Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch--More information

Information for Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch (Scout-owned)

Camp address	Contact Information
Ranch Rd 1832 Fort Davis, TX 79734 Forecast for this area (at weather.com)	Buffalo Trail Council Council contact information Website

Map using camp address (sometimes accurate)	Map using coordinates: (always accurate) Lat: 30.810165659839096, Lon: -103.9476843162226
Mapquest™ Road map Suremaps™ Topo map	Scoutlas Road & Water maps Microsoft™ Terraserver Topo & photo maps Suremaps™ Topo map Topozone™ Topo map

Comments for Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch

During the week of July 11-17, 1999, our troop attended summer camp at the Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch in the Davis Mountains of west Texas. The camp is 430 miles from where we live. This was my 19th trip to summer camp, and I thoroughly enjoyed my week at BTSR.

We had 58 Scouts and 14 adults at camp this year. Unlike our last trip to BTSR in 1994 during which the daily temps were in the 100's and extremely dry and dusty, this year was cool and WET as we received rainfall during all six days. This wasn't a significant problem as most of the rain took place mid-afternoon (similar to afternoon showers at Philmont) which gave the tents an opportunity to dry out before bedtime.

I think this was the first time I didn't have to use sun screen at summer camp as most of the days were cloudy. We enjoyed the cool nights and low humidity which is certainly different from what we usually experience at summer camp. The BTSR area was very green and lush, something one doesn't often encounter during July in west Texas.

Most of the merit badge classes were good, with Astronomy, Geology, Horsemanship and a few others outstanding. Since BTSR doesn't have a lake, aquatics activities are somewhat limited but the camp has a large swimming pool (with very cold water) so they are able to offer Swimming, Lifesaving, Snorkeling and BSA Lifeguard. In addition to the merit badge program, BTSR offers several high adventure opportunities including a backpacking program, a mountain man program and a horseback cavalcade program. The reports I heard from these were positive. There are also opportunities for Scouts and adults to hike the BTSR trails during free time. Since the camp has 6,000 acres, hiking opportunities abound.

On the negative side, the campsites at BTSR are very small when compared to other camps I've attended. Our group of 72 campers was very crowded and we had no room to set up camp gadgets, etc. As a result, we'll probably limit our future BTSR contingents to 40-45 campers.

On Tuesday, many campers got to see their very first "wall of water" during a flash flood in the creek that runs through BTSR. After seeing a 2-3 ft. "wall" come rushing down the creek, I certainly have a better understanding of the dangers associated with flash floods. Hopefully, our Scouts do too. We even got a repeat performance on Friday afternoon but the water wasn't as high this time.

We had planned a trip to the McDonald Observatory for Tuesday night but couldn't get out of the camp due to the flood. As an alternative, we took a "field trip" on Thursday night and transported our whole group of a72 campers to Alpine (50+ miles from BTSR) for pizza. Then, we traveled to Marfa to see the "Marfa Lights" which the Scouts found interesting for about ten minutes. For additional information on the Marfa Lights, see http://www.virtual-markets.net/go/btcarrol/skeptic/marfa.html

BTSR had the most enthusiastic camp staff I've ever seen. Both the Camp Director and Program Director demonstrated a great deal of humor thoughout the week. Somehow, I managed to attract a cream pie in my face during lunch on Monday, and a pitcher of ice cold water down my shirt and shorts one morning during breakfast. Several other adults in our troop even got wetter during one of the dining hall "water duels" between the Camp Director and Program Director.

During the week, the camp staff led a pair of camp fire programs and two religious services were available. The Monday night camp fire was especially meaningful as the staff honored a long-time staff member and council volunteer who passed away earlier this year. On Friday, the Camp Ranger did his famous "watermelon chop" which was thoroughly enjoyed by the campers.

Overall, we had a great week at BTSR and I look forward to returning at some point in the future.

(posted on Jun 20,2001)

The camp was over 600 miles from home, and we had a blast. No home sick scouts, and they were always busy. Yes, it was hot, but "Drink the Water", and as much as you can. The phenomena of the early morning winds blasting through the campsites like a Freight Trail. I know we didn't sleep the first night!!! We didn't know what to expect, but in reality the winds were nice and cool. Seeing the Wild Mountain Goat during the morning flag raising ceremonies were great, as if they were going to work... and would return in the evening. The cook staff was new, but they pulled it together. The skies were clear every night, and the stars were so beautiful that most of our scouts slept under the stars. Will do this again... Great Camp Director... Here's your plug Mark....

