Camping and exploring in the outdoors is the foundation of the Scouting programs of the Boy Scouts of America. Norwela Council strives to provide an extraordinary summer camp experience at the Kinsey Scout Reservation (KSR) for your Scouts. We are located in northwest Louisiana, less than thirty minutes from Shreveport. Kinsey Scout Reservation is situated within 1,600 acres of some of the last remaining shortleaf pine, oak, and hickory woodlands in northwest Louisiana.  Scouts will enjoy fishing and swimming at one of our three beautiful lakes. They can experience frontier skills at Fort Bond, discover wildlife and other natural wonders at the Murray Nature Pavilion, reach new heights scaling Mount Haley (our fantastic climbing wall), get on target at the Chuck Tiller Shooting Sports Complex, and learn foundational Scout skills at Camp Dan Beard. Kinsey Scout Reservation is the fastest growing camp in the South, and we are adding more activities and merit badge opportunities each year. Adult leaders can stay connected and visit with other volunteers at the Hallett Scoutmaster Lounge. Everyone can enjoy a game of GaGa Ball or Human Foosball, while spending time with friends at the Wasner Scout Center and Trading Post.

The Summer Camp program at KSR includes various challenges in Aquatics, Shooting Sports, Climbing, Outdoor Skills, Nature, Handicraft, Trail to First Class (Our excellent first year Scout skills program), and our unique Star to Eagle (STEP) Programs. These offerings provide every Boy Scout an action-packed adventure in the great outdoors. In addition to challenging activities for all Scouts, Webelos, and Scouters, KSR summer camps offer something for everyone. What sets KSR apart? A highly-trained, enthusiastic, and caring staff who are motivated to make your Scout camp experience the most memorable for your Scouts and leaders!

The Garland Pioneers are a group of Scouting volunteers organized in 2003 for the purpose of developing facilities and program at camp thus enriching the Scouting experience for the youth of Norwela Council. At the time of the organization of the Pioneers, the facility was known as Garland Scout Ranch. Since then the facility has been renamed Kinsey Scout Reservation in memory of the late Norman V. Kinsey. The main body of camp is often referred to as Garland Scout Camp.

Membership in Garland Pioneers requires the purchase of an initial share of voting stock for a tax deductible donation of $100.00. A certificate is issued when one initially joins the Garland Pioneers. The dues/donation are renewed annually. The funds of the Garland Pioneers are kept in an account at the Norwela Council office in Shreveport. How this money is spent is up to the members of the Garland Pioneers. The funds in the Garland Pioneer account cannot be spent in any other way. An annual meeting is held every January to determine how the funds will be invested in the Scouting program at the camp.

When you go today to Kinsey Scout Reservation you will readily see the effort of the Garland Pioneers through the investment of time, money, project input, and leadership for the camp facility and program we call home for the Scouts and Scouting families of the Norwela Council.  There is a plaque on all the structures that the Garland Pioneers have had a hand in. The Garland Pioneers have recently focused on the program material needs of the camp.

You can become a part of this movement to make Scouting better for our youth. All that is required is to purchase a voting share by way of annual dues and attend the annual meeting in January. If you are not a member, please consider doing so. The Garland Pioneers have come a long way improving the Scouting experience since 2003. We want you to become part of the Garland Pioneers’ mission at Kinsey Scout Reservation.

For further information please contact Jerry Carlisle at (318) 469-8307 or Jim Babcock at (318) 471-0533, or email Jim Babcock at oacaddo@aol.com.