My Scout News

Amica presents $10,000 campership check

Amica Insurance presented a check for $10,000 to Boston Minuteman Council, Boy Scouts of America, on Wednesday, May 27.  Amica donated the money to fund camperships so that boys from the Boston area can attend Cub Scout camps this summer. Boston Minuteman Council runs both day and sleepover camps for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

 

“Amica is proud to support the Boston Minutemen Council, Boy Scouts of America campership program,” said Robert A. DiMuccio, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Amica Insurance. “We hope this donation gives more Boston area youth the opportunity to have a fun, safe and affordable camping experience this summer.”

Day camps are held at Camp Sayre in Milton on July 27-31, Camp Nihan in Saugus on August 17-21, and at Camp Massasoit in Plymouth on July 6-10, July 13-17, and July 20-24.  Day camps feature activities such as swimming, fishing, archery, arts and crafts, and B-B-gun shooting.  Day camps are the perfect “first camp” experience for young Cub Scouts or for families where day camps fit better with  other summer plans.  Day camps cost $175 per Cub Scout per week. Cub Scout Day Camp is open to boys entering grades 1-5.

Cub Scout sleepover camps are held at Camp Massasoit in Plymouth.  For six days and five nights, Cub Scouts and Webelos can fish, learn archery and shooting, practice outdoor skills, try camp cooking, learn wildlife identification, play games, participate in athletics, and create crafts.  Cub Scout resident camp is July 12-17.  Camp is open to Tiger Cub Scouts (who will be Wolves in the fall) and older, boys in grades 2-3. Webelos resident camps are July 5-10 and July 19-24.  Webelos camp is open to Bears who have completed grade 3 and Webelos in grade 4 and 5.

At resident camps, campers sleep in cabins and eat in the dining hall.  These six-day camps cost $320.  Campers who apply before June 30 can get a $40 discount.  Campers can also attend a second week of resident camp for $200.  Resident camps are also available for older Boy Scouts at Camp T.L. Storer in New Hampshire.  Scouts can attend with their local troop or come on their own.  These seven-day/six-night camps cost $350.

Because of the financial support of the Boy Scouts of America, Boston Minuteman Council is able to provide a high-quality camp experience at a very affordable price.  Scout day camps average about $35 per day and resident camps are about $50 per day. According to Boston.com, the cost at an American Camp Association New England (ACANE) residential camps averages is $201 per day with day camps costing about $100 per day.

“We provide an excellent, affordable camp experience,” said Matt Thornton, Scout Executive at Boston Minuteman Council.  “Our camps are staffed by qualified, dedicated individuals.  We provide a wide range of activities including swimming, archery, outdoor skills, and shooting that fit the Scout model of leadership.  Scouts have fun and challenge themselves to grow and learn.”

It is not too late for any boy to become a Scout and attend camp this summer.  Troops are located throughout the Boston area and welcome new Scouts.  Go to www.BSABoston.org and click on Join Scouting to get more information and see a list of Troops in your area.

Even though Scout camps are very affordable, Boston Minuteman Council recognizes that some families may have financial hardships which might prevent a boy from attending camp.  Through the generosity of donors such as Amica insurance, camperships are available to help families meet the cost of sending a Cub Scout to camp.  Depending on income and family circumstances, these camperships can pay the entire camp fee or help a family cover partial expenses.  Boston Minuteman Council encourages families with financial need to contact Joe Pascarella at 617-615-0004 x 310 or jpascarella@bsaboston.org to discuss these campership opportunities.