(posted on Jul 1,2001)

We attended Buffalo Trails Scout Camp inthe Davis Mountains of Texas. It is the Council camp for the Midland /Odessa Council of Texas. Talk about rugged!!! You feel like you are in the middle of a Louis Lamar novel. The Camp Director is a fellow named Mark who is a Great Personality and great with Scouts and Adults alike. Sunday you are wondering what you got yourself into and by Wed you love the place. Half inch rebar and a 12 pound sledge hammer along with an Adult strong enough and skilled enough to swing it are the only way you will get tents set up. But Ranger Dan, a ten year veteran of this camp, is working hard to develop a better surface to place the tents on. He is in hopes of having a grassy area in a few years. It is rock hard dust right now with very little rain in that area in the last twelve years. A spring up the Canyon will provide water for the campground in a short while if everything goes as planned. Aside from the rugged terrain and the 20 to 40 mile an hour winds that blow 10 minutes at a time from about Mid Night on, something about the place draws you back. It was like camping on the beach at Corpus Christy and missing being sand blasted after you left. A hard thing to explain. The Program had some problems but when we pointed them out they got fixed quick. Real great results. Geology and Astronomy were a disappointment. Only seven kinds of rock are available locally but Mobil Oil sent a rock collection to help out and even though there is almost no light pollution in that area of the country, the narrow canyon rising 1000 feet around you restrict the view but the Milky Way was still very visible.

100 degree days and 70 degree nights in that near desert environment was actually more comfortable than Summer Camp here in North Texas. We rarely get nights below 90 with night winds scarce.
Davis Observatory is a short 25 miles and they have Star Gazing parties on Tuesday and Saturday nights. Unfortunately they got a two inch rain at the Observatory on Tuesday night and they closed up shop and go home with a cloud cover and nothing to see.

The Trails are tougher than Philmont. I had two adults who did Treks at Buffalo Trails and have done Philmont. One is a Viet Nam Vet, Special Forces and the other a retired Lt. Col. Both said Buffalo Trails was much rougher than Philmont. Elevation is between 4 and 5000 feet so you get a break that direction but the heat is much more challenging. The views were great but lacked the variety of Philmont. Both had a great time.

Buffalo Trails has a strong Horse Program with Horse Treks heading out twice in the week.

All my Scouts had a great time with the possible exception of my three older Scouts who allowed not wearing hats to become an issue and still is as they will all have to re-cycle to gain my signature on Scout Sprit.

I would advise making a stop at Balmorae State Park on the way in or the way out for nothing more than a swim in there 30 acre spring fed, cold water Civilian Conservation Corps built pool. Truly the oasis of West Texas about 10 miles outside the camp gate.

YIS,

Joe Marsh
Scoutmaster Troop 86
Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner
Roadrunner District
Longhorn Council

(posted on Oct 15,2001)

Here To Update.

BTSR now has over 9000 acres and is considered the largest council owned scout camp in america. Outback, cavalcade, and mountain man programs are now growing and will soon challenge those of philmonts. This is 2003 and last year I was able to be Cavalcade Director (thats the outback horse riding) This place is rough... not many roads so safety is a must. BTSR is truly the jewel of west texas. If youve gone and hiked or rode philmont and you want to do something a bit more advanced I recomend coming to BTSR. Hope to see you ther check us out.

Sincerely, Bob Hansler

(posted on Oct 8,2003)

Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch - Outback - Team Building - June 2007

WOW! What a great program and beautiful country. BTSR is a really great camp. The location is very remote, the food is excellent, the staff warm, inviting and servant oriented and the programs phenomenal. I would highly recommend this summer camp to any Boy Scout Troop. After touring the back country and spending 5 days hiking, I thought it would be nice to share our experience with others and help other troops in their preparations for their trip to BTSR.

