CAMP ORR — The Boy Scouts of America changed its name last February to Scouting America. This change reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to welcoming every youth in America to experience the benefits of Scouting. The name change coincided with the organization's 115th birthday, Feb. 8. Other changes have also been announced, locally. Last November, the Quapaw Area Council and Westark Area Council merged to form The Natural State Council. Camp Orr, located within the boundaries of the Buffalo National River in Newton County is under the administration of the new council.
Scouting America executives said combining efforts will impact more than 6,200 youth across 56 counties in the state by allowing BSA to achieve cost savings by leveraging shared expertise, resources, programs and facilities that will create a more robust and resilient Scouting network.
Additional financial support for the Natural State Council came in the form of a $500,000 matching grant opportunity from the Walton Family Foundation.
A competition to design a new patch for the Natural State Council was conducted and selected last December.
About 500 Scouts are expected to attend Camp Orr programs this summer. Mike McLoughlin director of programs and marketing for the Natural State Council, recently notified leaders throughout the council that several key positions remain vacant at several of the council's camps including Orr.
Camp Orr Week 1 and 2 are full, but it cannot operate without a program director. "We are desperately trying to fill several key positions at Natural State Council camp properties this summer. Our Camp Leadership has exhausted all recruitment efforts and are searching for rocks to unturn. Our Camp Leadership has been constantly interviewing and recruiting for camp staff and can’t seem to find a fit for the following positions. Please contact Camp Orr Camp Director Mike Boness at mfbscouter@yahoo.com, Camp Rockefeller Camp Director Cahill Richardson at cahill_richardson@yahoo.com or myself at mike.mcloughlin@scouting.org with any potential leads.
For Camp Orr, we are seeking a program director (21+ years of age); ecology director (18 years old or older);
shooting sports director (21+ years of age); lead cook (21+) and 2nd aquatics instructor (21+)
Historically, positions are often filled at the last minute and so troop registration is still open for the summer sessions. Here is the camp's description:
"Camp Orr is accredited by the Scouting America and surrounded by the National Park Service, it offers a pristine biosphere with incredible wildlife and vegetation. Enjoy back yard access to scenic backpacking, float trips, climbing, and a therapeutic escape from the outside world. Dive into nearly 600 acres of Buffalo National River Wilderness for summer camping!
"Why Camp Orr? A 520-person dining hall, trading post, platform tent campsites, and shower facilities make it the perfect home away from home for your Troop.
"Discover a variety of programs:
• Buffalo Trail: Perfect for Scouts crossing over from Webelos or with limited camping experience, offering basic skills and the chance to earn Merit Badges.
• Merit Badge Program: Over 40 challenging badges in Aquatics, Shooting Sports, Ecology, Handicraft, and Scoutcraft.
• Trekking Programs: Canoe down the free-flowing Buffalo River or hike along the Buffalo River Trail, experiencing the Ozark Mountains' majesty."
Similar positions are also open at Camp Rockefeller at Damascus and Camp Desoto in Union County.
