Join the Gerber Scout Reservation Merit Badge Counselors for our Annual Polar Bear campout! This year, campers will also be working on the Snow Sports Merit Badge.
Friday night we will start by completing the indoor parts of the Snow Sports merit badge. All participants will sleep in a staff cabin for the evening.
On Saturday morning, participants will head outside and set up their polar bear camp spending the remainer of the weekend outdoors. A warming station will be available all weekend. Participants should be prepared to spend the day and night outdoors fulfilling the requirements of the Snow Sports merit badge (using snow shoes) and the MCC Polar Bear Award! Gerber does have snow shoes available, but participants are welcome to bring their own too! Those that complete the requirements will go home with the Award patch &/or Year Rocker and a completed blue card to celebrate their accomplishments.
Everyone should plan to check in at the Gerber Scout Reservation Trading Post on Friday night. Please be sure to bring your Health Forms to check in! They will be collected and returned at pick up. Plan to have dinner before you arrive.
Participants should allow enough time at arrival to get settled into your cabin on Friday. Classes will start at 7pm on Friday, so please plan accordingly and let us know if you expect to arrive after 7pm. Please make sure to review the attached winter packing list & winter camping tips sheets! Units should be reviewing this information with their scouts in the weeks leading up to the event so they can Be Prepared for the weather and conditions.
Participants will be released on Sunday after breakfast is finished and the areas are cleaned. Parents can plan to meet them back at the Trading Post by 9:30am.
This event does fill up every year! Register now so you don’t miss your opportunity!
Not sure you are ready to do an overnight outside? That’s ok! Take a look at our Winter Cabin Weekend being offered February 5 to 7, 2027. Similar activities, but with a bed both nights!
* Participants can sign up as individuals or as a troop.
We have 2 options for meals & housing. You may select different levels for different people in the same group:
Full Service (Adults Only) = Sleep in a cabin both nights, 4 Meals and 2 Cracker Barrels provided by our excellent kitchen staff. Merit badge and Polar Bear Activities included.
Classic Package (Adults & Youth) = Bring your own tent & join us on the group campsite, 4 Meals and 2 Cracker Barrels provided by our excellent kitchen staff. Merit badge and Polar Bear Activities included.
Registration Closes January 15th or when we hit capacity ... Whichever comes first!