Sunday: It is check-in time. We were first in line and they had people coming to the car to give us tags to show where our base camp was and where we could park. All of the campsites for base camp are on the right side of camp. The left side of camp, "Up the hill". They decided to try something new this year. I think it was a great idea but still needs a bit of tweaking to get it perfected. All of the base-campers stay in their designated campsites. All of the outback (backpacking, mountain man) and cavalcade stay up the hill in some large army tents. They had plenty of cots for all of the outback folks to stay in. But, a windstorm had destroyed one of their tents and they had not put up the new tent. Because of the chaos, we slept in the Chapel (up the hill). It was concrete but it wasn't rocky. Lots of fun watching fireflys dance above your head as you go to sleep. Basecampers had reserved wall tents and cots and they worked out very well. Our only problem was that their site was the very farthest away from the camp so it was very inconvenient to go to their camp. We parked our trailer close to their camp. We showed up for shakedown at the flag pole right before dark. It was a little chaotic. We kept asking who our ranger was and they didn't know. We found out later that there was supposed to be only 12 people in Team Building and between three troops we had 26. They didn't have us empty our tents but they did go over the list with us again to hopefully help us identify what to bring or not bring. They recommended not bringing tents as they have tarps, rope and stakes at all of the campsites. We took this advice and slept under the stars. WOW! What a great way to backpack. A lot less weight.

Monday: Breakfast was early 6:55am and then we met at the Buffalo Hall to find our Ranger and begin our adventure. All 26 folks showed up. Uh oh. The staff did a great job. They split us up into two groups. We had 7 boys, two 2 men and they put two more boys with our group. They then assigned us the Outback director as our Ranger, Logan. He was a great ranger, teacher and guide. We passed out a bit of group gear, snacks for the week( Peanut butter, trail mix and other items) and our lunches for the day. We did not know the logistical challenges that the group of 26 was causing them. They had Black footlockers at each campsite with all of the tarps, ropes, cooking equipment and food. But they were stashed with stuff for 12. I don't know how they did it but they got the food up to all of the sites. We took turns using the cooking equipment. Each site had a dutch oven, frying pan and pot for cooking. There was soap, and a sponge. The tent stakes are really cool. They are valves out of large compressors. Virtually indestructible. You can use them as hammers or stakes. We set up our tarps in case of rain at each campsite and then dropped the tarps on the ground. We slept under the stars each night.

We hiked up the main canyon, passing the Needle, the notch and the Park(where Mountain Man is now). We continued on after lunch and then it began to rain. Not to bad but enough that the creek begin to rise. Where we could easily hop the creek earlier, we now were not able and we had to cross the creek by walking through.We continued on in spite of being soaking wet. It rained on us the rest of the way to Jenkins Cabin. After 7 miles of hiking in the canyon, we turned right and went up a steep jeep trail for 2 miles to Jenkins Cabin. This is an old hunting cabin. You can't go in it but it has a very fine front porch that we used to shelter us from the rain. Also in the back is a new looking latrine. Very very nice. Supper was "backpacker pizza". This consisted of a tortilla, heated in a frying pan with tomatoes sauce, cheese and peporoni added. Folded in half and eaten. Pudding that had to be cooked was offered but we skipped it.

The tarps at the camp were not function for rain and there were no stakes of tarps here so we all slept on the porch like a bunch of sardines. There are no creeks or water sources. However the BTSR staff hauls water in 7 gallon water and 30 gallon Blue water containers to the site. There was 80 or so gallons of water at the Cabin when we arrived.

Tuesday: We woke up to clear skies and soggy area. Our breakfast was pancakes and ham so we started cooking. It took a long time cooking one pancake at a time for 12 people in our group. We attempted to dry out our gear while waiting on the cooking. It was very nice to have an extra pair of clean & DRY socks. We cleaned up and packed up our camp. We hiked on a jeep trail for several miles. We passed one fence line that shows to be a gate on the map. "the first gate on the map" The other group had left before us and went to the second gate and realized that they had hiked past the "west gate". We arrived at "West Gate" as they were finishing up their lunch and moving on down the "Silver" trail. We had lunch and I handed out my surprise for the guys, two fresh cantaloupes. Lunch was tuna fish salad, crackers.. We stared down "Silver Trail" and learned the hard way about "Cat Claw". This is a very viscous pant with cat-like claws for thorns. They plant grows from ankle high to 6 feet tall. It is all along the trail and hard to avoid. It scratched our legs until they were all bleeding and it tore holes in our shirts.. Very tough stuff. We learned by the end of the trip to step on it with our boots or to step around it. We were much better by the end of the trip. The "Silver Trail" was good and steep but very passable. We reached the bottom ready to take a swim. We hiked the � mile to the Notch and enjoyed a Cold swim in the old watering hole. The boys had a blast exploring the around the Notch and even jumped off of the high ledge. We returned to camp where some boys were able to go rock climbing � mile from camp the other way. We put down tarps again and even enjoyed a nice small campfire. The dinner was "pasta with Chicken". Very filling. We had apple cobbler available but we were too tired to make it. Instead we carried it with us. The water here is available via a PVC pipe that is tapped into a natural spring. The spring is � way between the camp and the Notch. It is not very well marked but a piece of PVC pipe sticking out of the side of the hill should be pretty obvious. We used our water filters to filter the water.

