Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation
(603) 942-5233*
Spirit of Adventure Council Service Center
(617) 615-0004
*A staff administrator will receive and deliver messages to campers and leaders during camp. The camp business lines will only be answered from June 18th through August 8th during the following hours: Sunday- 10 AM to 12 AM, Monday- Friday 9 AM to 12 AM, and Saturday- 9 AM to 11 AM.
Zack Shepherd, Wah-Tut-Ca Camp Director zshepherd@scoutspirit.org
(978) 967- 6463
Jenny Trickett, NeXus Customer Service Rep.
Jenny.trickett@scouting.org
(617) 615- 0004
Angela Rzeszut, Camp Promotions & Site Reservations
Darrin Johnson, Director or Program Spirit of Adventure
darrin.johnson@scouting.org
Welcome home and stay for the summer! This summer, the NeXus will be open for your summer long solution at Camp Shanawanda at Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation. These programs are specifically designed with long term stay in mind. Come and stay half of the summer or all summer long. Your days at camp have been designed with fun and entertainment, while still providing organic real life and advancement opportunities. No two weeks will be the same, which makes spending the summer that much better! Some of adventures can last multiple weeks, as well as have multiple themes in a week! The focus of the program is to assist each patrol to build their own adventure for the summer. Shanawanda provides opportunities outside of what a traditional Troop week at camp offers. These additional opportunities include, but are not limited to, experiencing new types of fishing, photography and cinematography, hiking mountains around New Hampshire, water sport adventures, and so much more. The adventures are specifically designed for the youth who are camp sick when they are home
Week One July 5th to July 11th
Week Two July 12th to July 18th
Week Three July 19th to July 25th
Week Four July 26th to August 1st
Week Five August 2nd to August 8th
Eagle Week
August 2nd- 8th at Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation
Eagle Week is a week long summer camp adventure designed to focus on a scout’s path to Eagle. Scouts will have the opportunity to work on Merit Badges including an expanded offering of Eagle Required merit badges. This week is perfect for highly motivated scouts who love the camp setting. Throughout the week the Troop will be visited by volunteers and public figures that will inspire and help the scouts along the way to attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
Requirements: Scouts who attend Eagle Week should be at least 1st Class and have attended at least one week-long summer camp in the past. Scouts who attend should be highly motivated and eager to advance upon the trail to becoming and Eagle Scout.
Scuba Camp
July 12th- 18th at Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation
July 26th- August 1st at Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation
Expand your horizons in the underwater world! Spend the week in the camp lake learning how to dive with our own certified master instructor. Scouts, Ventures, and Leaders can earn the PADI Open Water Diver certification, and Scouts also have the opportunity to complete SCUBA Diving Merit Badge, Kayaking Merit Badge, Snorkeling BSA, and the new National Outdoor Aquatics Award.
Requirements: Open to Scouts who have completed the Swimming Merit Badge as well as Venturers and Scout Leaders.
National Youth Leadership Training
July 26th- August 1st at Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation
National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) is an exciting, action-packed program designed to provide all 13- to 20-year-old youth members of the Boy Scouts of America, both male and female, with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home, units and in future endeavors.
Requirements: Scouts who attend NYLT should be at least 1st Class and have attended at least one week-long summer camp in the past. Scouts and Venturers must be at least 13 years old.
To get mail to a Scout at Wah-Tut-Ca, address it to:
Scout’s Name
Unit
Campsite
Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation
292 Blake's Hill Road
Northwood,NH. 03261
Health Lodge
A Health Officer is present in Camp at all times and a local doctor is on call for emergencies. All first aid treatment will be given and recorded at the Health Lodge. All injuries and illnesses must be reported to the Health officer on duty.
The Health Officer will dispense medications for Leaders and Scouts. This mandate is in compliance with New Hampshire State health and safety codes. Per New Hampshire state law, the only medications that are allowed to be kept on person are epi pens and inhalers. This means that all medications must be given to the Health officer upon check-in and must be in the original pharmacy containers. This applies to Scouts and adults and to prescription and over the counter medications.
To aid check in at the health lodge, each person with medications should place original pharmacy containers in a sealable plastic bag with name, Unit number, week, and campsite written on the outside of the bag. Instructions for dispensing medication should be clearly indicated on the original pharmacy containers and on the Annual Health and Medical Record, or if more detailed instructions are needed, please provide this on a separate sheet included with the bag of medications.
OTC medications are on hand to deal with aches and pains, stomach ailments, cough and cold, allergies, bug bites and poison ivy, and we frequently have multiple options for each ailment. Leaving OTC medications at home will speed up Sunday check-in.
