Great Falls Council Scouting Programs

Great Falls Council Scouting Programs include activities such as camping, serving their community, racing pinewood derby cars, learning life skills, hanging out with friends, and high-adventure canoeing programs. The programs include Birchbark Expeditions, which are high-adventure canoeing programs in Western NY, the Adirondacks, and Ontario, CA. The council also sends contingents to Scouting’s High Adventure bases, such as Sea Base, the Summit, and Philmont.

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Price: Great Falls Council is selling branded magnetic Name Tags. Only $15.

Great Falls Council Scouting Programs serve boys and girls ages 5–20 through its signature programs. The Great Falls Council serves Western NY and the Twin Tiers with Scouting programs for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Explorers. The council serves over 5,300 youth and more than 3,000 adult volunteers in over 300 units across Western NY and the Twin Tiers.

The council runs three Scout camps: Camp Gorton in the Finger Lakes, Scouthaven in Cattaraugus County, and Camp Sam Wood near Letchworth State Park. Adventure Fest 2026 is a council-wide celebration of Scouting taking place October 9–11 at Watkins Glen International, and youth do not need to be a registered Scout to attend Adventure Fest 2026. The council also runs an annual Scouting for Food drive that benefits community food pantries across the region.

The mission of Great Falls Council Scouting Programs is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The council continues to rank near the top in the country in both trained leaders and youth protection-trained leaders.

Last updated May 28, 2026.