NightHawks First-Year Camper Program

Camp John J. Barnhardt is home to the South’s premier first-year camper program. It is an excellent introduction to summer camp and the Scouting program for those that have been in your troop for less than six months. It is a fun, week-long, full day experience in a relaxed environment.

The program will show Scouts many of the exciting opportunities Scouting offers and give them a better understanding of Scouting. The program follows the troop structure and patrol method. All scouts are placed into patrols which work together to learn Scouting basics and complete a number of requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class ranks. NightHawks also learn about knife and axe safety as well as about fire buidling- All earn their Totin' Chip and Firem'n Chit cards!

Our NightHawks program emphsizes hands-on learning. Scouts will grow through teamwork and group competions . They improve their Scout skills as they help their patrol members in games and challenges! Nighthawks also get to visit the pool each day as part of the program so they can work on swimming skills and aquatic requirements. 

What makes Camp Barnhardt's first-year camper program different than other camps is its staff. A retired Scoutmaster leads a large team of experienced and energetic youth staff. We maintain a 1:6 staff to camper ratio in this area to make sure your scouts get the personal attention they deserve!