Frequently Asked Questions
Answers before you pack.
These are the questions our staff hears most often. If you don't see yours, head to the contact page and we'll get you to the right person.
Who
Adult Scouters
Registered volunteers, 18 and over. No youth participants.
WHEN
One weekend, every January
January 8-10, 2027 (backup dates: Jan 22-24)
Where
Woodruff Scout Reservation
North Georgia — campsites assigned in registration order.
District
Open to All Adult Scouters
Founded by the Silver Comet and Foothills districts of the Atlanta Area Council. Open to Scouters around the world.
The Basics
Who can attend SWC?
Registered Scouting volunteers, 18 and over. SWC is an adults-only camporee — there are no youth participants. Scoutmasters, assistant Scoutmasters, Cubmasters, den leaders, committee members, members at large, commissioners, crew and ship leaders, and district/council volunteers are all welcome. We welcome participants from any state.
Do I need cold-weather camping experience?
No. Many groups jump right in and create a great patrol with nothing but first-timers. If you have never camped in the cold, do a little research, talk to veterans, and come with the right equipment and attitude. Others choose to join a seasoned unit for their first year and return with their own patrol after that.
Join the SWC Facebook community to connect with seasoned winter campers to ask questions and get the best tips.
Is SWC a training course?
Not in the classroom sense. There are no courses and no instructors. SWC has always been about natural, unstructured learning — staff design and run the games, and the skills come out of doing them alongside other Scouters.
What if the weather is bad?
SWC happens rain, shine, or snow. Be prepared for anything the north Georgia mountains can produce in January — balmy spring-like conditions and icy weather have both occurred. Be prepared.
In the event of hazardous conditions, the camp may close for safety reasons. If this happens, we will host SWC on a pre-determined, alternate weekend.
2027 Alternate Dates: Jan 22-24, 2027
Registration
How do I register?
Registration for SWC 59 opens September 8th, 2026. A link will be provided on this site. Payment is due at registration.
The Patrol Leader will register is entire patrol (there is no individual registration). You don't need a finalized roster at registration, just the number of attendees. So, feel free to register early and keep recruiting!
How much does it cost?
The cost is $35 per participant.
Can I register at the last minute?
Yes. If you miss all the registration dates, you can still register Friday night at check-in for the same per-person fee.
How are campsites assigned?
First choice for campsite is awarded to last years' Honor Patrol. Second choice goes to last years' Spirit Patrol.
Campsites are then assigned in the order registrations are received — first registered, first given. Register as early as you can if you want a specific site. You may choose a site number, but not a lettered area within it.
Our unit has more than one patrol. Can we camp together?
Yes. Each campsite is divided into two, three, or four areas, each large enough for a patrol. Register at the same time and add a comment asking to share areas within a single site — for example 10a, 10b, and 10c. You can share pavilions, lean-tos, and water spigots.
Patrols and Paperwork
How big is a patrol?
Between six and ten people. If your unit brings more than ten, form two patrols, each with its own name, yell, and totem. You can still camp in the same area and sit at the same dinner table; you simply compete as two patrols. We recommend a minimum of 6 patrol members to play the games and participate in the weekend. If you do not have a patrol and would like to find one to join, send us a message!
What is the Patrol Leader responsible for?
The patrol leader collects and carries the patrol's completed BSA health form plus a photocopy of the insurance card (front and back) for every participant. The Patrol Leader brings two copies of the completed patrol roster, two patrol totems, and any additional registration fees owed to registration/check-in at camp. Additionally, the Patrol Leader attends two Patrol Leaders meetings during camp (Friday night and Saturday night).
Where do our health forms go?
Parts A and B of the BSA health form, with the insurance card copy stapled to it, stay with your patrol leader — who carries them for the entire weekend. Complete the form before you arrive for a faster check-in.
What is a totem and how many do we need?
Totems are small traditional Scouting devices that symbolize your patrol — simple or elaborate, but unique and in the spirit of Scouting. Two are presented to staff at check-in for the totem pole and for judging. Beyond that, plan enough to exchange with game staff (5 games with 2-3 staff per game + 1 campwide game) and to trade with other patrols — 30-50 is a good target.
Totems are a judged event. See the scoring rubric in the Participant's Packet for details.
Do we need a patrol flag?
Yes! One patrol flag per patrol. Your patrol will carry your flag around all weekend. It is placed on the amphitheater wall at Saturday’s campfire, and patrol flags are a judged event. See the Participant Packet for guidelines on patrol flags.
What is the Silver Claws patrol?
The Silver Claws patrol are our past SWC Scoutmasters. A Scoutmaster serves only once and receives a silver eagle claw rather than a bear claw. Silver Claws camp as their own patrol when they have no unit ties, do not compete for awards, and help out where the current Scoutmaster needs them.
The Weekend
When does registration open?
Registration opens on September 8th, 2026.
When does check-in open?
