NCS Short Term Camp Administrator Course

This course if for all Scouters who intend on organizing, leading, assisting, or conducting a one, two, or three-night camping event on behalf of their District and / or Council. Scouters nationwide are invited to participate, as well as any unit leaders who would like to gain insight on coordinating short term camping experiences for their own units or potentially serve in future district/Council functions.

  • These camps include, but are not limited to: Camporee, Weekend Adventure Camp, Order of the Arrow Ordeals, Wood Badge, NYLT, IOLS, and BALOO.

Definitions & Descriptions

What is a Short-Term Camp? – Effective January 1, 2021

  • A short-term camp is any district or council-organized overnight camping program, whether one-time or continuing, that is one, two or three nights in length where the council or its agents provide the staffing and may provide program and food services, and includes camps conducted off council properties. Overnight national training courses are subject to the short-term camp requirements, regardless of format or duration.

Short-Term Camp Administrator

  • Each short-term camp is administered by a short-term camp administrator. This National Camping School course may be conducted at the council level with host site approval.
  • The Short-term camp administrator certification will be valid for 2 years from the course date.

Short-Term Camp Administrator Job Description:

  • Each short-term camp must have a short-term camp administrator. This person is responsible for ensuring that the planned camp complies with the NCAP Short-term Camp Standards.  This means walking the property to ensure that it is appropriate for the event; ensuring that paperwork is filed and any written BSA approvals are completed and obtained through the council; confirms facilities and program are safe and in good order before starting operation; and that appropriate health, safety and sanitation provisions are made.  This individual also ensures that all activities at the short-term camp comply with the applicable BSA National Camp Standards.

Pre-Qualifications for the role of Short-Term Camp Administrator for any camporee, OA event, etc.:

  • The short-term camp administrator must be a registered Scouter who holds either a current NCS short-term camp administrator certification issued by the BSA or holds a resident camp director certificate from BSA National Camping School. Refer to NCAP Standard SQ-403