You don't have to be a "tree-hugger" to care for and appreciate the great outdoors. Here at Eco/Con, that's exactly what we do. We are always doing some kind of project thoughtout camp to ensure that the trails and wilderness are preserved for many generations to come here at CCB. In fact, we have such a long list of campwide conservation projects every year that we encourage unit leaders and scouts to participate in any of them while in camp to help preserve and improve everything that makes Cole Canoe Base as great as it is today.
Along with the plethora of merit badge courses we offer surrounding ecology and conservation, we have other programs that scouts and leaders can participate in to learn and earn awards for becoming educated on conserving Earths limited resouces and preserving the great outdoors for other people to enjoy.
Perhaps the best rules to follow when camping outdoors, we recommend that everybody follow these principles to help preserve the great outdoors for other people to enjoy and so nature's little critters can continue to live in their habitat. Learn about Leave No Trace.
If you and your scouts need something to do before the Camp-wide Movie on Tuesday night, head over to the Claycomb Ecology and Conservation Center! Starting at 7:30, the center will be hosting “Eco-con Live!”, which will have many fun and interesting ways that can help you or your scouts become more aware of the environment around them.
The events include a scavenger hunt on our museum deck, an archaeological dig, and the extremely
famous “Geopardy!”, where your scouts compete with other groups in a Jeopardy style trivia, based around nature
subjects. This will be one of the most exciting events at camp, and will help you and your scouts become more
positively engaged in the biosphere we all live in! We will love to see you there!
ECO-CON FOREVER!
Eco-Con is the host for the Nature Contest. Scouts are welcome to catch any of Mother Nature's critters and bring them to Eco-Con to earn points for their unit. The top two unit's with the most points at the end of the week will receive an award. There are no size limits on the critter you can turn in so if you are brave enough to catch a bear, so be it. Beware of skunks though, bring any of them in and they are worth negative points.
- If a certain species known to be in camp is on the Endangered Species list, that species will be on the excluded list and scouts will not earn any points for catching that critter. Scouts are strongly urged to leave them be.
- Unit leaders will be notified of the specifics regarding the Nature Contest during the Leader's Meeting following camp check-in on Sunday.
Calling all fishermen, this event is for you!! This event takes place all week long. Sign up will be at the Claycomb Ecology / Conservation Center. An award will be given for the biggest fish caught during the week at the Closing Campfire.
Spend time on the Wells Nature Trail. A 1¾ mile marked trail along Silver Creek which feeds into the Rifle River. A patch and pin are available for purchase at The River Store for those who complete the trail.
Hike the Broken Paddle Trail, which has an eight-mile loop and two shorter loops. A patch and medal are available (specific requirements must be completed) for purchase. How about an overnight hike? Experience low impact overnight camping in Whispering Pines area. The Broken Paddle Trail is becoming reborn.
Please refer to the following documents for more information:
- Merit Badge Schedule 2024 (For class times)
- Merit Badge Pre-Reqs 2024 (Pre-Requisites list to complete merit badges in camp)
Archaeology | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Astronomy | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Bird Study | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Energy | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Environmental Science | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Fish & Wildlife Management | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Fishing | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Fly-Fishing | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Forestry | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Geology | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Insect Study | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Mammal Study | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Nature | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Oceanography | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Plant Science | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Pulp & Paper | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Reptile & Amphibian Study | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Soil & Water Conservation | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Space Exploration | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Sustainability | Requirements (scouting.org) | |
Weather | Requirements (scouting.org) |
Leave No Trace | Learn About The Course (scouting.org) |