2026 Rainbow Scout Reservation Program Guide

A LETTER FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Scouts and Scouters,

In Rainbow Scout Reservation’s 59th year of bringing the Scouting community together, we return for RSR '26 “Be Ready, Be Bold”. We will continue our longstanding tradition of excellence in outdoor fun, personal growth, and commitment to Scouting’s values. “Be Ready. Be Bold” focuses on being ready for any obstacles in life. RSR ‘26 is bringing the scouting basics with challenges in first aid, fire starting, knots tying and more.


I want you to feel at home as soon as you cross through our totem poles, much like I felt the first time crossing through them. Our well trained staff will make sure that every moment at camp is fun and engaging. From Whippoorwill to White Pine and ‘Ole Forest Glade, Rainbow Scout Reservation will always be home to you. Our staff specializes in making everyone feel welcomed. You will leave with more confidence and the knowledge that you have grown in your scouting journey.


When we say, “Come camp with us,” we mean it. Come be part of something we truly believe in. Whether it’s your Scout’s first time away from home or their last summer before aging out, we want them to feel at home here and to be challenged, supported, and inspired.

Program Director | Rainbow Scout Reservation
Boy Scouts of America logo: gold fleur-de-lis, eagle with shield, two stars.

George Nudo

Camp Director

(815) 823-5225

grnudo45@gmail.com

Nick Overstreet

Program Director

Esmeralda Bonk

Camp Commissioner

Black mountain with flag on top, signifying achievement.

Camp Calendar

Program Guide

Overview

February 7, 2026

@ 2:00 PM

Program Updates & Procedures

March 22, 2026

@ 2:00 PM

Check-In, Forms, and Updates

May 17, 2026

@ 2:00 PM

Program Highlights

Man in yellow shirt gestures, speaking to children at a picnic table in a wooded area.
A black and white compass rose indicating North.

FIRST YEAR CAMPER PROGRAM

  • Your introduction to Scouts BSA and Summer Camp!
  • Patrol method based and Scout Skill activities all morning
  • Introductions to the wider camp program, including hands-on programming in COPE, the range, Handicraft, and more!
  • Hikes and overnight outpost!
  • The opportunity to earn First Aid, Swimming, & Fingerprinting merit badges.
Person rappelling down a wooden structure with a parachute above.
Mountains and trees in black silhouette.

CHALLENGING OUTDOOR PERSONAL EXPIRENCE

  • Experience climbing, leadership and team building activities, and push your limits!
  • Gain valuable experience to bring back to your unit
  • Activities are open to Scouts and Scouters
  • Earn the Eagle Required Personal Fitness Merit Badge
  • Open activities like Zipline and Flying Squirrel
  • Please wear comfortable athletic shoes or boots (no Crocs) and nonathletic pants/shorts.
Person aiming a shotgun, wearing safety glasses and ear plugs, outdoors.
Target symbol. Black circle inside a white circle with crosshairs.
  • Hosting rifle, shotgun, and archery at one of the finest ranges in the Midwest.
  • New Awards: Top Shot and Range & Target Sports Award. Earn a special patch and your name on a plaque.
  • Costs for ammo are subject to change prior to camp.
  • Ear/eye protection are required and available for purchase at the trading post for Open Range.
Three riders on horseback in an indoor riding arena. They are wearing helmets and are looking at the camera.
Black and white illustration of a horse saddle on a white background.

At Rocking L Ranch

  • Saddle up and learn how to ride hands-on!
  • Earn the Horsemanship Merit Badge!
  • Transportation to RLR must be on a unit level

A GUARDIAN MUST SIGN WAIVER BEFORE ATTENDING:

See attached at the end of the Program Guide

Four people canoeing on calm water; two canoes. Sky is overcast with trees on the banks.
Black backpack icon with map pointer, indicating travel or journey.
  • Rainbow Voyagers

-Experience RSR on the backside with 3 glistening lakes, fishing, canoeing/kayaking, hiking and more! Campers can choose 1 or more themed adventures to experience a bit of each of the Four National High Adventure. Basic Scout skills essential to trek success will be taught and most equipment provided.

-Adults may be requested to volunteer to staff the overnight portion.  

  • Exclusive Awards: Stand Up Paddleboarding & Snorkeling @ Aqua Blue
Boys dressed in Island attire for a celebration at the waterfront in a camp setting.
Black and white teepee with white entrance.
  • Mad Scientist Monday
  • Tiki Tuesday
  • OA Day (Order of the Arrow)
  • Rainbow Voyagers Outpost
  • Wilderness Survival outpost
  • Pathfinders overnight
  • COPE and Climbing adventure
  • Realistic First Aid Challenge
Two girls in blue shirts and caps, lighting a small fire with matches outside.

New in 2026!

Camp just got a whole lot cooler with:
Two people in scout uniforms holding a dark tarp, with trees and sunlight in the background.

Themed Nightly Program

Tiki Tuesday is back bigger and better at the waterfront! Compete in volleyball and human foosball tournaments!

Four people walking through a sunlit forest, holding what appear to be equipment.

