Trail to First Class

Trailblazer Camp 2026

A weekend camp where new Scouts earn rank requirements, build real skills, and leave ready for the adventure of summer camp.

Trailblazer Camp gives new Scouts a running start working on real rank requirements at a real camp, supported by experienced youth and adult staff, before their first full summer camp experience.

Event Dates: May 2–3, 2026
Location: Camp Thunderbird, Pacific Harbors Council
Saturday Evening Departure Option Available

Why Trailblazers?

For Youth

Get a head start before summer camp.

Knock out knots, fire building, first aid, and nature requirements in one action-packed weekend
Learn real skills — tie lashings, read a compass, treat injuries, identify wildlife
Meet Scouts from other troops across Pacific Harbors Council
Work alongside older youth staff mentors who have been exactly where you are
Choose a Saturday evening departure or stay the full weekend — your call
Optional merit badge sessions in Chess, Fingerprinting, Wood Carving, and Leatherwork

For Leaders

Turn new Scouts into prepared campers.

Scouts arrive at summer camp with core Trail to First Class requirements already signed off
Structured program that mirrors the pacing of a real camp week
Experienced adult staff handle instruction — unit leaders support and supervise
Schedule Creation period lets each Scout build a personalized advancement plan
Completion records returned to unit leaders at checkout
A great opportunity for newer unit leaders to observe structured program delivery

For Parents

A safe, supported first camp experience.

Your Scout’s first overnight camp in a structured, low-pressure environment
National camp accreditation and Scouting America Youth Protection standards at every level
Health Officer on site; your Scout’s medical form stays with them at all times
Two registered adults (21+) present for all activities
Saturday evening departure option if an overnight isn’t the right fit yet
Your Scout comes home with real skills and real confidence

Program Areas

Scouts choose their sessions during a dedicated Schedule Creation period Saturday morning. Staff work with each Scout individually to build a personalized plan based on their current rank and advancement needs. Trail to First Class requirements are always the priority; merit badge sessions are available as a secondary option.

Scoutcraft

Scout · Tenderfoot · Second Class · First Class

The core of Trailblazers. Scouts work through knots, rope care, pocketknife safety, fire building, map and compass skills, and lashings — the foundational outdoor craft that Scouting is built on.

Requirements covered: Square knot, two half-hitches, taut-line hitch, rope care and whipping, pocketknife safety and responsibility, preparing tinder and kindling, building and extinguishing a fire, map and compass orientation, square/diagonal/shear lashings.

Nature

Tenderfoot · Second Class

Scouts explore the world around Camp Thunderbird — identifying hazardous plants, recognizing local wildlife, and putting Leave No Trace principles into practice.

Requirements covered: Identify common poisonous and hazardous plants, identify 10 kinds of wild animals, demonstrate the Outdoor Code, explain the seven Leave No Trace principles.

First Aid

Tenderfoot · Second Class · First Class

Hands-on first aid training progresses through all three ranks — from basic wound care and choking response all the way to CPR, patient transport, and advanced rescue scenarios.

Requirements covered: First aid for cuts, burns, insect bites, snakebite, nosebleed, frostbite, sunburn, and choking; injury prevention; first aid kit assembly; advanced first aid for heat exhaustion, shock, hypothermia, and animal bites; hurry cases including stopped breathing, stroke, and severe bleeding; bandaging, patient transport, and CPR.

Aquatics (If available)

Second Class · First Class

Certified lifeguards lead swim classification tests and water safety sessions at Camp Thunderbird’s waterfront.

Requirements covered: Safe Swim precautions, BSA swim classification test, water rescue methods, when not to attempt a swimming rescue, Safe Trip Afloat, basic parts of a boat and oars, correct positioning on a watercraft, line rescue.

Sharps — Knife, Saw & Ax Safety

Scout · Second Class

One of the most hands-on sessions at Trailblazers. Scouts learn pocketknife safety and responsibility, then put those skills to work preparing tinder and kindling. Scouts with a Totin’ Chip can connect this session to the Wood Carving merit badge.

Requirements covered: Pocketknife safety and responsibility (Scout 5), using a knife to prepare tinder and kindling for fire building (Second Class 2b).

Merit Badges (Secondary — available after rank requirements are addressed)

Partial credit is offered in each of the following. All work completed at Trailblazers counts toward completion with your registered merit badge counselor after camp. Bring your Blue Cards.

Chess
Fingerprinting
Wood Carving
Leatherwork

Schedule

This schedule is subject to change based on registrations.