Wednesday: We woke up to enjoy a quick meal of oatmeal and granola bars. We packed up and headed out on the trail. We hiked past the notch and the needle. Then turned left up the "Lower" silver trail. This was very steep hiking with a lot of brush in the way scratching us as we went. We made it to the top and went through a gate and arrived at Ezra Playground. It is just a wide spot up there. We found water in the familiar white and blue containers. Our Ranger conducted several team building exercises with the boys. They had a great time doing the exercises for about 2 hours. We saw a couple of dignitaries being toured around the camp on a "Mule" four wheeler. We rested a bit and then went � of the crew went on a "short" day hike. Five miles later we had walked completely around Bear Cave Mountain. Our dinner was being finished up by half the crew. The dinner was Back Packer burritos. Beans, Summer Sausage and "Cheese Whiz" in a tortilla topped with Salsa. YUM YUM. We put the Dutch oven on rocks above our MSR Stove for heat. It worked well. Then we heated up the tortilla's in a frying pan with the butter that they gave us.

Thursday: We had rice pudding for breakfast, You mix a bit of milk in your bowl, put in the cooked Boil a bag rice, add brown sugar, butter and raisins and shazam. Breakfast. The hike was very light and easy following a jeep trail towards forbidden mountain. About � way we decide to participate in a trail service project. Our ranger helps us find tools and we help select the route of the trail. We mark the trail by building Carnes. Then we clear about 50 feet of trail with one grubbing hoe. The rest of the crew uses their hands to clear the grass that is growing up in the middle of the new trail. We work for over 2 hours and earn our "Pond Weed award for the crew" We hike a bit farther to a pond and break for Lunch. Lunch is peanut butter crackers which we add more peanut butter, apple sauce and a cookie. The Camp Ranger and a couple of BTSR staff pass us by busy doing work for other groups. We arrive at forbidden camp and find the cabin, Water supply and another great latrine. The water is pumped up from the Base camp, stored in an elevated tank and then piped to a water spigot that we use to fill our water bottles. We hike about a � mile more to a clearing and set up camp. After a brief rest, we gather with our sister crew to compete in a GPS Geo-caching race. There are 8 Caches scattered over � mile by 1/3 mile area. Very large area to cover but we find out that one of the boys dad is an expert and he helps to lead our team to victory finding all 8 items 45 minutes before the other team returns to announce they have only found 7. We kid each other back and forth and we return to camp. We rest some more as the rangers have been out exploring a couple trails for us. They even find the trail to the scenic over-look of base camp. We walk over to the edge, take some pictures, yell at the crews below .we Don't know if they heard us. And we take in a gorgeous view. We return to camp and fix our Chili and Cornbread. We cook it in a Dutch oven over a fire with the cornbread on top of the chili. Yum Yum. We then clean the Dutch oven and cook the cobbler. There were apples and such for desert but we eat the cobbler that we have been carrying. We notice a light being flashed at us across the canyon above the base camp. We flash back. We learn later that it is our Troops' "Intro to Packpacking" group flashing us with a Maglight. Wow what power.

Friday: We eat another meal of oatmeal and grapenut bars and take off down the trail. We fill up our water bottles and see the other crew hiking down the steep road to camp. They don't take the trail. We hike up a trail to a spot above yesterday's pond. We hike up the road a bit farther and then turn right to begin the long trail down Pigpen cabin. After a long while of steep loose rock, we meet a creek bed that flattens out. Then the trail joins the dirt road and gets us to the asphalt road into camp.

WOW! We made it. 35 miles in 5 days.

We arrive at camp just in time for a hotdog/ braut picnic with watermelon served for desert. After lunch we hike over to the swimming pool and take a "Bath" in the swimming pool. A very refreshing reward after a long hike.

We hang out, get cleaned up, shop at the store, fill out some evaluation forms. We meet up with one of our boys parents, go to a barbeque dinner.(Don't forget to bring a cup) and then on to a campfire. A great awards recognition event with a slide show of pictures to close it out. OA tap outs are after the campfire.

