Aquatics & Waterfront on the Arroyo

Program overview

Swim, paddle and fish on the Arroyo Colorado, with Scouting America's water safety standards at every step.

Few things feel better on a South Texas afternoon than getting in the water. Camp Perry sits right on the Arroyo Colorado, and its aquatics program makes the most of that setting. According to the Rio Grande Council's Camp Perry page, facilities include a swimming pool, aquatics docks with canoes and kayaks, and a fishing dock, giving Scouts and groups a range of ways to enjoy the water.

During summer camp, the waterfront is one of the busiest program areas. Scouts work on aquatics merit badges, take part in open swim and learn to paddle a canoe or kayak on calm water. For units visiting on weekends, the council lists canoes and kayaks as an activity add-on at $5 per person. The fishing dock offers a quieter option for Scouts who would rather spend an hour with a rod and line, subject to the fishing rules that apply to the program.

Everything at the waterfront starts with a swim classification test. Scouting America groups participants as swimmers, beginners or nonswimmers, and that classification determines where each person may swim and which boats they may use. All activities follow Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat, and the council notes that units conducting water activities need at least one adult with BSA Lifeguard, Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training.

The waterfront also played a central role in the ¡Adelante Con Camp Perry! capital campaign, which budgeted funds for waterfront improvements and a new pool or pool house remodel. This independent site does not take reservations or payments, so confirm current availability, pricing and requirements with the Rio Grande Council. For more on the rules behind the fun, read our Safe Swim Defense guide.

Highlights

What’s included

Swimming pool

The camp pool hosts swim tests, instructional swim, aquatics merit badges and open swim, with areas divided by ability group so everyone swims where they are comfortable and safe.

Canoes and kayaks

Paddle the Arroyo Colorado from the aquatics docks. Scouts learn strokes, boat handling and rescue skills, and weekend units can add canoes or kayaks at $5 per person per the council.

Fishing dock

A dedicated fishing dock gives Scouts a calm place to practice casting, learn about local fish and work toward fishing-related merit badges, subject to the program's fishing rules.

Swim classification

Every participant takes a swim test and is classified as a swimmer, beginner or nonswimmer. That classification sets where they may swim and which craft they may use.

Trained supervision

Water activities are supervised by trained staff and adults. The council notes that units need at least one adult with BSA Lifeguard, Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training.

Aquatics merit badges

The waterfront is the classroom for badges such as Swimming, Canoeing, Kayaking, Lifesaving and Fishing. Offerings vary by season, so check the current merit badge list.

Details

Plan with confidence

A representative sample — actual schedules are published by camp leadership each season.

8:00 AMSwim tests and buddy tag orientation for new arrivals
9:00 AMSwimming and Lifesaving merit badge sessions at the pool
10:30 AMCanoeing and Kayaking instruction at the aquatics docks
12:00 PMWaterfront closes for lunch and the midday rest period
2:00 PMInstructional swim for beginners and nonswimmers
3:00 PMFishing at the fishing dock
4:00 PMOpen swim and open boating for classified swimmers
5:30 PMWaterfront closes; equipment check and buddy board cleared

How to take part

Four steps to camp

Talk to your unit leader

Ask whether your troop, pack or group plans to use the waterfront and who will serve as the trained adult for Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat.

Check with the council

Confirm waterfront availability, add-on pricing and current requirements with the Rio Grande Council, which handles reservations. This website does not book activities or collect fees.

Complete forms and training

Make sure health forms are current and that the required adult training is up to date before the trip. Online Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat courses are available through Scouting America.

Prepare swimmers

Review the swim test with Scouts, practice at a local pool if possible, and pack the waterfront essentials, including sun protection and plenty of drinking water.

FAQ

Aquatics & Waterfront questions

The swimmer test typically begins with jumping feetfirst into water over the head, then swimming 75 yards in a strong manner using standard strokes, followed by 25 yards of easy resting backstroke, all without stopping and including a sharp turn, and finishing with a float. The beginner test is shorter. Anyone who has not completed either test is classified as a nonswimmer.

Yes. Nonswimmers use a designated shallow area of the pool and can join instructional swim to build skills and work toward the beginner or swimmer test. Boating options for beginners and nonswimmers are limited under Safety Afloat, and camp staff will explain which activities are available at each classification.

The Rio Grande Council's Camp Perry page lists canoes and kayaks as an activity add-on at $5 per person. Prices can change, and add-ons may be handled differently during summer camp than during weekend unit campouts, so confirm current pricing and availability directly with the council when you plan your trip.

The council notes that water activities require at least one adult with BSA Lifeguard, Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat training. Requirements may differ depending on whether camp staff are running the session, so confirm staffing expectations with the council before your trip and make sure your trained adults bring current certification.

Scouts should bring a swimsuit suited to a Scouting setting, a quick-dry towel and water shoes or sandals that stay on the feet. A rash guard, hat and waterproof sunscreen help with the strong South Texas sun. Anyone boating wears a properly fitted life jacket, and staff may have additional rules about clothing and footwear.

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