If an injury or illness requires that someone be sent to the hospital, the Health Officer and Camp Director will determine if they should be sent via car or ambulance. In either case, their medical form and a "hospital packet" must accompany them. The hospital packets are located in the Health Lodge. It includes: a map to the hospital, insurance information, and important phone numbers. This policy applies to all campers, leaders, and staff.
Be prepared to submit two copies of the medical form to the unit leadership. They will submit one to the camp administration and they will keep one on file for the unit's records.
A completed and signed Annual Health and Medical Record (AMHR) is required for every Scout and adult leader prior to arriving at the NeXus. The form is available in the important paperwork potion of this site. In order to complete the form. each person must:
● Complete parts A, B and C. Part C must be signed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner.
● Part C requires that you have had a physical within the last twelve months. An AHMR is valid through the end of the 12th month from the date it was administered by your medical provider. For example, a physical administered July 3, 2019, would be valid until July 31, 2020.
● Parents must have signed Part A: Informed Consent, Release Agreement, and Authorization as well as the Medications section of Part B within the last 12 months. A physician does not need to sign the Medications section as it is not required by the State of New Hampshire.
● Even if your Scout is not bringing any medication to camp, the Medications section must be signed in order for the Nurse to give any over-the-counter medication.
● Include a photocopy of both sides of medical insurance card in accordance with Part B
Upon arrival at camp, a medical check will be made. Any Scout without a complete and signed medical form will be unable to take part in any activity at camp until he or she has a completed health form. Forms must be received at the camp's reservation office within 24 hours of the Scout's arrival. Adults (18 years and older) who will be staying in camp overnight or who wish to participate in camp activities must have a completed medical form on file.
Wah-Tut-Ca is located at 292 Blake's Hill Road, Northwood, New Hampshire. If you plan to use your GPS to get here please be advised that many GPS units will direct you to take Blake’s Hill Road from Route 43. That end of Blake’s Hill Road is an unimproved, muddy, dirt road which is not passable for many vehicles. If your GPS tries to take you this way continue on Route 43 to Route 4/202, make a left and continue to follow the GPS directions from there.
From I-93N For WTC, Take I-93N to Exit 15E in Concord, New Hampshire. Take I-393 East to Route 4 East. Take Route 4 East to the traffic rotary in Epsom, about 8 miles from I-93.Continue East on Route 4 into Northwood, NH. Turn right onto Blake's Hill Road, about 7 miles from the rotary. The camp entrance is approximately 1 1/2 miles on the right.
From Route 125 Take Route 125 North into New Hampshire, though Plaistow, Kingston, Brentwood and into Lee, NH. From the traffic rotary in Lee, NH, take Route 4 West (3/4 around the rotary). Follow Route 4 West for approximately 13 miles to Blake's Hill Road in Northwood, NH. Turn left onto Blake's Hill Road. The camp entrance is approximately 1 1/2 miles on the right.
From I-95 Take I-95N to exit 4 (the Route 4/Route 16 split) in New Hampshire. Follow Route 4W/16N for 5.7 miles to exit 6W - Route 4 west. Follow Route 4 west for about 22 miles to- Blake's Hill Road in Northwood, NH. Turn left onto Blake's Hill Road. The camp entrance is approximately 1 1/2 miles on the right.
Drop off and pick- up will vary slightly for each unit. Make sure to reach out to the unit leadership to finalize all details of when to drop off and pick up your Scout.
Most of the time drop off will happen Sunday between 9:30am and 11:30am and pick- up will be before 12 Noon on Saturday.
If you have a Scout looking to stay with Shanawanda, they are welcome to stay over Saturday night under supervision from the camp staff.
Liquid Fuels: Fuel that is in or attached to an appliance may remain in the site.
Bulk fuel containers must be stored in the fuel shed at the Ranger's station. Ask camp administration for assistance. Liquid fuel is approved for use in campsites, but propane is recommended. Only adults can use liquid fuels in camp.
Inspections: Campsites must be in good condition and will be inspected daily for health, safety, and appearance.
Behavior: Everyone in camp is expected to uphold the Scout Oath and Law at all times. Improper language, irresponsibility, dishonesty, or any violation of the Scout Oath and Law will not be tolerated.
Drugs and Alcohol: The possession or use of alcoholic beverages and non-prescribed drugs by any person in camp, including adults, is strictly forbidden and is grounds for instant dismissal. The Scout Executive and proper authorities will be notified immediately.
Smoking: A Scout Camp is hardly the place for any youth to learn to smoke or to further the habit. Unit leaders should not permit any Scout to smoke or use smokeless tobacco. For leaders (18 years old or older) who wish to smoke, a designated smoking area will be available and will be the only place in camp you are allowed to smoke. Please use caution and stay away from the youth while smoking. There is no smoking allowed in any of the buildings at camp or in tents.
