Camp Urland, Three Rivers BSA

Howdy, Texas adventurers! For generations, the Lone Star State has been a beacon for those who love the great outdoors, offering vast landscapes perfect for exploration and personal growth. Among the many incredible outdoor havens across our state, Camp Urland, operated by the Three Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America, stands as a cherished institution. While primarily known for its role in shaping young lives through Scouting programs, this facility also represents a significant resource for the wider community, fostering a love for nature and developing crucial life skills.

Nestled in the heart of East Texas, Camp Urland provides a unique blend of rugged natural beauty and well-maintained facilities, making it an exceptional destination for various outdoor activities. For local Texans, understanding the offerings of Camp Urland means unlocking opportunities for their children to experience adventure, learn teamwork, and build character in a safe and supportive environment. This article will delve into what makes Camp Urland a vital part of the Texas outdoor landscape, offering insights into its location, services, and the many features that contribute to its lasting legacy.

Camp Urland, Three Rivers BSA, is strategically located to serve the youth and communities of Southeast Texas. Its address is 1170 Spring Valley Drive, Woodville, TX 75979, USA. Woodville is a charming town in Tyler County, offering a gateway to the dense pine forests and rich natural beauty characteristic of this region of Texas. The camp's location makes it reasonably accessible from major population centers like Beaumont, Houston, and even parts of Louisiana, allowing many families and groups to reach it with relative ease.

Accessibility to the camp is generally straightforward, with well-maintained roads leading directly to the property. While it offers a sense of being "away from it all," Camp Urland is not so remote as to be difficult to reach. This balance between natural seclusion and convenient access is a significant advantage, allowing for efficient travel for weekend trips, week-long summer camps, and various other programs hosted throughout the year. The surrounding area of Woodville also provides essential services and supplies should they be needed during a stay.

As a Boy Scouts of America facility, Camp Urland is designed to support a wide array of outdoor and educational programs. While specific offerings can vary based on the season and the particular program being run (e.g., summer camp, winter camp, weekend events), the general services typically provided or supported at Camp Urland include:

• Campsites: Dedicated areas for both tent and, where applicable, RV camping for scouting units and registered groups.
• Program Areas: Specialized areas for various merit badge activities and outdoor skills training, such as shooting sports ranges (archery, rifle, shotgun), climbing/COPE courses, aquatics areas, and craft centers.
• Dining Facilities: Often includes a central dining hall or designated cooking areas to support large groups during organized events.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: Well-maintained comfort stations with flushing toilets and hot showers are generally available across the camp.
• First Aid Station: Staffed by qualified personnel to address health and safety needs.
• Trading Post/Camp Store: A place where campers can purchase snacks, drinks, Scouting essentials, and souvenirs.
• Training Facilities: Classrooms and outdoor spaces suitable for leader training and skill development workshops.
• Waterfront Activities: Access to lake or pond areas for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, all supervised by certified staff.

Camp Urland’s features are tailored to provide enriching and challenging experiences, particularly for youth. Its design encourages hands-on learning, skill development, and appreciation for the natural world. Key highlights often include:

• Diverse Ecosystem: The camp is situated in East Texas's unique piney woods, offering varied terrain, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for nature study and conservation efforts.
• Structured Scouting Programs: Known for its robust summer and winter camp programs, offering a wide range of merit badges and rank advancement opportunities for Scouts BSA, as well as age-appropriate activities for Cub Scouts.
• Leadership Development: The camp serves as a hub for youth leadership training, fostering character, citizenship, and personal fitness through the Scout Oath and Law.
• Outdoor Skills Instruction: Expert instruction is provided in essential outdoor skills such as knot-tying, fire building, first aid, navigation, and Leave No Trace principles.
• Aquatics Programs: Opportunities for swimming, lifesaving, and various watercraft activities on a designated lake or pond, ensuring safety with certified lifeguards.
• Shooting Sports: Supervised ranges for safe and proper instruction in archery, rifle, and shotgun shooting, adhering to BSA safety guidelines.
• COPE and Climbing: Challenge Course (COPE) and climbing tower facilities designed to build teamwork, trust, and self-confidence.
• Campfire Rings: Communal areas for evening programs, storytelling, and fostering camaraderie.
• Environmental Education: Programs focused on ecology, conservation, and understanding the local flora and fauna.

For specific inquiries about programs, reservations, or general information regarding Camp Urland, it is best to contact the Three Rivers Council, Boy Scouts of America, which operates the camp.

Camp Urland Address: 1170 Spring Valley Drive, Woodville, TX 75979, USA

Three Rivers Council Office Address: 4650 Cardinal Drive, Beaumont, TX 77705

Three Rivers Council Office Phone: 409-842-5240

Website: The official website for the Three Rivers Council (3riversbsa.org) is the best resource for program schedules, registration details, and further contact options.

For Texans, Camp Urland, Three Rivers BSA, is more than just a campground; it’s a cornerstone for youth development and a gateway to the natural wonders of East Texas. Its primary suitability for locals stems from its foundational mission: to provide unparalleled outdoor and leadership experiences for young people. For parents across Texas, sending their children to Camp Urland means investing in their character, practical skills, and appreciation for the environment – values deeply cherished within our state.

The accessibility of Camp Urland within a reasonable drive from major Texas cities makes it a convenient option for families looking for enriching summer camps, weekend retreats, or opportunities for their local Scouting units. The diverse array of activities offered, from water sports and shooting sports to environmental education and challenging ropes courses, ensures that every participant, regardless of age or interest, can find something engaging and beneficial. Furthermore, the commitment to safety and structured programming provides peace of mind for parents, knowing their children are in a secure and supervised environment.

Beyond its youth-centric focus, Camp Urland also serves as an important hub for community engagement through various events and volunteer opportunities. It stands as a testament to the enduring Texan spirit of self-reliance, community, and respect for nature. For any Texan looking to provide their children with a formative outdoor experience or simply seeking to understand the resources available for fostering strong, capable youth, Camp Urland, Three Rivers BSA, remains an indispensable and highly recommended destination. It truly embodies the spirit of Texas in its commitment to building future leaders, one outdoor adventure at a time.