We hike to the basecampers camp. Spread out our tarps and sleep in our bags. We get one more great opportunity to see the crystal clear skies, with an abundance of stars and even a clear view of the Milky Way.

Saturday: Our basecampers had pre-packed the campsite so all we had left was the sleeping bags and day bags. We pick up our cold breakfast at 6:30am. Eat, clean and get Ms. Euless's approval, check out and begin our return trip to home.

Lessons Learned:

You had better hit the Stair masters before coming. Even though it is not Colorado these hills are steep.
Your boys need some physical training before hand. Some are more in shape than others. It is best to know that before you come and for the boys to be in great shape.
Try to get your boys going early in the morning to avoid hiking in the heat. It was light enough by 6:00am
Bring extra trash bags as the "Cat Claw" branches will tear holes in the gear.
Learn to avoid the "Cat Claw". Either step on them or dodge. Don't try and push through them.
Don't bring your tents. Use the tarps and bring a couple of spools of Twine.
You only need 2-3 bottles of "White" fuel not five. You can make do with one stove for the week but two is better.
Change out of your sweat soaked clothes upon arriving at camp. Dry them on a tree and on your pack for the day after.
Take good breathing breaks and take in the view of the scenery. You can't take in to much scenery.
Pack your collapsible water bottle in your pack or the "Cat Claws" will tear a hole in them.
Make sure that you have some Diaper rash packed. Some one is going to get a Chaffing rash.

(posted on Jul 8,2007)

In June, 2007, our troop attended summer camp at the Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch in the Davis Mountains of west Texas. The camp, operated by the Buffalo Trail Council, headquartered in Midland TX, is about 420 miles from where we live. This was my 29th summer camp trip and my 4th trip to BTSR with prior visits in 1991, 1994 & 1999.

We had 24 Scouts and 10 adults attending camp. The camp fee was $200 per Scout for summer camp and $225 per Scout for the high adventure programs. The adult fee was $120. Additional fees were charged for the crafts badges, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting, and several other activities.

As far as the evaluations below, these ratings are used:
A = Excellent
B = Above Average
C = Average
D = Below Average
F = Unsatisfactory

Pre Camp Information and Ease of Arranging the Trip
-------------------------------------------------
Grade = A
The Leaders' Guide was excellent. The camp provided a nice list of "Scoutmaster Notes" at check-in. This was nice to have.

Merit Badge & Activity Registration System
------------------------------------------
Grade = F
The camp used Doubleknot and the initial input was lost. Here is a portion of an e-mail I sent to Camp Director back on April 23rd after
entering the schedules for our Scouts a second time, "Well, I've entered all our information again. It took about three hours this time (my time and my wife's) so that's about seven hours spent on a process that should take about an hour if you were using a registration system similar to what either the Blue Ridge Mountains Council or the Capitol Area Council use.
DoubleKnot is the very worse registration system you could have selected."

Check in/out Process - Arrival & Departure
------------------------------------------
Grade: D for Arrival
Grade: A for Departure
Lots of wasted time during the check-in process. Our Mountain Man campers felt they were "jerked around" a whole lot as our Guide knew nothing about Mountain Man procedures and neither did anyone else we could find during the first couple of hours at camp. The camp should take the troop photos when troops arrive at camp rather than doing this during the camp tour.
The way BTSR does this wastes a whole lot of time and makes for a very inefficient check-in process. Generally, the check-in process at BTSR was worse than any Texas camp we've attended during the past ten years.

Camp Administration
-------------------
Grade = B+
Someone (Camp Director) has to take the "hit" for selecting Doubleknot and the manner in which Scouts were dismissed for meals (Program Director).

Camp Commissioner Program
-------------------------
Grade = D
This individual can be very nice and helpful but she was also be a big time grouch at times. She was the only staff member our Scouts rated less
than "Above Average."

Camp Staff
----------
Grade: A
For the first time in ten years, we had a seriously homesick Scout. Two of the adult staff members, along with several youth staff members, went out of their way to make sure the boy enjoyed camp. As a result, his homesickness was conquered.

The Camp Medic did an excellent job and really helped my wife recover from some type of "episode" on Sunday, probably related to the fact that she hadn't eaten anything since about 11 a.m.

