Camp Shands' Facilities
In the heart of the Florida wilderness, Camp Shands is a destination for youth, families and volunteers who are seeking adventure, fun and the creation of life-long memories.
The 900-acre facility, located at the Baden-Powell Scout Reservation in Putnam County, is home to top-quality facilities and instruction including Shooting Sports, COPE and Climbing and, of course, Aquatics.
Shooting Sports activities include BB Guns, Rifle, Shotgun, Archery, Action-Archery and Pistol.
COPE and Climbing is home to the tallest climbing structure for Scouts in Florida with a rock climbing wall, rappelling, a zip line and ropes course.
Aquatics activities at beautiful Lake Osborne include fishing, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding and log-rolling.
Camp Shands is home to a world-class Aquatics Center, which includes a beautiful pool, covered pavilions, gas grills, a splash pad and two waterslides. The slides are both more than 110-feet long; one is enclosed and one is open to the sunshine. They are theme-park quality and feature exciting twists and turns. The pool features swimming lanes and an area deep enough for SCUBA instruction.
During Summer Camp, Troops camp in one of 11-big, comfortable campsites. Each site has its own screened-in pavilion, which features housing for up to 8-volunteers and a large paddled-fanned meeting space for youth.
Troops can also reserve a spot to stay in the famous Camp Shands treehouses, a unique way to camp, off the ground and in the trees.
More than 55-Merit Badges are offered by a staff that prides itself on customer service and the experience.
Located in Hawthorne, FL on over 1,000 acres of diverse terrain, BPSR is home to the North Florida Council's summer and winter camping programs in addition to many other programs offered throughout the year.
Camp Shands offers 11 large campsite areas, housing, a beautiful lake, pavilions, a dining hall, and meeting rooms. Camp Shands can cater to multitudes of Scouts and their families.
In addition to great campsites, other features include:
- Our incredible shooting sports areas, geared to help teach Scouts and adults about safe rifle, shotgun, pistol, BB gun and archery activities
- A beautiful waterfront on Lake Osborne, with great opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating
- Miles of beautiful hiking trails
- C.O.P.E. and a 65' climbing wall
- Xtreme Obstacle Course
- A Water Park equipped with swimming pool, water slides, wading pool, and pavilions