Friday afternoon from 3 to 6 pm, then again from 7 to 9 pm. You may arrive earlier on Friday to set up your campsite, but please do not try to check in before 3 pm.
Are meals provided?
No. Each patrol is responsible for planning and cooking their own meals throughout the weekend. The staff usually offers some snacks, desserts, and beverages at the Friday night Cracker Barrel get together.
What happens Friday night?
The cracker barrel (location TBA)— coffee, cookies, cheese, and fellowship, open one night a year. Presentation boards go up at the same time so units can borrow ideas from each other. The first of two required patrol leaders’ meetings follows, and taps is at 11 pm.
What are the Saturday games like?
Five staff-designed games on a rotation, focused on inter-patrol teamwork — some Scout skills, some problem solving, some just fun. You need six to ten people to play and every patrol member is encouraged to take part. Electronic devices are not allowed during the games (unless otherwise stated). Bring your 10 scouting essentials! Game instructions are posted after SWC so you can run them in your own unit.
How does the camp-wide dinner work?
On Saturday evening, patrols bring their meal and table decorations to the dining hall for a collective feast, and each patrol hosts two staff members as guests. Cook staff provide drinks — bring your own cup. Your patrol brings everything else. Table decorating starts no earlier than 3 pm, judging begins at 5, and dinner at 6. Desserts are shared at the end of your table for other patrols to sample. Table decorations are a judged event. Refer to the Participant Packet for details.
Do we have to perform at the campfire?
The campfire program is emceed by the staff, but participants are the true stars! Skits and songs are strongly encouraged. Submit a written copy of your skit or song idea by 12:45 pm Saturday (mailbox outside the Nunn building near the SWC gateway). As always, keep it Scout-appropriate and reasonable in length.
When do we leave on Sunday?
Scout’s Own interfaith service is at 8:30 am, closing assembly (and Honor patrol award!) at 9, and camp is broken between 10 and noon. You must check out by noon — turn in your participant feedback forms and request a campsite inspection at the Nunn Building once your site is clean, then collect your exit packet (contains beads, patches, etc).
Scoring and Awards
What is Honor Patrol?
The top award — a gold bead given to the patrol with the highest overall score! The Honor Patrol gets first choice of campsites at next year’s SWC and leads the closing assembly flag ceremony.
How are scores calculated?
See the full breakdown in the Participant Packet. Generally speaking, game results 25%, participation 25%, spirit patrol votes 15%, campsite evaluation 10%, patrol flag 10%, table decorations 10%, and complete registration 5%.
What are bear claws and beads?
Every attendee receives a bear claw as proof of attendance — awarded during the ceremony at Saturday’s campfire. Beads mark participation and placement: black for astronomy, green for the good turn project, purple for the worship service, glow-in-the-dark for the night hike, red for first place in a game, and more. Beads are awarded on the individual and patrol level.
Claws are awarded every year and added to an ever-growing necklace. First timers receive the necklace with their first claw.
If there is snow on the ground, the Scoutmaster may award the whole camp a "white claw". (The claw is still black, but you can dip it in white paint at home.)
Who votes for Spirit Patrol?
The patrol leaders vote at the second required meeting after Saturday’s campfire. Bring your ballot — it is your entry ticket, and only patrol leaders are admitted. The Spirit patrol award is intended to reward a patrol that has demonstrated exemplary Scouting spirit throughout the weekend.
Camping at Woodruff
What equipment can we use?
SWC has always been about camping by the book (the Scout Handbook). The founding principle was to use only equipment Scouts are allowed to use, so that leaders could not ask of Scouts what they had not done themselves.
Today at Woodruff, campsites have raised platforms, latrines, access to shower houses, and a few campsites offer power (see the map). Each site has a fire ring and pavilion. Firewood is available by the council fire ring.
DO NOT USE any propane or gas-powered heaters inside tents or other enclosed areas.
Where can we park?
Parking is allowed in designated lots around camp, see map for details. Vehicles are not allowed to remain at the campsite or drive on the roads during the event. If you need to use a vehicle around camo for health reasons, please see the registrar at check-in.
How are campsites judged?
See the full breakdown in the Participant Packet. Overall, sites are judged by how closely they follow Scout camping guidelines — review your handbook and set up accordingly. But do not stop at the status quo: pioneering projects, decorations, campsite gateways, themed material, comfort, and safety all improve both your score and your weekend.
Is there a "leave no trace" expectation?
Yes. Practice Leave No Trace principles throughout the weekend — leave only footprints, and take only the memories and the good turns. Trash goes in the dumpster behind the dining hall.
Any special items to bring?
Something warm/soft/dry to sit on for the campfire — the amphitheater seating is stone and pulls heat away fast. For the night hike, a flashlight, a water bottle, and a buddy. Work gloves and water for the good turn project. Creativity, innovation, and Scouting Spirit all weekend long!