Rainbow Voyagers

Adventure treks across new parts of camp for older scouts including 3 lakes for kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, fishing & more

Group of friends having a picnic

Family Fridays & Camp Cup

Classics return but with a twist! More ways to earn Camp Cup points with scout skill challenges, tournaments, site inspections and more! Add your unit # to the banner!

Woman and boy in forest looking at open book; both wear cameras.

Expanded Adult Program

New challenges, projects, and fun learning opportunities

RSR 2026 Morning Merit Badge Schedule

Monday-Friday

A schedule showing activities like swimming, climbing, and archery at different times, categorized by area.

Monday PM Program

Camp activity schedule with various programs at different times.

Tuesday PM Program

Camp activity schedule with various activities like aquatics, climbing, shooting sports, and nature.

Wednesday PM Program

Camp activity schedule with color-coded blocks for different programs, times listed are 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 4:00 PM.

Thursday PM Program

Event schedule with activity blocks in color-coded rows over time slots, including climbing, shooting, fishing, and boating.
A group hikes through a forest. An adult leads, followed by three children with backpacks, walking on a path.

Flexible schedules for every Scout.

Black silhouette of mountains and pine trees.
Black fleur-de-lis on a white background.
North directional symbol, black arrow pointing upwards within a circle.

Prerequisites & Activity Fees

Aquatics

Must have earned Swimming MB, pass 2b to continue; 16b; Requires BSA Swim Test

0

Pass BSA swim test 2 (can be done at camp), 4b (optional)

0

Pass BSA swim test 2 (can be done at camp)

0

Pass BSA swim test 2 (can be done at camp)

0

Pass BSA swim test 2 (can be done at camp)

0

COPE

Durable shoes required. No crocs.

0

COPE

Durable shoes required. No crocs.

0

4, 7, 8

0

Ecology / Conservation

Pathfinders

2b(1), 2b(2), 15c

0

Rank Advancement

All requirements will be done at camp

0

Handicraft

5

$10

7, 8

$10

12; Long pants & closed-toe shoes

0

7a; Long pants & closed-toe shoes

0

1b, 7

$10

4; Long pants & closed-toe shoes

0

5d, 5e, 5g, 8h, 10b

0

Completion depends on project availability

0

1c, 7; Long pant & closed-toe shoes

0

Rainbow Voyagers

Outposts

Bring trek gear (backpacking tent, sleeping bag, etc.); Gear limited

0

Scoutcraft

N/A

0

8c, 8d, 9a–9c

0

6b 4 5(b)5

0

2b 3b, 2b 3d, 2b7

0

1, 2, 3, 9, 10

0

2b(1), 2b(2), 15c

0

4,5,9

0

7, 8

0

9; dependent on Scout catching a fish

0

N/A

0

Range & Target

1e; Bring workbook; includes arrow kit

$15

1e, 1g, 1i, 1j, 3; Bring workbook; Eye protection; May require extra rounds

$30 + $3.5

1e, 1g, 1i, 1j 3; Bring workbook; Eye protection; May require extra rounds

$45 + $3.50

STEAM

1, 4, 5

0

2, 7, 8a, 8b, 11

0

2, 5, 8, 9

0

6, 7

0

5d,5e

0

8

0

1, 9

0

8

0

7

0

2c (optional), 3

$10

Trading Post

7; Must have a collection that meets requirements

0

1, 2, 8, 10

0

5, 8, 9

0

Off Camp Property

Long pants & closed-toe shoes; Held at Rocking L Ranch, 1075 Gore Rd, Morris, IL 60450; Transport not provided

$50

Kitchen

4, 7

0

Sample Adult Leader Schedule

Time Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat
06.00 Fishing
07.00 Commissioner Coffee Commissioner Coffee Commissioner Coffee Commissioner Coffee Commissioner Coffee Commissioner Coffee
09.30 Leader Meeting Leader Meeting Leader Meeting Leader Meeting Leader Meeting Check-out
10.00 IOLS/Pinch Pot Painting IOLS Cook-Off Golf Classic
11.00 IOLS IOLS/The OA and Your Unit Cook-Off Golf Classic
01.00 Shooting Sports Safety Talk IOLS/Safe Swim Defense IOLS/ Advanced Opportunities in The OA
02.00 Climb on Safety IOLS/Transforming Youth Leadership IOLS Commissioner's Chat
03.00 Pinch Pot Making IOLS/Paracord Bracelet Making IOLS Woggle Making
04.00 IOLS/Embracing and Leading Change IOLS Advancement Training/Q&A
07.00 Scoutmaster Shoot/IOLS hike Sunset Hike
08.00 Sash n' Splash Sunset Hike *Schedule Subject to Change *Schedule Subject to Change

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2025 Camper Testimonials

"Good meals, quality food, and plenty of it!"

Rainbow Scout Reservation Map

Golf flag in the hole. Black flag on a white background.

921 S State Street, Lockport, Il 60441

120 acres of adventure, all just minutes from Chicagoland—and only a short walk from anywhere in camp. Big Camp, Small Walks.

Equine Release And Waiver Of Liability, Assumption Of Risk & Indemnity Agreement