Winter Camp

Join us in the cold at Camp John J. Barnhardt over the holiday break! 

We'll host our 7th Annual Winter Camp on December 27-30th. It's a great opportunity to test your cold weather camping skills, earn a couple of merit badges, ride ATVs, or even learn to be a staff member by taking the Counselor-in-Training course!

This year our theme is "Searching for the Loch Badin Monster." Why is it fair that Nessie in Scotland gets all the attention when we have our own lake and wonderful monster in New London, NC? Of course, she sticks to the bottom of the lake during the hot summers, but Winter Camp is a different story. We're going to spend time searching for her both on land and at sea-- Your troop will have to keep an eye out at all times because you never know when she'll emerge from Harper-Hearne or Outpost Pond. We think the Polar Plunge would be a good opportunity to catch a glimpse of this majestic creature. Of course, she may also make an appearance at campfires and our campwide games! We're also continuing our winter cooking competition and challenge you to make something that our judges and a giant lake monster might like. We hope you'll come enjoy the cold and the company of other Scouts at Winter Camp in 2024.

A sample merit badge schedule is below. All merit badges and other sessions are all scheduled on the 28th and 29th. Troops may arrive on the 28th or depart on the 29th if they do not want to stay all three nights. All merit badges will be taught by members of the Camp John J. Barnhardt Staff. Please register as a unit rather than as individuals. Contact J.P. Grillo if your troop needs more information!

2024 badge offerings appear below!