Aquatics

Enjoy Fun In the Sun

Rotary Scout Reservation is situated on beautiful Davitt Lake, offering a wonderful natural environment for our Aquatic programs. Scouts may earn merit badges in Canoeing, Kayaking, Lifesaving, Rowing, Small Boat Sailing, and Swimming.

In addition to the merit badge programs, Scouts may also earn BSA awards in Snorkeling, Stand Up Paddleboarding, and the Mile Swim. For those who want to really prove their all-around aquatic skills, the Twin Rivers Council offers the popular Navigator Award!

For Scouts who want to explore the Aquatics program without committing to a merit badge session, we offer an extensive open program throughout the day. Cool off on a hot summer day with an early morning or late afternoon swim, or take part in open boating to enjoy a warm evening on the lake in a kayak or canoe, or on a stand up paddleboard.

Scouts are also encouraged to take advantage of swim instruction and stroke improvement classes provided by the trained and certified RSR lifeguards. Stroke improvement classes are offered twice daily with low camper-to-counselor ratios for more individualized instruction.

Twin Rivers Council Navigator Award

The Navigator Award is presented by the Twin Rivers Council to recognize excellence and commitment in the camp Aquatics program. To complete the Navigator Award, a Scout must earn four core merit badges, and complete several elective achievements as described below. Starfish pins may be earned for completing additional achievements beyond the Navigator Award requirements.

Each Scout should retain a copy of their Navigator Award record and bring it with them to camp. The record must be turned into the camp Aquatics Director by Thursday so that it may be updated with requirements completed that week.

Requirements must be completed during summer camp at Camp Wakpominee or Rotary Scout Reservation, or through a Twin Rivers Council facilitated swim program, unless otherwise noted.

Download the Navigator Award Requirements.

BSA Lifeguard

Scouts and adults who attend summer camp at RSR have the opportunity to complete the BSA Lifeguard program. BSA Lifeguard is recognized by the State of New York as equivalent to lifeguarding programs offered by the American Red Cross. Individuals may use the certificate upon completion to work at parks, pools, and camps anywhere in the state, including RSR!BSA Lifeguard is a very rigorous program and requires a full time commitment while at summer camp. Participants must be at least 15 years old and it is recommended that Scouts who wish to take the Lifeguard course have already completed Swimming, Lifesaving, and Rowing merit badges and demonstrate strong swimming ability.

In order to earn the lifeguard certificate, the participant must be certified in American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer or Basic Life Support and American Red Cross Standard First Aid or equivalents recognized by New York State. Both certifications may be earned at camp.