Home > Camping
Founder of the Scouting Movement
Camping is at the heart of the Scouting program. The Hawkeye Area Council provides many camping opportunities for the youth in the council. Activities include everything from day and weekend camps, unit and family campouts, to long-term camps and high adventure trips. Howard H. Cherry Scout Reservation is our own 500 acre property near Central City, IA where many of our outdoor programs are delivered.
Scouting safely is our top priority and there are a few important updates when it comes to district and council overnight events for Scouts BSA, Venturing and Sea Scouts.
Effective September 1, 2023 The BSA has updated the adult supervision requirements for overnight activities for these 3 programs. This update enhances the minimum “two-deep leadership” requirements by additionally requiring every adult 18 years or older present on overnight activities to be a registered member of the BSA.
Safety is paramount throughout all of our programs and we’ve created a comprehensive safety document with more information that’s easily sharable.
Day camp is a fantastic experience for your Cub Scout. Going to camp is a wonderful part of the Cub Scout experience. Cubs Scouts attending day camp take part in many fun activities including BB guns, archery, hiking, catapults, outdoor cooking, crafts, games, and much more! Our day camps are geographically located throughout the Hawkeye Area Council for the convenience of our Scouting families. You are welcome to attend any day camp that meets the needs of your family.
Cub Adventure Camp is an action-packed 3-day, 2-night camp experience. Activities are specific to each grade level and designed to not only be fun, but also give attendees a jumpstart on their next Cub Scout rank through a variety of activities and advancements. If you are looking for a single overnight camp event, check out our 2-day, 1-night Cub Overnighter.
These action packed camp experiences allow Scouts to swim, participate in shooting sports, climbing tower, ninja warrior course, and much more! Scouts will also work on advancement activities.
This fall camporee is one of our most popular council-wide events. Join us at Howard H. Cherry Scout Reservation for a day filled with camp activities including shooting sports, climbing, crafts, bouncy castles, ninja warrior course, and more.
Often described as the pinnacle of the Scouting year, resident summer camp provides multiple opportunities to earn merit badges, learn in the outdoors, bond with fellow Scouts, and HAVE FUN. Multiple programs and merit badges and programs are available during summer camp. All of our residents camps are held at Howard H. Cherry Scout Reservation.
Join the Hawkeye Area Council’s 2026 National Jamboree Contingent at the Summit Bechtel Reserve!
Located near Central City, IA, the Hawkeye Area Council’s camp is a wonderful outdoor learning facility for various summer camps and year-round programs, events, and facility rentals.
The Hoover Scout Trail, not to be confused with the Hoover Nature Trail, is located along both sides of the Cedar River, from Cedar Valley Park to 290th St in Cedar County, near Springdale, east of West Branch. The Hoover Scout Trail is available ONLY TO SCOUTS AND SCOUTERS. One of the best features of the Hoover Scout Trail is there is NO COST to camp in the Scout Designated area.
Hikes are available in the following lengths: 5 miles, 10 miles, and 20 miles.
Canoe trips of varying lengths can be held by starting upriver from Cedar Valley Park, ending at Cedar Valley Park, or by starting at Cedar Valley Park and ending downriver. If you want a full weekend, you can start in Palisades Park, camp in Cedar Valley Park, and continue to Moscow the next day for a total of 41 miles.
Most of the trail crosses private property. Therefore, extreme caution must be taken to prevent any damage to private property. One wrong act could very well close the trail. Hikers are to extend highway courtesies and may not accept rides or take shortcuts, etc. Hikers must travel in units.
Should any of the trail rules be violated, the presentation of the patch(es) and medal(s) will be withheld from the entire unit.
Canoe Trips on the Cedar River Part of the Hoover Scout Trail | ||
---|---|---|
Starting Point | Ending Point | Miles |
Palisades Park | Cedar Valley Park | 24.5 |
Ivanhow | Cedar Valley Park | 22.0 |
Sutliff | Cedar Valley Park | 16.0 |
Cedar Bluff | Cedar Valley Park | 6.5 |
Cedar Valley Park | Rochester Park | 6.5 |
Cedar Valley Park | Moscow | 16.5 |
Palisades Park | Moscow | 41.0 |
For more information, contact Kevin Slutts 563-770-9058 or kevink0828@gmail.com.
Hawkeye Area Council, Boy Scouts of America
660 32nd Avenue SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
Toll Free: 877.HAWKBSA
Office: (319) 862-0541
Scout Shop: (319) 261-3750
Fax: (319) 862-0544