Program Areas

Mattatuck has eight main program areas. Below are brief descriptions of each. Linked in each area name is the specific page for that department. Please click there to learn more about their offerings!

STEM is based at 49er's Pavilion and is the center of camp's, science, technology, engineering, and math focus. STEM offers merit badges such as Welding, Chemistry, and Cybersecurity, and troop programs like drones, RC boats, and more. Make sure to check them out!

Craftspace is Mattatuck's newest department, having been founded in 2024. It is based in 49er's Cabin and features many artistic and creative centered merit badges, and somewhat parallels the "Handicraft" department you might find at other camps. Some of these badges are Textile, Sculpture, and Leatherwork. Some of Craftspace's troop programming include Rock Painting, Pottery, and Flag Making.

Nature is the Reservation's traditional ecology program, based out of the "Chapel". This ever-popular department that is open all day long teaches merit badges like Environmental Science, Astronomy, and - you guessed it - Nature! To fulfill your troop's programming desires, Nature offers things like nature hikes, "float-a-fauna" (which is like a nature hike but on water), and Bird Up!, an exciting game. Find out more on Nature's page.

All Adventure is home to the camp's renowned COPE and Climbing offerings. With three high COPE courses, a zip line canopy tour over Lake Kenosha, and a forty-foot, 8 route climbing tower that is pictured in the Climbing merit badge pamphlet, All Adventure is sure to excite. Of course, this department's flagship merit badge is Climbing, and it offers troop programs like Mock Ice Climbing, "Tower Toss", and Troop Climbing.

Waterfront is one of the Reservation's most popular program areas, and with more than 15 acres of a private lake to enjoy, that makes a lot of sense! The Waterfront offers swimming, boating, and lots more. Some of the Waterfront's merit badges are Small-Boat Sailing, Lifesaving, and Swimming; some of its troop programs include Water Polo, the "Blob", and Blueberry Madness.

Wheels is the home base of nearly everything with wheels at camp!  It has miles of mountain biking trails with bikes and helmets for Scouts to use, plus RC cars and BMX biking. A favorite among the Wheels merit badges is Cycling; some popular troop programs are BMX time trials and Troop Rides.

Scoutcraft is where traditional outdoor skills are taught, like the art of ropes, fire-building, and outdoor cooking. Headquartered around Mohawk Cabin, some of the department's merit badges including Pioneering, Orienteering and Cooking. The über-popular troop program offerings of the department include Trial by Fire, "Cake-Pit Ball", and Advanced Knots.

Range and Target Activities is the place to be for Scouts looking to shoot a rifle, fire off a shotgun, or pull back the string of a bow. This department is home to Shotgun Shooting, Rifle Shooting, and Archery, and offers troop programs like a water dunk and troop shoots.