Cripple Creek (Mountain Man)

Fast Facts

The Cripple Creek program at Camp Raven Knob is a week of mountain living experiences like no other! Scouts, Venturers, and leaders who participate will spend all week in the wooded back country of Raven Knob living like the frontiersmen of the mid-1800s, surrounded by towering mountains, pristine streams, and the smell of wood smoke. Challenging adventures await at every turn!

Participants will spend nearly the entire week in the Cripple Creek Primitive Area living like pioneers (without electricity). Activities include knife-making, leatherwork, learning how to use woods tools, gem mining, cooking with a wood stove and cast iron, learning about historical figures, blacksmithing, and black powder rifle shooting. Scouts will complete most or all of the requirements for the following merit badges: Cooking, Leatherwork, Metalwork, Woodwork, and Rifle Shooting.

Participants and staff will camp in wall tents and prepare their own meals in the Chuckwagon Kitchen. Everyone will also be able to attend the Wednesday night campfire in "downtown" Raven Knob.

Scouts and Venturers can come as a group or as individuals. We recommend that an adult leader accompany all groups of five or more Scouts or Venturers.

Grab your gear and get ready for backwoods living at its roughest! We'll be waiting for you at Cripple Creek.

Who can participate?

• Cripple Creek is open to anyone 13 years of age or older (previously 14). Scouts, Venturers, and adult leaders are all invited to participate.
• Cripple Creek does not have female staff members, so units with female youth will need to provide appropriate leadership as necessary.
• All participants should be in general good health and sound physical condition. Participants will be allowed into the program based on the staff’s discretion and leader recommendations.

What should I bring?

• Footlocker or other hard plastic case for personal gear (one per person).
• Everyday camp clothing and work clothes
• BSA Field Uniform ("Class A")
• Metalworking clothes: long-sleeved cotton shirt and a pair of jeans or other non-synthetic pants
• Other items from the list of general camping items as posted in the guides to summer camp
• Cash to spend at the Cripple Creek Canteen. The canteen sells general camp merchandise as well as period snacks and cold root beer.
• We recommend that all food, beverages, electronic devices, and other expensive items be left at home or at base camp.