Campfires: Fires are allowed only in the fire ring located in every campsite. Fire rings in the campsite should not be altered, moved, or created.
No Flames in Tents: No open fires in tents are allowed under any circumstances. This includes all types of lanterns, candles, lighters and matches.
Vehicles: Because of potential safety hazards, vehicle use during the week at camp will be strictly controlled. The posted speed limit at camp is 5 MPH, but please watch for bicycles and slow down if there is a lot of foot traffic. Please use common sense and drive safely.
All vehicles must be parked in the camp parking lots. Any requests for special vehicles in camp for health or other reasons should be coordinated with the Camp Director. A permit to park in campsite or drive down will be issued on an as needed basis.
We carry no insurance on personal items, including personal vehicles
Trailers: Unit equipment trailers are allowed in campsites. Trailer wheels must be chocked.
Gambling: Gambling is illegal and will not be allowed in camp.
Firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment:
Personal shooting sports equipment, including bows, are not allowed on camp property.
Tree Damage: No trees, dead or alive, are to be cut without specific permission from the Camp Director or Camp Ranger.
Protection of Camp Property: Wah-Tut-Ca is YOUR camp and we ask that you treat the facilities and equipment as if they were your own. Units will be billed for anything that is maliciously damaged, destroyed, or lost.
Chainsaws: Per BSA policy we cannot allow the use of chainsaws without the direct authorization and approval of the camp ranger.
Fireworks: No fireworks of any kind are allowed in camp.
Fighting: Fighting is not allowed in camp and is grounds for immediate dismissal.
Code of Conduct
The law of camp is simple. It is the Scout Oath and Law.
Discipline
The discipline of a camper is the responsibility of the adult unit leader in charge at summer camp. Under no circumstances shall a camper be deprived of food, isolated, subject to corporal punishment, or be subjected to abusive physical exercise as a means of punishment.
We recommend a three-step process to handle any discipline problems. First, the Scoutmaster should issue a verbal warning. If the problem persists bring it to the attention of the camp director who will issue a second warning. After a third offense the Camp Director will contact the Scout’s parents and will consider sending the Scout home. Please note- we have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to any forms of harassment, abuse, and bullying.
Our leadership team has many years of experience working with youth in this age group and is more than willing to work with you to keep a rowdy group under control. We’d much rather be proactive and avoid situations where Scouts need to be sent home.
Language
Verbal abuse, discriminatory or derogatory remarks, and off-color conversation shall not be tolerated. Depending on severity could be cause for an immediate dismissal from the property.
Inclusion
The camp programs of the Spirit of Adventure Council promote inclusion and therefore are open to all registered youth regardless of sex, race, creed, color or national origin, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or economic status. Bullying or harassing others will be a cause for an immediate dismissal from the property. This is a zero tolerance policy.
Quiet Hours
A Scout is Courteous. Quiet hours are from 11:00pm – 7:00am. There should be no loud noises or other noisy events to disturb others. Leaders are responsible for their unit’s conduct. If your Unit plays Reveille or Taps, it must be sounded after 7am and before 11pm.
Wild Animals
Our camp is a wilderness area that is the home of many wild animals from chipmunks to black bears. We have not had any campers injured by a wild animal and would like to keep this record. To maintain safety for all, we require all campers and leaders to observe these guidelines:
● All food should be sealed in airtight containers
● No food in tents
Cell Phones
We have no policy that excludes cell phones from being used. We actively promote the use of cell phones. We encourage all adults and youth participants to share the great time they are having while at camp with all their friends and followers on social media. Please make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
We carry no insurance on personal items, including cell phones. Make sure Scouts know to be careful when using their phones in the outdoors.
Camp Visitors
All visitors must check-in and checkout at the reservation office and upon arrival receive a wristband.
Wristbands are required for visitors even though they are not permitted to participate in any activities.
Parents and friends are welcome to visit camp at any time. However, because most Scouts are at camp for only one week, frequent visits interfere with the Unit program and the activities of each Scout. It is at the Scoutmaster's discretion to encourage or discourage visits by parents, and parents should clear all visits with their unit leader.
Generally, parents will be permitted to sit with their children, provided space is available. If space is limited, a special guest table will be arranged. Day visitor meals cost $9 each; tickets are available at the Trading Post.
The best time for parents to visit is during Wednesday's eat-in-site meal.
Q: Where is the camp?
A: Wah-Tut-Ca Scout Reservation is located at 292 Blakes Hill Rd, Northwood, NH 03261
For Scout-mail please include unit and campsite. For staff mail, please include baked goods.
