PHOTOS: Camp Horne Hosts Week Of Adventure, Learning For Local Scouts

COTTONDALE, AL — A week of swimming, shooting sports, hiking and merit badge classes brought hundreds of Scouts from across West Alabama together at Camp Horne, where the Black Warrior Council held its annual summer camp program.

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The weeklong camp, held June 7-13 in Cottondale, gave Scouts an opportunity to spend a week outdoors while earning advancements, learning leadership skills and building friendships with fellow campers from throughout the region.

For many Scouts, summer camp serves as one of the biggest events of the year, offering experiences that go beyond a typical troop meeting.

Participants spent their days rotating through classes and activities ranging from environmental science and first aid to boating, climbing and rifle shooting.

Newer Scouts also participated in the camp's Trailblazer program, which introduces foundational Scouting skills and helps first-year campers work toward rank advancement.

While merit badges and outdoor activities are a major draw, camp leaders say the experience is equally focused on teaching responsibility and teamwork.

Scouts spend the week living with their troops, helping with daily camp responsibilities and learning to work together through the patrol method, one of the core principles of Scouting.

The camp schedule extended well beyond classroom-style instruction. Evenings featured campfires, troop competitions and special events, including a water carnival that has become a favorite tradition for many campers.

The Black Warrior Council offers Scouting programs throughout West Alabama for youth interested in outdoor adventure, community service and leadership development.

Here's a look back at this year's Summer Camp!

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