Friday, May 1 — Staff Only

5:00–7:00 PM — Staff Arrival & Check-In
7:00–9:00 PM — Area Setup and Program Preparation
9:00 PM — All-Staff Meeting
10:00 PM — Staff Lights Out

Saturday, May 2

8:00–9:00 AM — Participant Check-In
9:00–10:00 AM — Schedule Creation (Scouts build their personalized session plan with staff)
10:15–11:15 AM — Requirement Time 1
11:30 AM–12:30 PM — Requirement Time 2
12:40–2:00 PM — Lunch
2:05–3:05 PM — Requirement Time 3
3:20–4:20 PM — Requirement Time 4
4:35–5:35 PM — Requirement Time 5
5:45–7:15 PM — Dinner
7:45–8:45 PM — Requirement Time 6 (make-up and overflow sessions)
8:45–9:45 PM — Free Time
9:45 PM — Friendship Fire
11:00 PM — Lights Out

Saturday Evening Departure Option: Scouts may check out after the Friendship Fire if staying overnight is not the right fit. Scouts choosing this option must check out with camp leadership before leaving. Completion records are available at checkout.

Sunday, May 3

8:00–8:45 AM — Breakfast
9:00–9:30 AM — Scouts Own (optional, non-denominational service at the camp chapel)
9:30–10:30 AM — Campsite Pack-Up
10:45 AM — Closing Ceremony
11:00 AM — Camp Dismissed

What to Bring

Scouting America Annual Health & Medical Record (Parts A & B) — no other forms accepted
Copy of both sides of your insurance card
Medications in original containers
Tent, sleeping bag, and pillow
Scout uniform (worn at ceremonies)
Comfortable closed-toe shoes — no flip flops or sandals
Water bottle
Swimsuit and water shoes
Towel
Rain gear
Sun protection (sunscreen and hat)
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)
Socks, underwear, and extra clothes for the weekend
Scout Handbook and writing materials
Blue Cards (for merit badge sessions)
Pocket knife (with Totin’ Chip)
10 Essentials kit
Flashlight or headlamp
Bug repellent
Feminine hygiene items if needed
Watch and sunglasses
Cash for the Trading Post (snacks, patches, souvenirs, and toiletries

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Trailblazer Camp for?

Trailblazer Camp is designed for new Scouts — typically those working on their first several ranks from Scout through First Class. It’s an ideal first camp experience before attending a full weeklong summer camp. There is no minimum rank requirement to attend.

Does my Scout have to stay overnight?

No. The Saturday Evening Departure Option allows Scouts to check out after the Friendship Fire at 9:45 PM Saturday. Scouts choosing this option must check out with camp leadership before leaving. Scouts who stay continue with Sunday morning programming, including breakfast, an optional Scouts Own service, and a closing ceremony before camp dismisses at 11:00 AM.

What rank requirements will actually get signed off?

That depends on the Scout’s starting point and which sessions they attend. Scouts can potentially complete requirements across Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks in Scoutcraft, Nature, First Aid, Aquatics, and Sharps. Not every requirement in every area will be completed — class size and individual participation affect what gets covered. Partial progress is tracked and counted.

What is the Schedule Creation period?

From 9:00 to 10:00 AM Saturday, staff work individually with each Scout to build a personalized session schedule for the day. Trail to First Class requirements are prioritized over merit badge sessions. This ensures every Scout spends their time on what matters most for their advancement.

Do parents need to attend?

Parents do not need to attend — unit leaders are responsible for their Scouts at camp. Parents are welcome as daytime visitors. All visitors must check in at the camp office, wear a wristband, and follow camp rules. There are no facilities for parents to stay overnight.

What health forms are required?

All participants youth and adult must bring a fully completed Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record, Parts A and B. No other medical or physical forms are accepted. A copy of both sides of your insurance card must be included. Your Scout will not be permitted to remain at camp without a complete, signed health form.

How are medications handled?

All medications must be listed on the health form. Inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors may be carried by the Scout. All other medications must be turned in to the Health Officer upon arrival, kept in a locked container, and distributed by the Health Officer as scheduled. Refrigeration is available in the Health Lodge if needed.

What about dietary restrictions or special needs?

Contact the Staff Advisor at least four days before camp with any dietary restrictions or accommodation needs so the camp has time to make reasonable arrangements.

Are merit badges guaranteed to be completed?

No. Merit badge sessions offer partial credit not all requirements can be finished in a single session. All work completed at Trailblazers counts and can be continued with a registered merit badge counselor after camp. Bring Blue Cards for any merit badge sessions.

What are the adult supervision requirements?

Two registered adult leaders age 21 or older are required at all Scouting activities. A registered female adult leader 21 or older must be present for any activity involving female youth. All adults staying overnight must be currently registered with Scouting America. Registration as a merit badge counselor does not satisfy this requirement.