BTSR's Camp Ranger is a real treasure. I'm surprised that another council hasn't made a serious effort to hire him away from BTSR. He helped us several times during the week and his "Samurai Watermelon Chop" act after lunch on Friday entertained the Scouts and was even better than when I saw this in '99.

Campsite
--------
Grade = D
Most of the campsites are small and troop size didn't seem to be a significant factor in assigning campsites.

Fire Ants
---------
Grade = A+
Unlike some Texas camps, there were no Fire Ants.

Ticks & Mosquitoes
------------------
Grade = A
No significant problems.

Tents, Platforms and Cots
-------------------------
Wall tents were available on a limited basis but we used our own tents.

Latrine & Shower Facilities
---------------------------
Grade = C
Latrine facilities were not as good as most other camps we've attended. Having only two toilets and two showers for adult males at the latrine used by most of the campsites was terrible.

Merit Badge Program
-------------------
Grade: A
Most of the merit badge classes were excellent. The Horsemanship badge is especially nice and 12 of our 15 Scouts at base camp took advantage of the opportunity to earn this badge. I don't allow our Scouts to pursue the First Aid merit badge at summer camps unless the badge is offered as a 2-period class. However, my wife and I wound up helping the adult instructor with both the morning and afternoon First Aid classes during two days. I applaud the counselor for not "awarding" the badges based on attendance as I've seen at most Texas camps during recent years. To receive First Aid at BTSR, Scouts actually had to satisfy the requirements and I was glad to see this take place. I do hope that BTSR will offer First Aid as a 2-period class in the future so our Scouts can take First Aid the next time we visit BTSR.

First Year Camper Program
-------------------------
We didn't participate and I didn't hear any input from other leaders.

Special Activities
------------------
Grade: A+
Lots of special activities. Our guys especially enjoyed the Sunrise Hike on Wednesday morning and the trip to the McDonald Observatory on Thursday evening.

Special Programs for Older Scouts
---------------------------------
Grade: A+
BTSR offers a Mountain Man Program, a Horseback Cavalcade Program, a Backpacking Program, a Ranch Program and a SCUBA Program. We had 9 Scouts and 3 adults in the Mountain Man Program and they had an excellent week.

BTSR has the best combination of high adventure activities of any Scout camp in Texas. The only camp I've found that has a better combination is
the Blue Ridge Mountains Reservation in Virginia.

Dining Hall & Food
------------------
Grade: C-
The dining hall did not appear to be an efficient operation as not a single meal was ready on time and the camp almost ran out of food on at least two occasions. Generally, my wife is an extremely easy-going person. However, after getting almost no food during lunch one day and seeing two dining hall staffers pile enough food for 10-12 people on their plates, she got upset enough to write a note to the Camp Director. Hopefully, her note didn't wind up in the "round file" in the Camp Office.

As far as assembly time for meals, nothing went off on time. As a result, campers made little effort to show up on time for the flag pole
assemblies. I've always liked for our campers to eat together in the dining hall. The random way in which campers were dismissed for most
meals resulted in rowdiness and it was virtually impossible for our boys and adults to sit together during meals.

Overall Infrastructure
----------------------
Grade: C-
There were too many people at Base Camp given the infrastructure and facilities. I missed the "fun & games" that use to take place in the
dining hall during meals.

Buffalo Hall is a large room where several merit badge classes were offered. It is also a gathering place for campers to rest and eat snacks after visiting the trading post. The camp should assign a staff member to be there to keep the Scouts sitting around the tables, etc. quiet so the merit badge instructors can do their jobs without all the noise.

Adult Training
--------------
Grade: A
Several opportunities for training were offered.

Chapel Program
--------------
Sunday night and Wednesday night chapel programs were offered.

Order of the Arrow Activities
-----------------------------
There was a nice OA call out ceremony during the closing campfire on Friday.

Trading Post
------------
Grade: A
Lots of "stuff" available for purchase.

Overall Grade: B+
-----------------
In summary, BTSR is a nice camp. However, in my opinion, there have been significant declines in Base Camp operations during the past eight years. On the other hand, the high adventure programs have expanded and improved. With adequate attention to the weaknesses mentioned above, I sincerely believe that BTSR could be the very best Boy Scout Camp in Texas.
Currently, there are several other camps which are better but the opportunity is there if the Buffalo Trail Council is willing to fix the
problems.

