Thousands of Boy Scouts from across the Midwest come to Trappers’ Rendezvous to try their hand at braving the bitter cold for the annual winter camping trip called the Trappers Rendezvous. The event’s ties to the historical fur trading era (the “Rendezvous” refers to the annual gatherings of trappers and traders in the early 1800s) give it a unique atmosphere that blends outdoor adventure with historical education. Today, Trappers’ Rendezvous Scout Camp continues to provide a memorable setting for youth to engage in outdoor activities, make lifelong friendships, and create lasting memories while developing leadership and survival skills in a supportive, scenic environment.
Besides the traditional feasts,
reunions, feats-o’-skill, and tall tales, there will be:
- Scout’s Chili and Spam Cook-off
- B-B Gun Range
- Black powder rifle shooting
- Archery
- Hawk throw
- Tribe of Quivira
- Hide Hangers Holler
- Flint & Steel Fire Start
- Trapper’s Village
- Buzzard’s Gulch
- Ark River Trading Co.
- Red Dog Saloon
- Trading, trading, trading
- John Colter’s Run
- “Have you seen the Mountain Men?”
- Patch-trading extravaganza
- National Scout Shop
- SPL/SM – Crew President/Advisor Meetings
- Thawin’ With The Commissioners
Trading is the most popular event at Trappers and that is how it was in the 1800’s, back then they did not have throwing stars, car radios, and Pokémon cards to name a few items. Items like these make it look more like a garage sale not a rendezvous event.
