities or challenges around the camp.

Commissioner Coffee Meet daily with the Commissioner(s) and Camp Management Team to discuss the activities for the day and upcoming.

Scoutmaster Dinner with the Scout Executive Two adult leaders are invited for a special dinner with the Scout Executive/CEO.

Wilderness First Aid Training We have partnered with a premier vendor to provide this training for an additional fee.

Cold Water Immersion Training Join the Auxiliary Coast Guard to learn about surviving cold/wet temperatures.

Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS) Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS) is a program to educate adults on how to conduct an outdoor outing with their unit.

*SPECIAL* Afternoon Programming

This summer, each Scout will have the opportunity to participate in activities you think about when you say, “I’m going to summer camp!” For example, Scouts were only able to swim in the pool if they took swimming or lifesaving. Now, all Scouts will have the opportunity to play in the pool!

All merit badge sessions have been condensed to the morning. Scouts will have the opportunity to sign up for 4 merit badge sessions.

In the afternoon, Scouts will participate in activities around camp. Using a “color group” system, you will be assigned to a color group and then there are two sessions in the afternoon in which you will be able to complete activities. All activities are optional, as in your unit is not required to participate, BUT you cannot go to other areas outside of your assigned time.

Activities include Archery, Rifle*, Shotgun*, Swimming at Pool, Grab Bag, Lake, Open, Service Project, Zip Line and Climbing. *Some offerings require an additional fee.

More information is available in the Program Guide.

Black Pug (Registration) CampDoc (Medical Forms) Map of Camp Cris Dobbins

Camp Documents

Leader’s Guide 2027

Program Guide 2027

Color Group Schedule / Grab Bag Organizer

Camp Map

Driving Directions to MSR

Unit Swim Classification Check

Unit Check-In Roster and Seatbelt Inventory (Must be turned-in at check-in. Used for emergencies.)

Camp Provided Tents Request Form (Form Opens April 1, 2027)

Special Diet Request Form (Coming Soon)

Family Night Tickets

—-Family Night Special Diet Request

Emergency Procedures

Unit Kapering Schedule

Campsite Shower Schedule / Camp Shower Plan

Parent’s Page

Suggested Packing List

CampDoc – Are you CampDoc ready? (Includes Unit Leader Access and Participant removal information)

ATV Program (Must Complete Prior to Arrival)

ATV Waiver – Must be Completed In CampDoc
ATV e-Learning Course

Range & Target Activities (Must Complete Prior to Arrival)

Cowboy Action Waiver – Must be completed in CampDoc for Youth and Adults wanting to participate in this additional optional program.
Required for Youth enrolled in the Next Level Range Adventure program.

The Saga of Peaceful Valley (Optional document to read about the history of Peaceful Valley)

Health Forms / CampDoc

McNeil Scout Ranch uses CampDoc to collect health forms for camp.

CampDoc Login

Most forms are built in to CampDoc. To complete the form, simply fill out the required information.

Some forms are “print, fill out and upload”. Those forms include:

Scouting America Health Form Part C (the physical – required for Youth and Adults) This form is a physical exam that must be signed by a provider within the last year. This form cannot be expired while at camp.

Colorado Addendum: Immunizations (Youth Only) We accept official records from the State of Colorado and select other states like Texas. A youth’s vaccination record can be transcribed to this form if an official form is not available. Doctor office print outs will not be accepted.

Colorado Addendum: Contract to Carry (Youth Only who carry EMERGENCY medications like an epi pen or inhaler.)

Medication Confirmation Form (Youth Only) This form verifies the Youth’s medications and MUST be signed by a provider.

Accommodations

Map of Camp Cris Dobbins

Campsite Shower Schedule

What’s in the Campsite?

Flag Pole
Latrine
Showers
Handwashing Station
Potable Water

If you Provide the Tent: (Recommended)

It is highly encouraged to bring your own tent.
Capacity cannot exceed the manufacturer’s instructions.

If we Provide the Tent:

Canvas Tent – 7′ x 9′ (sleeps 2)
Wooden Tent Platform

We highly recommend that each unit consider bringing their own tents. Units will request camp-provided tents prior to camp. Request your camp-provided tents here.

Food Service

Dining Hall Meals

All Campers are served 17 Meals for the Week with the opportunity of salad and a PB&J Station at every meal in the Dining Hall.

Breakfast (Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat)

Lunch (Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri)

Dinner (Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri )

Units are expected to provide “Kapers” which are Scouts to help set up and clean up meals. Use this document to help schedule Kapers for your unit.

Special Dietary Request

If you have any special dietary request, please complete this form. – Coming Soon!

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater Rafting Program (Must Complete Prior to Arrival)

More information and registration coming soon!

Whitewater Rafting Registration
Whitewater Waiver (Click Your Date Below)
- Week 1 – June 9
- Week 2 – June 16
- Week 3 – June 23
- Week 4 – June 30
- Week 5 – July 7
- Week 6 – July 14
How do I register for Whitewater Rafting?

Black Pug Tutorials

We use Black Pug, an online registration software to register for camp. Below are some helpful tutorials to navigate the system.

Council Event Calendar – Use this link, then “lookup registration” in the top right.

My Account:

My Account Basics

Personal Rosters

Scouting Event Reports

Pre-Camp Meetings & Communication

Pre-Camp Meetings

The Camp Management Team will be available to provide information about camp, any updates and answer any questions. The primary updates will be at the beginning of the meeting followed by a Q&A session. Meetings are virtual via zoom.

February 17, 2027 at 7pm via Zoom – Register Here!
March 24, 2027 at 7pm via Zoom – Register Here!
April 14, 2027 at 7pm via Zoom – Register Here!

SMS Messages

Contact Information

START HERE FIRST: General Camp Email Call the Camp: (303) 648-3023 (June & July Only) Krista Kasirebas, Program Team Administrative Specialist Jack Loats, Ranch Director John Braselton, Camping Specialist Program Directors Health Team Food Service Team Business/Trading Post Team

Follow Us

Fredric C Hamilton
Scout Headquarters
10455 W 6th Avenue, Suite 100
Denver, CO 80215
303.455.5522 (English)
720.266.2114 (Spanish)

Scouts BSA Summer Camp

Camp Cris Dobbins Summer Camp

Your Scouting Colorado Adventure Awaits

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP 2027!

2027 CAMP INFORMATION

2027 Session Dates

2027 Merit Badges & Activities

Dining Hall Meals

Special Dietary Request

Pre-Camp Meetings & Communication

Contact Information