YiS,
--
Calvin H. Gray
Scoutmaster, Troop 405
Associate Advisor, Venturing Crew 405
Georgetown, Texas
I used to be an Owl (WM-62-2-98 @ Philmont)

(posted on Aug 13,2007)

We registered with BTSR last year expecting to attend the first week of camp. It was not until January, the Camp told us we were on the "Waiting List" with our reservation (with little chance of getting into the camp). We had to scramble to find a good camp to attend this year.
Also: they would not refund our deposits until well into April. I have heard of similar experiences from a couple other Troops in the Houston area.
So a word of caution, make sure your reservation is confirmed and not a "waiting list."

(posted on Jun 25,2009)

Our Troop had been to Summer Camp at BTSR in 2005. Our then Scoutmaster proclaimed it "the best camp ever". Based on that, and favorable responses from the Scouts that attended, we returned in the summer of 2008.

With the exception of the dining hall and restrooms, our experience was really great.
The entire staff is like family (many of them are related), having worked together for years.
Great horsemanship, climbing and shooting programs. Challenging hiking terrain.
Great base camp and high adventure programs, in one of the remotest areas of Texas.
Biggest negative - the dining hall ran out of food at almost every meal while people were still waiting in line to be served.
The camp is in the Davis Mountains. There is a lot more vertical space than horizontal space, and all of the horizontal space is used. This camp is very popular, so every campsite is filled to the max. Tents are typically lined up closer than at National Jamboree.
Restroom and shower facilities vary in quality and are not really YPT correct. Male/Female/Adult/Youth all use the same facility. You put a sign up when you go in to indicate who the current occupant is.

Don't bother taking ordinary tent stakes to BTSR. They will just wind up in the trash. The ground is so rocky that even titanium stakes get bent. The camp does have their own "special" tent stakes that they will loan to you.

Overall a 1200 mile round trip that was well worth it. I know our Scouts would go there again.

(posted on Jun 3,2010)

The Mountain Man Program at this camp was fantastic as well as the SCUBA certification program held at Balmorrhea State Park. The troop dodgeball game against the staff brought our scouts together in a way we'd never seen before. Great for getting the troop to work as a team! The Observatory Star party was also a highlight of the camp. The only difficulty was that we had reserved our entire troop to attend the star party and didn't find out til the day before that our SCUBA certification scouts could not attend due to the elevation of the observatory and the gases currently in their bodies from scuba diving. This health issue was never in any of the paperwork for camp or leader's guide or SCUBA materials. Our scuba scouts were informed of this information by the scuba instructor...who was an excellent teacher! Camp leaders were made aware of this situation.

(posted on Nov 1,2011)

During the week of June 16-22, 2013, our troop attended summer camp at the
Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch in the Davis Mountains of west Texas. The camp,
operated by the Buffalo Trail Council, headquartered in Midland TX, is
about 420 miles from where we live. This was my 35th summer camp trip and
my 5th trip to BTSR with prior visits in 1991, 1994, 1999 & 2007.

We had 20 Scouts and 7 adults attending camp. The camp fee was $300 per
Scout for summer camp (a 50% increase over the 2007 fee) and $325 per
Scout/adult for the high adventure programs (a 45% increase over the 2007
fee). The summer camp adult fee was $200 (a 67% increase over the 2007
fee). Additional fees were charged for Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting,
Horsemanship and a few other badges.

As far as the evaluations below, these ratings are used:
A = Excellent
B = Above Average
C = Average
D = Below Average
F = Unsatisfactory

Pre Camp Information and Ease of Arranging the Trip
---------------------------------------------------
Grade = D
The Leaders' Guide needs to be updated as there are significant errors in
the guide. I sent information about this to Camp Director Mark Richardson.
The camp provided a list of "Scoutmaster Notes" at check-in. This was
nice to
have.

Merit Badge & Activity Registration System
------------------------------------------
Grade = A
The camp used ScoutCampOnline. Other than the fact that registration
began at 12:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning, everything seemed to work well.

Check in/out Process - Arrival & Departure
------------------------------------------
Grade: B for Arrival
Grade: A for Departure
Other than the fact that our high adventure campers were "jerked around"
to some degree during the arrival process, there were no other significant
problems with the check-in process. Check-out went well.

Camp Administration
-------------------
Grade = A
Given that the camp was significantly overbooked and understaffed, the
Camp Director and Program Director did a nice job.

