Provisional: The dictionary definition of provisional is “temporary”.

Camp Long Lake promotes the establishment of Provisional Troops during the 6th week (August 2nd - 8th). The scouts who make up these troops are ones who want to attend a week of camp but were not able to do so when their home troop went to camp or want to go to an additional week of camp to take additional merit badge classes.

The 6th week at Camp Long Lake are usually less heavily attended so there is a greater staff to scout ratio. In addition special merit badges not offered during weeks 1 through 5 are offered. These merit badges are Emergency Preparedness, Personal Management, and Whitewater Merit Badge. The majority of the Whitewater Merit Badge will be taught at camp but an outing to the Peshtigo River ($70) will be required to complete the requirements. All merit badges offered during the earlier part of the season are offered during the Provisional Weeks as well as the Outpost Programs.

Maximum troop size will be 40 scouts. Scouts are assigned to troops and scouts from the same unit will be kept together. Personal tents will be allowed but their use is up to the discretion of the Scoutmaster based on the site being used. 2 man tents are preferred in order to best accommodate the campsites.

The troops are structured with the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) being the youth in charge of running the troop. Experienced Scoutmasters are assigned to each troop and will work with the boy leaders to have the troops be boy led troops. The Scoutmasters will select the boy leaders. The Patrol method will be used to structure the troop. Patrols will be formed at camp and the patrols will elect their own patrol leaders.

The reasons to go to Camp Long Lake and being part of a Provisional Troop are:

• Take additional merit badges
• Take special merit badges not offered during the rest of the summer camp season
• Go on an Outpost adventure
• Have the opportunity for a Leadership position
• Meet new friends

If you are interested in joining other scouts for a week of camp in a Provisional Troop please fill out and send in the Camp Long Lake Provisional Week Registration Form.

Provisional Troops are also a great way for newly formed troops with new leader to attend camp and learn from experienced leaders.