PNC Challenge Camp, an extension of ScoutREACH, is one of the premiere camping outreach programs offered in our community. Conducted throughout the year, the purpose of PNC Challenge Camp is to build upon the character and values they have learned about throughout the ScoutREACH program via an interactive camping experience.

The young men who participate in PNC Challenge Camp do so at no cost to themselves or their families. Participants are transported by chartered bus from near their homes to our camp each day. All program materials, equipment and uniforms are provided, as well as a nourishing lunch and snacks. On Thursday evenings, parents can join at camp and share in their son’s experience during family night.

Participants are grouped in patrols of 8, each led by a volunteer mentor.

Contact Sarah Dods at (513) 673-3667 or sarah.dods@scouting.org if you are interested in learning more about Challenge Camp or how you can help!

The diversified group of volunteers include a mix of businessmen, police, firefighters, PLN members and community leaders. In addition to facilitating fun outdoor programming, the volunteers truly mentor their group through team building initiatives and personal interaction.

The experience can be best summed up by longtime Challenge Camp mentor Al Beasley: “Much has been written about the plight of the inner city youth and the struggles they face with respect to drugs, gangs and poverty. Challenge Camp is an open door to a different world where these young men get an opportunity to see and work with successful men and women from the world of business and government. Many of these young men would often say ‘Do you think I could be like you when I grow up?’ A tear would often start to fall from my eye as I realized that without hope for a better future what do these young men have? Challenge Camp gives them a chance to be around nature and dream/plan for a positive future by developing a positive self-image. Please continue your support of these young men.”

2018 Challenge Camp Flyer

2018 Challenge Camp Registration Form

2018 Challenge Camp Adult Application

Challenge Camp Mentor Position Description

A special thank you to all our 2017 Challenge Camp Sponsors for supporting local youth. PNC Bank, Western & Southern Life Insurance, United Way, Frisch’s, Baker Concrete Construction, Frances R. Luther Charitable Trust, Cincinnati Police Department, Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, Hamilton County Sheriff Office, Hightowers Petroleum Co., Toyota, Ohio Casualty Foundation, Cincinnati Wine Festival, Charles H. Dater Foundation, Total Quality Logistics, Uptown Consortium, Perfetti Van Melle.

 The Boy Scouts of America, Dan Beard Council is a proud United Way Agency Partner. Challenge Camp, an extension of ScoutREACH is in part funded by the United Way of Greater Cincinnati.