Camp Commissioner Program
-------------------------
Grade = C
The Commissioner inspected campsites and delivered ice @ $2 per 10 lb. bag
(once per day). Ice delivery was late 3 of 5 days. I'm sure the
Commissioner had other duties too but BTSR's idea of commissioner service
isn't up to par when compared to other camps we've attended.

Camp Staff
----------
Quality = Grade: A

Quantity = Grade: F

BTSR was the most understaffed summer camp I've ever seen.

Campsite
--------
Grade = D
The campsites are very small.

Fire Ants
---------
Grade = A+

There were no Fire Ants.

Chiggers, Ticks & Mosquitoes
----------------------------
Grade = A+
No problems.

Tents, Platforms and Cots
-------------------------
Wall tents were available for rent but we used our own tents.

Latrine & Shower Facilities
---------------------------
Grade = F
Considering the number of campers, toilet and shower facilities were very
inadequate. Having only two toilets and two showers for adult males at
the latrine used by many of the campsites was unacceptable.

Merit Badge Program
-------------------
Grade: B
Horsemanship, Climbing and Shooting Sports were excellent. Other badges
were adequate but the fact that the camp was understaffed adversely
affected the qualify of several badges.

First Year Camper Program
-------------------------
Grade: C
We had two Scouts in this program. It wasn't very good.

Special Activities
------------------
Grade: A
Lots of special activities. Our campers especially enjoyed the Sunrise
Hike and the trip to the McDonald Observatory.

Special Programs for Older Scouts
---------------------------------
Grade: B
BTSR offers a Mountain Man Program, a Horseback Cavalcade Program, a
Backpacking Program, a Ranch Program and a Cavalry Program. We had 1 Scout
in Cavalry (Grade: A+). We had 10 Scouts and 3 adults in the Mountain Man
Program (Grade: B). The fact that the Mountain Man Program was overbooked
was a significant concern, and a negative influence on a normally very
positive program. If not for the overbooking, Mountain Man would have
received a Grade of A.

Dining Hall & Food
------------------
Grade: B
Overall, the food was excellent. On the other hand, the fact that there
were too many campers made meal-times negative. We were in Shift B
(second shift) for meals. As a result of overbooking, nothing went off on
time. At each meal, campers from Shift A were still lined up to go in the
dining hall when it was time for Shift B campers to enter. In my opinion,
the Dining Hall staff did a wonderful job making sure campers were fed as
there really wasn't enough time to feed everyone in an efficient manner.

Overall Infrastructure
----------------------
Grade: F
Given the number of campers, the infrastructure and facilities were
inadequate to support an efficient and positive summer camp experience.
Other than additions to the Shooting Sports area, I didn't see any
significant improvements at BTSR from what I saw during our trip six years
ago. The Buffalo Trail Council certainly doesn't appear to be investing
money into making BTSR a better camp.

Adult Training
--------------
Grade: C
Some training was offered but not as many opportunities as were listed in
the Leaders' Guide.

Chapel Program
--------------
Two chapel services were offered.

Order of the Arrow Activities
-----------------------------
There an OA call out ceremony during the closing campfire on Friday.

Trading Post
------------
Grade: C
Lots of "stuff" available for purchase but the trading post is very small.
Many of the patches shown on the trading post bulletin board were not in
stock.

Overall Grade: C-
-----------------
In my opinion, there have been significant declines in BTSR operations
from what I experienced during visits during the 1990s. The sad thing is
that, given what I also observed in 2007 and again this year, the Buffalo
Trail Council doesn't appear to be interested in placing reasonable limits
on camp attendance, or in investing in needed camp improvements. The
practice seems to be to cram as many campers into the camp as possible,
without consideration of the overall negative experience that Scouts and
adults will encounter.

Bottom line: It is very doubtful that our troop will attend summer camp at
BTSR in the future.

--
Calvin H. Gray
Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 405
Georgetown, Texas
I used to be an Owl (WM-62-2-98 @ Philmont)

(posted on Jan 8,2014)

I have been to this camp 4 times. It is one of our troop's most enjoyable camps. We go there ever 4 years. The programs are excellent. It is in an beautiful location in a box canyon in the Davis Mts. The staff are top notch. The only problem is the camp has become too popular. This has cause a problem at the mess hall. two shifts and a long wait at each. Of course, once you do get to eat, the meals are very good. The next time I go, I will participate in one of the other programs away from the Base. That way, I won't have to stand in a long line to eat.

(posted on May 11,2014)

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