Scout Shorts

Indian Waters Council to Cover

BSA Fee Increase for All Youth

The Indian Waters Council continues its commitment to help make Scouting accessible for its youth and families. For the past year, the Council has been paying for the BSA's "joining fee" of $25 per youth member. Effective April 1, 2024, that national fee will be eliminated, but most other fees are slightly increasing (per link at bottom of this article).


The annual BSA youth membership fee will increase by $5 on April 1, but the Council will pay that fee for all youth joining or renewing their membership in 2024. To secure that support in the online registration system, simply use the code: "kid5" starting April 1, 2024.


Click here for a listing of all fees effective April 1, 2024

Spring Recruitment Time is Here! From Myrtle Beach to Lexington, numerous in-school Spring recruitments have been taking place throughout the council. The current focus is on supporting more Scouts BSA troops to grow among Fifth-Grade youth. Lots of can be found in the 2024 IWC Unit Recruitment Manual, which includes recruitment methods and tips and contacts who can help. There is also a discount code, and a timeline information to help your unit grow!


Download the IWC Unit Recruitment Manual here!

Seeking VISTA Outreach Specialists!


The Americorps VISTA program at the Indian Waters Council presents a great opportunity for adults to provide Scouting service by building new partnerships, engaging our Scouting families and recruiting new program participants. VISTA members receive a stipend and educational funding, and we have openings in Columbia, Florence, Myrtle Beach, and Orangeburg.


Applications will be accepted until May 1.


Position Description and Information Questions? Contact Terri Towle.

2024 Adventure Cards Have Arrived!


Is your unit looking for an adventurous and easy way to for Scouts to pay their way? The 2024 Adventure Card has arrived! They can be picked-up at one of our Scout Service Centers or delivered to you by contacting your local field staff member. All contact information can be found here.


2024 Adventure Card Flyer


2024 IWC Adventure Card Guide & Log Sheet

Merit Badge University Serves Nearly 400 Scouts & Scouters!


More than 400 Scouts and Scouters gathered at River Bluff High School on Saturday, March 23, 2024 to complete merit badges, learn new skills, fellowship with other Scouts and more.


"Thank you" to MBU event founder and chairman Ed Helms and all the volunteers that gave their time to make this such a big success!

Apply Here for Camp Barstow Staff


Camp Barstow is looking to fill a few final positions for our 2024 Summer Staff! Do you have what it takes to help and guide others along their Scouting journey? Apply Here!

Camp Barstow Still Has Openings

There is still space for your Troop to attend this Summer at Camp Barstow. Experience the popular "Barstow Bundle" programs. The deadline for the "Early Bird Discount" for your Scouts is April 1st.


Click here to find out more about the Barstow Bundles and these incredible adventures for next June 9-15 or 16-22 or 23-29 or June 30-July 6, 2024, and Reserve your spot here.

Indian Waters Council forming "Disabilities Awareness Committee"


The Indian Waters Council is organizing a Disabilities Awareness Committee. The goal is to provide guidance to Unit Leaders and others for support, Scout Advancement, and how to serve Scouts with disabilities.    


Interested in serving on this committee? Have questions?

Contact Kenneth McIver.

High Adventure Opportunities!


Opportunities are available for Philmont and Sea Base for Summer 2024!


Interested? Email Scott Hagler

2026 National Scout Jamboree Announced!


Mark your calendars! The 2026 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve will be held on July 22-31, 2026. Council Information will be released soon.


Click here to see more about the 2026 National Jamboree.

Philmont Makes Trek Reservation Change


Philmont Scout Ranch will no longer use the lottery system for reserving treks and will accept reservations directly through the application process. As always, trek leaders are requested to provide options as to dates requested. The Ranch has also introduced 9-day treks based on requests from several East Coast participants.


Learn more about Philmont here!

National Day of Prayer


The IWC Religious Relationships Committee and other councils around the world will read the entire sacred texts of these world religions – Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant faiths on

May 2, 2024, The National Day of Prayer.


Learn More Here


Register Here to Participate

Cub Scout Adventure Camps coming to Barstow & Coker!!


Cub Scout Adventure Camp is a fun 3-day experience for Cub Scouts along with their leaders and/or parents. While immersed in adventures, Cub Scouts take part in activities such as archery, slinghshots, BB guns, nature hikes, games and crafts, swimming, and boating. Webelos and AOL's can earn activity pins, and Wolf and Bear Cubs can also complete advancement requirements. Camp overnight at Camp Barstow or Coker. Meals are served in the dining hall during these campouts.

Camp Coker - June 14-16

Camp Barstow - July 12-14

Upcoming Events!


IWC Honors National Outstanding Eagle Scout Awardee, Grant Philips to benefit Richland County Scouting - Columbia - April 18


Family Camping Weekend at Camp Barstow - April 19-21


Chicora Cub-O-Ree - Loris, SC - April 26-28


Shooting Sports Weekend at Camp Barstow - May 3-5


Council Pinewood Derby - Lexington, SC - May 4


Orangeburg FOS Event - Columbia - May 9


Cub Scout Adventure Camp - Camp Coker - June 14-16


IWC Golf Tournament's 50th Anniversary - WildeWood Club - October 7

Upcoming Training Events!


"Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader"


IOLS at Mission Lake - April 13-14, 2024


EDGE Training at Camp Coker - April 13


Climbing/Cope Instructor Training at Camp Barstow - April 19-21


Don't Be Caught in the Rain!


Did you know that the Hazardous Weather Training is required for all direct-contact leaders and it expires every 2 years? Unlike other position-specific training, Hazardous Weather does expire! Don't be taken by surprise, visit your my.scouting.org account and confirm your completion today!


Click here to learn more.

The Order of the Arrow Corner

Section E-7 Cornerstone Conclave to be hosted at Belk Scout Reservation April 26-28!


The Muscogee Lodge worked hard during the Spring Fellowship at Camp Coker to prepare for this upcoming event. There is not doubt that our Scouts will spend their time "Taking Care of Business" on their Quest for the Golden Arrow, and other main events. Good luck Arrowmen!


Registration is full, but join the waitlist here!

Here we GROW again!


The Muscogee Lodge #116 Spring Induction weekend will be held at beautiful Camp Barstow on May 17-19, 2024. There will be Ordeal and Brotherhood opportunities, at this event


Register Today!

Muscogee Lodge - 2024 Summer SUPER Fellowship


Fellowship, Activities, Training, Service and MORE!

Ordeal Opportunity, Brotherhood Opportunity, VIGIL HONOR CALL out! The premiere event of the summer for the Muscogee Lodge is sure to be an event to remember!


You don't want to miss this! Registration Opens 4/20/2024

STAY INFORMED!

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Program Updates!


Cub Scout Program Updates Announced!


Scouts BSA announces Advancement Program Updates


New Cub Scout Handbooks are being printed. They are expected to be in Scout Shops by the end of April.

The Indian Waters Council serves our Scouting families and communities in 19 South Carolina counties: Bamberg, Calhoun, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Fairfield, Florence, Horry, Kershaw, Lee, Lexington, Marlboro, Marion, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda, Sumter, and Williamsburg.