Q: How much do photos cost?
A: Photos are $10 for each one. Please make any special requests regarding photos when checking in with the Camp Director on Sunday. Scoutmasters must collect all orders for photos and pay the camp director in full by lunch on Monday. Photos will be given to the Scoutmasters along with all the advancement paperwork on Saturday morning.
Q: Can Scouts bring a bicycle?
A: YES
Q: What happens if my Unit is owed money?
A: If your Unit is owed money for any reason please contact the Woburn Service Center. No refunds will be issued at the camp.
Q: When can I arrive at camp?
A: You can arrive at camp any time on Sunday morning. The service center will be open starting at 9:00 a.m.
Q: When should I arrive at camp?
A: We suggest planning to have the unit arrive between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to be ready to start the tour at noon. Your day will go a lot smoother if all of your Scouts and leaders are ready to leave the campsite to tour by then.
Q: How many vehicles are allowed in the site?
A: On Sundays, leader vehicles will be allowed into the site, one at a time, to drop off gear. However, once they are unloaded they MUST be parked in one of the camp lots. No vehicles will be allowed to remain in the sites without the camp director's permission.
Q: What time is lights out?
A: 11:00 p.m.
Q: Does everyone need a medical form?
A: They sure do. Everyone who will be in camp for more than 12 hours or staying overnight and plans to participate in any of the camp's activities, such as swimming at our waterfront, must have a valid medical form. The Annual Health and Medical Report can be found on the "important paperwork" page. EVERYONE needs a valid form signed by a doctor even if they are staying for less than 72 hours- this is because the event is longer than 72 hours. It does not matter if someone is staying for less than 72 hours- the form signed by a doctor is required.
Q: Do I have to hand in all of my medications to the nurse?
A: YES! Per New Hampshire State law all medications must be kept locked up at the health lodge with the exception asthma inhalers and EpiPens.
Q: Are visitors welcome?
A: Sure thing. We love showing off camp. Just inform all visitors that they MUST first sign in at the Reservation Office and get a wristband. If they're going to stay for meals, don't forget to purchase additional meal tickets.
Wristbands are to be worn by all scouts, leaders, and visitors.
Q: When is the absolute latest I need to have the Unit out of camp?
A: We know you had a ton of fun and don't want to leave, but we really need you to be out by 11 a.m. on Saturday. If you want to stay multiple weeks with Camp Shanawanda- please let us know and we can get you moved into the campsite.
Q: Are there activities adult leaders can do at camp?
A: Absolutely. As an adult you are more than welcome to participate in the area activities following the same rules as all the campers. If you're feeling handy or crafty, the ranger has a long list of projects that need to be done around camp. We also offer Climb on Safely, Leave No Trace, Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense classes, and Introduction to outdoor leader skills (IOLS).
Q: Is there internet access in camp?
A: YES! At Wah-Tut-Ca there will be wireless internet available in Northbrook and the Service Center.
Q: What’s the policy on cell phones?
A: Cell phones are allowed to be used while at Wah-Tut-Ca. Please encourage all Scouts to post about how awesome of a time they are having!
Q: One of my Scouts has dietary issues. What do I do?
A: We see all sorts of dietary restrictions every summer and our kitchen staff is great at making sure everyone is well fed and safe while they are at camp. Please make sure to have the Scout and their families fill out the special dietary needs form prior to arrival at camp. We have people in camp almost every week with the more common dietary restrictions (peanut allergies, vegetarian, lactose intolerant, etc.) and typically have food on hand for these individuals. If you have a less common restriction, please get in touch with us ahead of time to make sure we have food on hand or make arrangements to bring your own food if necessary.
Q: Can I bring my own guns or bows to camp?
A: No. No personal bows or firearms are allowed at Wah-Tut-Ca.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes, the Trading Post has a credit card machine, and we are able to accept credit cards for purchases in the trading post or for camp fees, photos, etc.
Q: Who has to wear wristbands?
A: Everyone, except Staff who can be identified by uniform, has to wear a wristband at all times while in camp. Visitors, Leaders, and Scouts will each have different wristbands to distinguish activity level. This is for the safety of everyone so the Camp Administration can verify that everyone in camp is supposed to be there. If you need replacement wristbands at any time during the week, please see someone in the Reservation Office.
Q: Am I allowed to pick up my Scout on Friday?
A: Yes, you are allowed to sign your Scout in and out of camp at any time. However, If it is before Siesta on Friday you will need to fill out an early release form. The Parent or guardian AND the Scoutmaster from the unit needs to be present with the Scout in the reservation office before they will be released from camp. After 2:00 p.m. Friday, Scouts can be picked up at the discretion of their Scoutmaster.